Note 1 at 1 Tim. 5:17: The word "elder" was used in this chapter to denote those who were physically older. From this verse to the end of the chapter, the word "elder" refers to the ruling leaders in the local church (see note 3 at 1 Tim. 5:1, p. 1294).

Note 2 at 1 Tim. 5:17: Notice that Paul's instructions about giving a double financial blessing to spiritual leaders (see note 3 at this v.) was limited to the leaders who did a good job. This was not supposed to be purely a grace gift. It was a reward to those elders who ruled well. It is also important to remember that Paul was writing this letter to Timothy, the bishop of the church in Ephesus. These were instruction of how the head elder should treat his suborniate elders.

In many ways, our society has moved away from rewarding performance. In an effort to keep anyone from feeling left out, everyone is rewarded equally for varying levels of performance. This attitude removes motivation from high achievers and low achievers alike. It kills efficiency and tends to bring everyone down to the lowest common denominator. That is not what Paul is speaking of here.

Some ministers perform better than others and they should be financially rewarded accordingly.

Note 3 at 1 Tim. 5:17: The Greek word that was translated "honour" in this verse was "TIME" which means, "a value, i.e. money paid, or valuables, by analogy esteem" (Strong). Paul is speaking of money. He is saying that ministers who do a good job should be paid twice as much.

This flies in the face of current thinking towards ministers and the salaries they earn. Many people feel that a minister should not make much money. He should only have the basics and all his rewards should come when he dies and goes to heaven. That is not what Paul is saying.

Something is wrong in society when people such as movie stars and sports figures are paid millions for entertaining us. They are applauded and envied for their lavish lifestyles. Yet ministers who deal with our eternal souls, are paid a mere pittance in comparison and are criticized if they possess anything of worth. That's misplaced values.

A minister should not be in the ministry for the money he can receive, but he shouldn't be punished financially for being in the ministry either. It is encouraging for a minister to not only have his needs met, but to prosper above and beyond the basics.

Note 4 at 1 Tim. 5:17: The elders who do a good job are to be given twice the financial reward of ministers or elders who are only doing an average job (see notes 2 and 3 at this v.). Paul said this was especially true of the ministers who labored in the Word and doctrine. This is speaking of teaching or ministering elders.

There are many ways a person can be in full time ministry and receive their livelihood from services rendered. Church administrators, musicians, visitation pastors, and many more who are called and anointed ministers, are worthy of financial support for their services. Paul says that the ministers who labor in the Word and doctrine are especially worthy of our gifts. This is speaking of teachers and pastors who instruct the body in doctrine.

There are many things that are essential to spiritual growth, but none are more important than the intake of the knowledge of God's Word. The body of Christ would be vastly different today if it did not have ministers who devoted their time and energies to seeking God and bringing revelation knowledge to their brothers and sisters. The ministers who do a good job of helping us receive revelation knowledge from God's Word are worthy of "double honour."

Note 5 at 1 Tim. 5:17: Many people think that ministers shouldn't be paid much because they don't do much. This may be true of some ministers, but godly ministers who rule well work hard (see note 9 at Col. 1:29, p. 1195). It is hard work to discipline yourself to constantly study God's Word. Plus, ministry involves so much more than just study and prayer.

Many ministers, especially pastors of small churches, are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They deal with the hurts and heartbreaks of others as few professionals do. They balance their time being an accountant, business manager, advertising agent, arbitrator and many more positions along with the other responsibilities that go along with being in the ministry. In their spare time, they have the demands of their own lives and families just like everyone else. They live under public scrutiny as few people do. They are supposed to do all this with the apparent ease of the Lord because they are His representatives on earth.

Ministers are sometimes criticized for taking a day off to golf or just spend time with their mates. One pastor announced to his church that Monday was going to be his day off. If someone was sick or had died, they would just have to wait until Tuesday to get in contact with him. A woman in his church came up to him after the service and rebuked him by saying, "Pastor, the devil never takes a day off." The pastor wisely replied, "Then if I don't take a day off, I'll be acting just like the devil."

Paul's point is, don't underestimate the work of a good minister. If he does a good job, pay him well.