1 Timothy 5:17-6:2

5:17-22 | Paul gives instructions for how elders should treat their churches and how churches, in turn, should treat their elders. The key term is honor. Elders who do their jobs well, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine, are worthy of a double portion – which is why churches support full-time pastors today (1 Cor. 9:14). Double honor can mean “ample provision or respected and paid well”; it should be interpreted in light of Jesus’ affirmation that the laborer is worthy of his wages (Luke 10:7).

5:17 | The church is a family, and all healthy families have a recognizable structure. Just as God intends families to be governed by parents, he intends churches to be governed by elders.

5:23 | Not every command in the Bible is meant for all people at all times. This verse is addressed to Timothy alone, and is not a call to social drinking in general. At a time when clean drinking water was not always available, “doctor” Paul prescribes wine, most likely diluted with water and therefore less alcoholic than today’s wine, for Timothy’s physical ailment.

6:1-2 | Though he originally directed them to slaves and masters, Paul’s instructions to bondservants also have implications for employee-employer relationships today. It is extremely important that believers act in ways that testify to their faith in Christ and His power in their lives by respecting those who are in authority over them (Col. 3:22-25; 1 Pet. 2:18).