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From the care of widows, Paul next turns his attention to elders (1 Timothy 5:17-22). He raises three matters concerning them - their treatment by the congregation, their discipline and their appointment. All three aspects are worth discussing in some depth.
Paul wants Timothy to ensure that the elders "who direct the affairs of the church well" receive "double honour", especially those "whose work is preaching and teaching" (v. 17). For our purposes we can leave aside questions of the distinction between elders who rule and those who teach. The essential point that Paul makes in this verse is that those who perform their work well (excellently) are worthy of double honour.
Just what this double honour entails is uncertain. We can say with some confidence that it not "double the stipend due to those who do their work less well." Nor does it likely mean "double the financial support given to widows" (5:3). What Paul probably has in mind is that elders who do their work well are to be honoured firstly on account of their role (the fact that they are overseers serving Christ in the care of his flock - both by ruling and by teaching and preaching), and secondly, on account of performing their work well. Elsewhere leadership in the church is described as a task requiring diligence (Roman 12:8) and hard work (1 Thess 5:12). Faithful leaders who excel in their demanding work are worthy of special esteem.
Verse 18 suggests that this high regard should include material support. "Paul took it for granted," writes John Stott, "that the pastorate was a stipendary ministry. As in Old Testament days the priests were supported 'so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the Lord' (2 Ch. 31:4), so in New Testament days pastors should be supported so they can devote themselves to the work of the gospel" (p. 137). Though the apostle often refused such support himself, there were special reasons why he did so. Consistently, however, he advocated that it was right for gospel preachers to live by the gospel.
This matter of proper appreciation and regard for church leaders is an important one. "We sometimes say or think," writes Stott, "that Christian workers need the appreciation only of the Chief Shepherd, and not of human leaders. But Paul was of a different opinion. For human beings are prone to discouragement and need to be affirmed. So elders who do well in their work are worthy of double honour" (p. 136).
It is true of course that no church leader should work simply to gain the praise of men. Still less should church members be encouraged to flatter those who are over them and serve them in the Lord. But honour, respect, esteem, and appreciation are right - indeed demanded. Leaders will be able to do their work so much more easily and joyfully if they are held in high regard (Heb. 13:17). Yet, there is a sense all the same in which they must earn that respect. "Double honour" is properly due only to those who do their work well.
Similarly, while church leaders are not to be greedy or work simply with an eye to what they will be paid (1 Peter 5:2), it is right for them to be adequately remunerated. The life of the church and the advance of the kingdom will both benefit when faithful church leaders are freed from practical concerns and able to devote themselves fully to their work.
Diligent leaders and respectful members - these are vital ingredients in the gospel recipe for an effective church. We need to cultivate a climate of respect for leaders in our churches, and in this regard stand apart from "leader-knocking" trends in society as a whole.