¹⁷The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. ¹⁸For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

Continuing on with the church’s responsibility to provide financial support, Paul turns to the elders, those who shepherd the family of God. Ironically, this is the first use of the term “elder” in this letter. In his list of qualifications (or characteristics), he speaks of “overseers” (1 Tim. 3:1–2). In his letter to Titus, Paul uses the words “elders” and “overseers” interchangeably for the same group of men (Titus 1:5, 7). So we conclude here that the elders who rule well are from among the overseers of the Ephesian church.

The church should appreciate those who lead and shepherd them (1 Thess. 5:12, also Heb. 13:17). But there is a special honor for those considered worthy. We can see from the analogies of verse 18, that double honor refers to more than just our attitude toward them but also financial support.

To whom does this apply? Some see in this three groupings within the elders: those who are simply elders, who are worthy of “single” honor (that is, respect); then those who rule well (i.e., those gifted in administration and leadership), who are worthy of “double honor;” and finally, those elders “who work hard at preaching and teaching.” Other commentators see the last two as really one group, namely that those considered worthy of double honor (that is, financial support) are precisely those who work hard at ministering the Word. A strong case can be made either way, but the critical point is that the church should financially support some of the elders.

In a contemporary church culture of today, it might seem to go without saying that the pastor should be financially supported. But note well, Paul is speaking of the elders as a plurality, with men having differing strengths, abilities, and commitments. This passage does not present a pattern of hiring someone from the outside to come in and do all the work of the ministry. Paul is referring to one or more among the existing elders.

We might flesh the concept out in this way: among a group of biblically qualified elders, God may provide leadership, or outstanding teaching or preaching. Those He raises up are to be relieved of their time spent in secular employment to serve the people of God in the local church more freely. They are not given more authority but are given more freedom to exercise their gifts for the benefit of the church. This is not optional, but a mandate from God.

Lord, help me to honor and support those who sacrificially serve the church.