Honoring the Elders

17 The elders who are good leaders should be considered worthy of an ample honorarium,[a] especially those who work hard(A) at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says:

Do not muzzle an ox
while it is treading out the grain,(B)[b] and,
the worker is worthy of his wages.(C)

19 Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.(D) 20 Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will also be afraid. 21 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe(E) these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism. 22 Don’t be too quick to appoint[c](F) anyone as an elder, and don’t share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.(G) 23 Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24 Some people’s sins are obvious, going before them to judgment,(H) but the sins of others surface[d] later. 25 Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 5:17 Or of respect and remuneration; lit of double honor
  2. 1 Timothy 5:18 Dt 25:4
  3. 1 Timothy 5:22 Lit to lay hands on = to ordain
  4. 1 Timothy 5:24 Lit follow

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