Honoring the Elders

¹⁷ The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor,^[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)

¹⁵ And you Philippians^(A) know that in the early days of the gospel,^(B) when I left Macedonia,^(C) no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica^(D) you sent gifts for my need^(E) several times. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit^[a](F) that is increasing to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received everything in full,^(G) and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied,^[b] having received from Epaphroditus^(H) what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing^(I) to God.