1 Timothy 5:17

“Let the elders that rule well, etc.] By whom are meant not elders in age; though such ought to be honoured and respected, and to have a proper maintenance either from their children or the church, when reduced, and incapable of helping themselves; but then this is what should be done to all such persons, whereas the elders here are particularly described as good rulers and labourers in the word and doctrine; besides, elders in age are taken notice of before; nor are civil magistrates intended, such as were called the elders of Israel; for though such as discharge their office well are worthy of honour, yet it does not belong to any of them to labour in preaching the doctrine of the Gospel:…”

“The transition from the widow presbyteresses (Ti1 5:9) to the presbyters here, is natural. rule well--literally, "preside well," with wisdom, ability, and loving faithfulness, over the flock assigned to them. be counted worthy of double honour--that is, the honor which is expressed by gifts (Ti1 5:3, Ti1 5:18) and otherwise. If a presbyter as such, in virtue of his office, is already worthy of honor, he who rules well is doubly so [WIESINGER] (Co1 9:14; Gal 6:6; Th1 5:12). Not literally that a presbyter who rules well should get double the salary of one who does not rule well [ALFORD], or of a presbyteress widow, or of the deacons [CHRYSOSTOM]. "Double" is used for large in general (Rev…”

“Let the elders that rule well - Greek, πρεσβύτεροι presbuteroi, Presbyters. The apostle had given full instructions respecting bishops 1 Timothy 3:1-7; deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13; widows 1 Timothy 5:3-16; and he here proceeds to prescribe the duty of the church toward those who sustain the office of elder. The word used - “elder” or “presbyter” - properly refers to age, and is then used to denote the officers of the church, probably because the aged were at first entrusted with the administration of the affairs of the church. The word was in familiar use among the Jews to denote the body of men that presided in the synagogue; see the Matthew 15:2 note; Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2 notes. That rule…”

“Let the elders that rule well - Who approve themselves faithful stewards of all that is committed to their charge. Be counted worthy of double honour - A more abundant provision, seeing that such will employ it all to the glory of God. As it was the most laborious and disinterested men who were put into these offices, so whatever any one had to bestow, in his life or death, was generally lodged in their hands for the poor. By this means the churchmen became very rich in after ages, but as the design of the donors was something else, there is the highest reason why it should be disposed of according to their pious intent. Especially those - Of them. Who labour - Diligently and painfully. In…”

“5:17-25 Elders: As in Judaism, community leaders (see also 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) were usually older men who were leaders in the wider community. The letters to Timothy and Titus recognize an office of elders, as here (see also 1 Tim 4:14; Titus 1:5), but the word is also used generally for older men in the community (as in 1 Tim 5:1). 5:17-18 should be respected and paid well (literally should be worthy of double honor): Cp. Gal 6:6. There is no evidence of a paid clergy at this time; the word used here is never used for a continuous salary, though it does imply something beyond a show of respect. The quotations from Scripture (Deut 25:4; Luke 10:7) suggest gifts of money.”

“the elders: Ti1 5:1 rule: Ti1 3:5; Mat 24:25; Luk 12:42; Rom 12:8; Th1 5:12, Th1 5:13; Heb 13:7, Heb 13:17, Heb 13:24 be: Ti1 5:3; Act 28:10; Rom 15:27; Co1 9:5-14; Gal 6:6; Phi 2:29 double: Kg2 2:9; Isa 40:2; Jer 16:18, Jer 17:18; Zac 9:12 labour: Ti1 4:10; Mat 9:37, Mat 9:38; Luk 10:1, Luk 10:2, Luk 10:7; Joh 4:38; Act 20:35; Rom 16:12; Co1 3:9, Co1 15:10, Co1 16:16; Co2 6:1; Phi 2:16, Phi 4:3; Ti2 2:6 word: Ti1 4:6, Ti1 4:16; Ti2 4:2 1 Timothy 5:18”