Weekly devotional: The work of elders (6 in Paul’s letters to Timothy series)

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The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism (1 Timothy 5:17–21).

The Church of England may have its faults, but as a vested party (as one married to an Anglican vicar), I think their system of paying their clergy works well in principle (notwithstanding the families where the spouse doesn’t work, and who can struggle financially). For all clergy are paid roughly the same stipend, whether theirs is a large church or a tiny one, and the more wealthy churches pay into a central fund that finances churches in poorer areas. With a standard stipend, clergy aren’t tempted to move from post to post to seek a larger salary.

Paul touched on this issue of not playing favorites in his letter to Timothy – although he emphasizes Timothy’s actions regarding the elders, namely how he should act wisely, impartially, and with justice. They are to be remunerated for their work, Paul says, but they are also to be held to account. I wonder if Paul was picturing the elders as he wrote his letter, for he had spent three years at the church in Ephesus previously.

It’s beneficial to consider the work of the elders, not least so that we can pray for and support those in positions of church leadership. Friends say how much they value the prayers of the people in their congregation, even, and perhaps especially, when there are areas of division.

For reflection: What do you think is behind Paul’s command not to “entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses”?