Elders’ Support and Accountability

1 Timothy 5:17-20   
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

Elders must rule well.  Then let us honor them highly, with particular regard for the ones working diligently in the knowledge and teaching of the scriptures to impart God’s word and will to the flock.  This means that the elders should be supported and provided for, as the examples given here from Deuteronomy 25:4 and Luke 10:7.  God wants us to follow 1 Corinthians 9:9-14 to care for those ministering care to us, allowing the elders who graze in God’s word to be free to eat what is around them and not muzzled to prevent their feeding on our support to live.  The passage here then makes it clear that when these servants of our Lord are accused that there is proper biblical witness before they are declared guilty.  When guilt is determined, however, the correction must not be behind closed doors, or others may not fear consequences for their own sin.  The rebuke is for correction, not punishment, and the goal is repentance and restoration when possible.  We are each to be holy because and as the Lord Jesus Christ is in our thoughts and actions, and the rebuke is not to smite, but to deal with sin in  grace and mercy as our Lord does with every one of His sheep.