17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”
19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.
21 I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.
22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.
24 Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. 25 In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
Tori's Comments:
Never realized just how much work went into pastorhood, and should go into it.
Verse 23 seems a bit misplaced...
Terrie's Comments:
17-22 are talking about pastors specifically. In Paul's letters Deacons are like our current day elders and elders are like our current day pastors.
Then in verse 23 it switches to a brief comment about Timothy's stomach. It has been speculated that it could have had to do with the water that was around to drink and because of the religious and social stigma's on drinking wine Paul was reassuring Timothy that a little wine would be okay to settle his stomach.
Verses 24-25 are great reminders to us that God looks at the heart. Things are not always as they appear to us on the surface. Hence in previous passages Paul has encouraged Timothy to be kind to everyone.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
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Please keep all comments respectful. We want to remember that each of us is at a different place in our walk with God. This is a place for us to share openly about what has been revealed to us as we open up Gods word and to learn from others. Please take every opportunity possible to build each other up in love :-)