1 Timothy 5:17

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Laat die ouderlinge wat goed regeer, dubbele eer waardig geag word, veral die wat arbei in woord en leer.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that elders who do a good job should receive extra respect, especially those who work hard teaching and preaching God's word. The speaker is Paul, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the efforts of church leaders.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a teacher at school who always helps others learn and does an amazing job. This verse says we should give extra thanks to people like that in our churches too!

Historical Background

The letter was written by Paul around 62-67 AD, primarily addressed to Timothy, a young church leader in Ephesus. At the time, the early Christian communities were grappling with establishing proper leadership and structure.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, if you work at an organization and see someone who consistently shows dedication and skill, especially when it comes to guiding others spiritually or morally, make sure to recognize their efforts publicly.

Topics

• leadership
• respect
• doctrine
• elders
• church structure
• recognition

Related Verses

• Matthew 10:41
• Hebrews 13:7
• Acts 20:17-38
• Titus 1:5-9
• Ephesians 6:1-4

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'double honour' mean in this context?

'Double honour' means giving extra respect and appreciation to those who serve well, acknowledging the significant effort they put into their roles.

Who are considered elders in the church?

Elders are respected leaders within a church community, often responsible for guiding and teaching the congregation based on biblical principles.

How can we practically show double honor to our church's elders?

Showing practical respect could include thanking them publicly, supporting their initiatives, providing resources they need, or simply acknowledging their hard work regularly.

Does this verse apply only to the physical church leaders?

While it speaks directly about church leaders, the principle of recognizing and honoring those who labor in teaching and guiding can be applied broadly to any leadership role within the Christian community.