ELDERS
Timothy is to have a special responsibility for the elders of the church (5:17–25). They are to be honoured for their work as preachers and teachers—and properly paid. They are also to be protected from gossip and slander. If they are guilty of misbehaviour they must be rebuked publicly, because they bear public responsibility.
It is vital that those who preach and teach the gospel shall live a pure and open life. For this reason, time and care must be taken in appointing elders. Some attitudes and actions (both bad and good) don’t come to light until much later. Timothy must be careful of his own life, too but he should certainly allow himself a little wine!
Andrew Knowles, The Bible Guide, 1st Augsburg books ed. (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 2001), 651.
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