First Among Equals 2

Series: First Among Equals
Presenter: Alexander Strauch

Second in a series explaining the concept of “first among equals,” the speaker explains what Paul means by “double honor” and the place for financial support of elders.

Audio File
Lecture Outline
Detailed Outline

Remember It

1. What does the term “double honor” mean as Paul uses it in the context of 1 Timothy 5:17-18?
“Double honor” means both respect and material remuneration for certain laboring elders. By using the phrase “double honor,” Paul covers all elders because all deserve honor as elders, but he also marks out for extra honor those who labor diligently and effectively. If this is not correct, than the phrase is simply a figurative expression for “extra honor,” “abundant honor,” or “much honor.”
2. What is significant about the phrase “for the Scripture says” in verse 18?
The mention of Scripture is the ultimate voice of authority. It implies scriptural, God-given principles that cannot be ignored. It alerts the reader to something that must be obeyed. Furthermore, it prepares us for an explanation of double honor.

Discuss It

  1. Explain the meaning of the phrase “Do not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.”
  2. How does Galatians 6:6 help us to interpret 1 Timothy 5:18c?
  3. What does the speaker mean when he says, “There is a great deal of flexibility in how the teaching of this passage is implemented in a local church?”

Apply It

  1. Read pages 211-215 in Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch. Write down a summary of the salient points from the material you read.