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| PentecostalTheology.com
1 Timothy 5:17-18 states:
Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. For the scripture says,
“Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”
and,
“The worker deserves his pay.”
What does "double honor" mean in this passage. Is it connected to/referring to the pay of an elder, or is this unconnected. In other words, is paying the pastor an imperative vis-à-vis the "double-honor" or does this merely instruct the reader not to prevent paying the elder?
Troy Day
Here’s a summary of the latest posts from the Pentecostal Theology Facebook page:
Biblical Interpretation & Exegesis: Many posts pose nuanced questions about scriptural passages, such as:
Is “double honor” in 1 Timothy 5:17–18 about pastoral pay?
Are the 1290 days in Daniel 12 related to the 2300 evenings and mornings in Daniel 8? This one examined scholarly views on apocalyptic timing and prophecy fulfillment.
Differences in translating Luke 10:9–11’s Greek, and implications for meaning.
Textual Criticism & Theological Debate: Questions such as how to search the Septuagint for specific Greek phrases, and discussion around Lukan Priority (theory that Luke was the first synoptic gospel written).
Christology & Trinitarian Theology: Posts discuss distinctions within the Trinity, including:
Whether Psalm 45 and Hebrews teach that Jesus is different than the Father (polytheism or monotheism).
Questioning whether future sins are forgiven and the implications for atonement.
Old Testament History & Legal Custom: Topics include whether Rachel’s teraphim were deeds to property, and whether Aaron was honest about the golden calf in Exodus 32.
New Covenant & Covenant Theology: Posts analyze if passages like Jeremiah 32:40 are direct references to the New Covenant, their relationship to Jeremiah 31, and how those texts are interpreted.
Synoptic Gospel Source Criticism: Several posts examine how Mark and Luke relate in literary and source dependence (including the Q-source).
Ecclesiology & Sacraments: Why believers are asked to partake in communion emblems, examining Luke 22.
Other Notable Posts:
Angelology (Exodus 3: “angel of the LORD”).
Geography (“Where is Gedor in 1 Chronicles 4:39?”).
Passover typology (“It is finished” and priestly rituals).
Differences in interpretations of “sinful nature” among Gentiles, and perspectives on the law in Galatians.
Themes:
The page is highly engaged in academic, exegetical, and theological conversation, with most posts asking open-ended or scholarly questions inviting discussion and analysis.
Frequent cross-referencing of scholars, commentators, and followers, including tagging experts and inviting input.
Scriptures frequently referenced:
Daniel, Timothy, Luke, Mark, Exodus, Genesis, Hebrews, Jeremiah, Matthew, Galatians, Psalms, Ephesians, and Isaiah.
Community Engagement:
Many posts include direct commentary, shares, and responses from followers, showing vibrant discussions centered on biblical meaning, church practice, and doctrinal clarification
Troy Day
The current page titled “Pentecostal Theology” explores the practical application of Pentecostal theology in politics, economy, and social issues. It references various biblical scripture passages including 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Daniel 12:6-11, and Luke 10:9-11, analyzing their implications. The page also discusses historical and theological questions, such as the interpretation of sacrificial rituals and the inclusion of certain biblical materials in the Gospels.
Glynn Brown
Media: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=25399020069695116&set=p.25399020069695116&type=3
Troy Day
@followers The phrase “double honor” in 1 Timothy 5:17 has been debated for centuries. Some interpret it as financial support for elders, while others see it as respect plus provision—a holistic recognition of their role.
Paul backs up the idea of supporting elders by quoting Deuteronomy 25:4 (“Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain”) and Luke 10:7 (“The worker deserves his wages”), showing continuity between Old Testament law and Jesus’ teaching.
✝️ Early Church Practice
In the early church, elders were often bi-vocational, meaning they worked secular jobs while also serving the church. The “double honor” passage was used to argue that those who labored in preaching and teaching deserved full-time support.
The concept of honoring leaders was not just financial—it included hospitality, respect, and public recognition in the community.
🔥 Pentecostal Distinctives
Pentecostal theology often emphasizes Spirit-filled leadership, so passages like 1 Timothy 5:17–18 are seen as affirming the value of pastors who labor in both Word and Spirit.
The Pentecostal movement historically leaned toward voluntary poverty and sacrifice, but many modern Pentecostal churches now highlight the biblical precedent for fair compensation of ministers.
🧐 Fun Historical Note
John Wesley, founder of Methodism, famously lived simply and gave away most of his income, but he also taught that ministers should be “comfortably provided for” so they could focus on preaching without distraction.
The debate over “double honor” has influenced church structures across denominations—some see it as a mandate for salaries, while others interpret it as spiritual reward.
Dan Irving
The workman is worthy of his wages. Although, what are these “wages” of declaring truth appear a subjective matter. Elisha and Gehazi might be of separate minds.
Ken Van Horn
Troy Day The church was built on the synagogue model. To form a synagogue, ten adult men are required (a minyan).
Ten tithing men provide a rabbi with an average annual household income of those who tithe (10×10%). This is “honor.”