Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Timothy 5:17

17 Let the elders that rule well , be counted worthy of double honour , especially they that labour in the word and doctrine .

Who these Elders are here intended, hath been a great question. It is plain they are not such only as are Preachers. 2. They are such as are worthy of double honour. The Learned Mr. Pool in his Latin Synopsis, giveth us an account of the most opinions about it. Some judging them, some of the elder sort of the Members of the Church, joining with the Ministers in the Government of the Church, but not medling with Preaching, or Administring Sacraments. 2. Some judging by Elders here are meant such as had been Ministers, but being Aged were superannuated. 3. Others understanding by it the Civil Magistrates, (which seemeth of all other opinions least probable, because at this time there were no such Members of the Christian Church) 4. Others think that De[illegible: 1 letter]cons are here by that terme understood, who being Church-Officers have the name of Elders given to them. 5. Others understand by Elders the ordinary Pastors of Churches, that resided with their flocks, in opposition to Apostles and Evangelists, (this seemeth less probable, because there were no such in the Primitive Church, but did labour in the word and Doctrine). 6. Others think that some such are meant, as were not so fit for preaching, but yet administred the Sacraments, prayed with the Church, and privately admonish'd exorbitant Members ▪ but we shall want a good proof, either from Scripture, or Authority of any such officers in the Primitive Church. I shall not determine which of these opinions is rightest, but leave the Reader to his own judgment. Whoever is here meant by Elders are declared

worthy of double honour, by which is understood either abundant honour▪ or else, (as some say) respect and reverence, and also maintenance;

But especially, such as take pains in preaching the Gospel.

Marginal references: Rom. 12.8▪ 1 Cor. 9.10, 14. Gal. 6.6. Phil. 2.29. 1 Thes. 5.12, 13.