Fathers

1 Timothy 5

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Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

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What the Fathers say

1 Timothy 5:17

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

But when he speaks of priests he says, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word, and in teaching." For this is the perfection of teaching when the teachers both by what they do, and by what they say as well, bring their disciples to that blessed state of life which Christ appointed for them. For example alone is not enough to instruct others. Nor do I say this of myself; it is our Saviour's own word. …

On the Priesthood, Book 4 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

The one who rules worthily — this the Lord teaches, saying: "the good shepherd lays down his life" (John 10:11), sparing nothing for the sake of caring for the sheep. By "honor" the apostle means the provision of all necessities, as is evident from what follows. For teachers must have necessities in abundance, so that, undistracted by anything, they may devote themselves to teaching. So too lived the Levites in the Old Testament. …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and, "The worker deserves his wages." Who then are the ones who lead well, Christ declared. "The good Shepherd," he says, "lays down his life for the sheep." (Jn. 10:11) are to be considered worthy of double honor. Paul calls the necessary provision an honor, or rather a contribution. …

Commentary On 1 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Above, he dealt with honorable widows who are supported by subsidies from the Church; here he deals with the honoring of bishops and priests: first, he instructs Timothy how he should act toward them; second, he shows how some of the things he said are to be understood, at some men's sins are manifest. In regard to the first he does two things: first, he shows that priests should be honored; second, he supports himself with an authority, at for the Scripture says. …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗