Fathers

1 Timothy 5

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Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. Honor widows who are widows indeed. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety toward their own family and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God. Now she who is a widow indeed and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. Also command these things, that they may be without reproach. But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work. But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting. For already some have turned away after Satan. If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don’t let the assembly be burdened, that it might relieve those who are widows indeed. Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.” And, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Don’t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses. Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. I command you in the sight of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands hastily on no one. Don’t be a participant in other people’s sins. Keep yourself pure. Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. Some men’s sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later. In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.

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What the Fathers say

1 Timothy 5:18

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

He alleges the Law, he alleges the words of Christ, both agreeing herein. For the Law says, "Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn." See how he would have the teacher labor! For there is not, indeed there is not, any other labor such as his. But this is from the Law. But how does he quote from Christ? "The laborer is worthy of his reward." Let us not then look only to the reward, but to the terms of the commandment. …

Homily on 1 Timothy 15 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

The apostle brings forward testimonies—one from the law, and another testimony of Christ. In both, observe what labor is required of the teacher. Threshing is the most arduous labor: and the teacher likewise must be prepared for every kind of toil, hardship, and grief. By the expression "the laborer," the apostle shows that one must not seek comfort and rest. "The laborer is worthy of his reward," or food. By these words the apostle points to prosperity: for if the laborer is worthy of his reward, then how much more of food. …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗

Clement of Alexandria

And the same law commands "not to muzzle the ox which treadeth out the corn: for the labourer must be reckoned worthy of his food."

The Stromata Book 2 ↗

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

And it should be noted what is added: "The laborer is worthy of his hire," because the very food for sustenance is already part of the wages of the work, so that here the reward from the labor of preaching may begin, which is perfected there in the vision of truth. In this matter it should be considered that two rewards are owed to our one work: one on the way, the other in the homeland; one which sustains us in labor, another which recompenses us in the resurrection. …

Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 17 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, for the Scripture says, he proves his statement with two authorities: one is used in the mystical sense and the other in the literal sense, at the laborer is worthy of his reward. He says, therefore, for the Scripture says, namely, Deuteronomy: you shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn (Deut 25:4). In 1 Corinthians the Apostle shows that this passage is to be understood for teachers, for does God take care for oxen? (1 Cor 9:8). …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗