(17) В¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (18) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. (19) Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (20) Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
It is very blessed to observe how attentive the Holy Ghost is, that none of his household shall be overlooked, or forgotten, in the provision he here makes for his Ministers, to watch over, in their daily ministration. The Elders are here introduced, as being worthy of double honor. Age is honorable. And if they are among the Ministers of Christ; their long services are considered as yet the more entitled to this attention. 1 Corinthians 9:11. The Apostle useth a striking figure to illustrate the precept. He quotes a passage in the Old Testament scripture, of the tenderness shown the ox, when treading out the corn, that he did it unmuzzled: purposely, that as he trod out food from the ears of corn for others, he might himself par take. And the sense is, if a minister of Christ, while laboring like the ox to give food of a spiritual nature to the people, is himself sustained with portions of the same; this is but a just privilege. And who would begrudge him his moiety? And to be ready to receive an accusation against such, must argue a sad mind.