Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
The transition from the widow-presbyteresses (1 Timothy 5:9) to the presbyters is natural.
Rule well, х proestootes (G4291)] - 'preside well,' with wisdom, ability, and loving faithfulness, over the flock, in contradistinction to non-ruling presbyters.
Be counted worthy of double honour - "honour" expressed by gifts (1 Timothy 5:3; 1 Timothy 5:18), and otherwise. If a presbyter, in virtue of his office, is worthy of honour, he who rules well is doubly so (1 Corinthians 9:14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:12). "Double" is used for large, much more (Revelation 18:6).
Especially they who labour in the word and doctrine - `teaching.' Preaching the Word, and instruction, catechetical or otherwise. This implies, that of the ruling presbyters there were two kinds-those who laboured in the Word and teaching, and those who did not. Lay presbyters have no place here; for both classes mentioned are ruling presbyters. A college of presbyters is implied as existing in Ephesus. In 1 Timothy 3:1-16 their qualifications are mentioned: here the acknowledgments due to them for their services.