What's The Workman's Reward?

[Hidden In Him]

What is the reward of the workman described in 1 Timothy 5:17; financial renumeration or merely bodily sustenance and warmth?

I have several reasons to believe it is the latter, and we can discuss the scriptural ones as we go. But one additional factor to start with is that I take the Didache to be an authentic 1st century Christian document and therefore a faithful recording of the general position taken by the early church on financial renumeration for ministers:

But concerning the apostles and prophets, according to the decree of the Gospel, thus do. Let every apostle that comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain except one day; but if there be need, also the next; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet that speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one that speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he hold the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit eats not from it, except indeed he be a false prophet; and every prophet who teaches the truth, if he do not what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him; but if he says to you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him. (Didache, Chapter 11)

I believe that New Testament "giving and receiving" involved merely providing food and clothing in exchange for ministry, but for those who disagree, I would like to begin by debating the meaning of the following verse, and those verses contained in it which Paul quotes as references. For context, I will include the preceding verses in 1 Timothy as well:

16 If any man or woman that believes have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. 17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn." And, "The laborer is worthy of his reward." (1 Timothy 5:16-18)

So what exactly is the laborer's "reward" here?

Thanks in advance to any who reply, and blessings in Christ,
Hidden In Him

 

[Nancy]

What is the reward of the workman described in 1 Timothy 5:17; financial renumeration or merely bodily sustenance and warmth?

I have several reasons to believe it is the latter, and we can discuss the scriptural ones as we go. But one additional factor to start with is that I take the Didache to be an authentic 1st century Christian document and therefore a faithful recording of the general position taken by the early church on financial renumeration for ministers:

But concerning the apostles and prophets, according to the decree of the Gospel, thus do. Let every apostle that comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain except one day; but if there be need, also the next; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet that speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one that speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he hold the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit eats not from it, except indeed he be a false prophet; and every prophet who teaches the truth, if he do not what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him; but if he says to you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him. (Didache, Chapter 11)

I believe that New Testament "giving and receiving" involved merely providing food and clothing in exchange for ministry, but for those who disagree, I would like to begin by debating the meaning of the following verse, and those verses contained in it which Paul quotes as references. For context, I will include the preceding and following verses in 1 Timothy as well:

16 If any man or woman that believes have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. 17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn." And, "The laborer is worthy of his reward." (1 Timothy 5:16-18)

So what exactly is the laborer's "reward" here?

Thanks in advance to any who reply, and blessings in Christ,
Hidden In Him

I think of "double honor" is speaking more to respect than reward. But, of course a laborer of the Gospel should be clothed, fed and housed by the Church as best as possible. I have pastors who have to work outside the Church, especially 2 of them, one has 7 young children, the last 2 twins! and the other has 6 young children!! lol The Church they pastor is about 80 on a good day, normally about 50-60, and is located in a poorer area so, they depend on God for all these things...and of course, He provides ♥
I Corinthians 9-14
9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel."

 

[Hidden In Him]

9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel."

:) I do believe you switched passages on me, Nancy (LoL).

In answer to your post, I have a small problem with the translation of that last verse. τοῖς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον καταγγέλλουσιν ἐκ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ζῆν. = "[The Lord did order]... those who proclaim the gospel to live from the gospel." The translation of "get their living" is something of an embellishment, and turns the passage into saying they should be paid a salary. But ζῆν here simply reads "to live," and the verses that immediately precede it discuss living by eating food, as does the analogy of the oxen and the analogy of the plowman.

Now I do feel for those with 7 children (under ANY circumstances, LoL), but I think the teaching of the New Testament was to provide food, clothing and temporary shelter (i.e. hospitality) when necessary, but not a salary. My personal take is that this doctrine has opened the door for all the material excesses and financial exploitations within Christianity we see today, which is what the Lord was trying to avoid.

 

[Enoch111]

So what exactly is the laborer's "reward" here?

There are several aspects to the laborer`s or workman`s reward in Scripture.

1. A fair wage for a day`s work. Actually better than average wages by Christian employers following the example of the Lord. This makes both spiritual and practical sense.

2. Generous remuneration (*double honor*) to elders (pastor/elder/bishops) who labor in the Word and doctrine. They are not hired employees of the church but servants of God. The general practice of hiring and firing pastors is totally unscriptural. They must be men from within the church, not imports.

3. Excellent support for missionaries sent out by the churches.

4. An eternal reward for every Christian who faithfully serves God, including one or more *crowns* (literally laurel wreaths, but heavenly crowns would be extraordinary anyhow).

 

[Hidden In Him]

2. Generous remuneration (*double honor*) to elders (pastor/elder/bishops) who labor in the Word and doctrine.

Ok, thanks for the response, Enoch. Now, if the double honor here was renumeration, here is my line of questioning. Paul quotes two sayings to support what he is teaching here, one from the Old Testament and one from the New: Deuteronomy 25:4, and Luke 10:7/Matthew 10:10.

Let's deal with Luke 10:7 first. Jesus told His disciples "the laborer is worthy of his reward" in the following context:

1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. (Luke 10:1-8)

Now my question is this: In context, did Jesus mean by the words "a worker is worthy of his wages" that they were worthy of financial compensation, or merely food? Keep in mind, in Matthew's version, he instead used the Greek word that literally means "food" rather than the one for "reward."

1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease... 5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food. 11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. (Matthew 10:1, 5-14)

 

[Nancy]

:) I do believe you switched passages on me, Nancy (LoL).

In answer to your post, I have a small problem with the translation of that last verse. τοῖς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον καταγγέλλουσιν ἐκ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ζῆν. = "[The Lord did order]... those who proclaim the gospel to live from the gospel." The translation of "get their living" is something of an embellishment, and turns the passage into saying they should be paid a salary. But ζῆν here simply reads "to live," and the verses that immediately precede it discuss living by eating food, as does the analogy of the oxen and the analogy of the plowman.

Now I do feel for those with 7 children (under ANY circumstances, LoL), but I think the teaching of the New Testament was to provide food, clothing and temporary shelter (i.e. hospitality) when necessary, but not a salary. My personal take is that this doctrine has opened the door for all the material excesses and financial exploitations within Christianity we see today, which is what the Lord was trying to avoid.

":) I do believe you switched passages on me, Nancy (LoL)."

Yes I did, lol. sry

"I have a small problem with the translation of that last verse.... those who proclaim the gospel to live from the gospel." The translation of "get their living" is something of an embellishment"

Agreed. that particular translation does open wide the door to "material excesses and financial exploitations" Food, shelter and raiment should always be provided by the Church. God will always bless His true workers above and beyond.

 

[Enoch111]

Now my question is this: In context, did Jesus mean by the words "a worker is worthy of his wages" that they were worthy of financial compensation, or merely food?

Context is critical.

When Christ sent out the 12 and the 70 they went as missionaries, and the only things they would need were food and shelter. They would be traveling from village to village, or town to town, and that is all they would need. No doubt they would receive cash gifts also in appreciation.

However, when Paul speaks about the compensation for those elders who labor in the Word and doctrine, he has is mind those who are called to this ministry (resident in one church and from within that church), and devoting their lives to the outstanding ministry of the Word.

Therefore it would be necessary to provide them with generous financial compensation, and the principle of the laborer being worthy of his hire applies in both cases. As Paul says elsewhere, if the hearers have profited spiritually, then they should compensate the ones who have ministered to them materially. You also need to keep this Scripture in mind (2 Tim 2:4-7): No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier... The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

And Paul rightly assumes that the true shepherds would not be there to become wealthy (a la modern televangelists etc) or preachers who would keep harping on tithing and giving (as happens so often today). Of course, finding true shepherds today is another story.

 

[Hidden In Him]

(2 Tim 2:4-7): No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier... The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things... Of course, finding true shepherds today is another story.

About these verses, I think his mention of "fruits" here was actually referencing the spiritual rewards that would come to the good and faithful servants in the judgment for having labored in the harvest, since Paul's focus is on Christians "winning the prize" in v.5, and then on them reigning with Christ in v.12.

But I do agree with your last statement.

Context is critical.

When Christ sent out the 12 and the 70 they went as missionaries, and the only things they would need were food and shelter. They would be traveling from village to village, or town to town, and that is all they would need. No doubt they would receive cash gifts also in appreciation.

However, when Paul speaks about the compensation for those elders who labor in the Word and doctrine, he has is mind those who are called to this ministry (resident in one church and from within that church), and devoting their lives to the outstanding ministry of the Word.

Therefore it would be necessary to provide them with generous financial compensation

Well, now here you make a jump that doesn't appear to be spelled out in the New Testament letters. If Paul was quoting a phrase Jesus used in reference to missionary-oriented work in Matthew and Luke but was now using that same exact phrase in reference to paying elders a salary, wouldn't a distinction regarding in-house ministers be something that was spelled out very clearly in scripture? I mean, the apostles continued to do missionary-oriented work throughout the rest of their lives, which suggests they still went by the principle laid out in Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7. Because of this, wouldn't they have explained in no uncertain terms in the epistles how in-house elders were to be fully compensated, whereas they themselves need not be?

 

[Enoch111]

If Paul was quoting a phrase Jesus used in reference to missionary-oriented work in Matthew and Luke but was now using that same exact phrase in reference to paying elders a salary, wouldn't a distinction regarding in-house ministers be something that was spelled out very clearly in scripture?

The PRINCIPLE is clearly stated in Scripture, but the applications can be diverse. The laborer is worthy of his hire can be applied to (1)oxen who provide service, (2) ordinary employees or managers, (3) Christian missionaries, and (4) Christian ministers.

In other words, the Lord makes it perfectly clear that those who work hard should be remunerated fairly, properly, and promptly, with either cash or in kind. At the same time, the Lord does not appreciate laziness one iota, and we see how the slothful servant was rewarded also.

 

[Hidden In Him]

The PRINCIPLE is clearly stated in Scripture, but the applications can be diverse. The laborer is worthy of his hire can be applied to...

Again though, Enoch, I believe you are making a jump here. There is no question about the principle itself. The question is about specifically how it was applied, and in what way. Jumping from sustenance and warmth to fully paid salaries is a large jump, and to justify it I think there needs to be clear statements in the epistles to that effect.

Let me ask you another question that comes to mind: If Paul commanded that "having food and clothing, let us therewith be content," would it not have been contradicting this principle for the elders to have been demanding a salary?

 

[Enoch111]

Let me ask you another question that comes to mind: If Paul commanded that "having food and clothing, let us therewith be content," would it not have been contradicting this principle for the elders to have been demanding a salary?

What Paul was addressing in your quote is GREED or covetousness. And elders must not *demand* a salary, since the Bible principle is that they are not employees of the church, but servants of God. Which means that the church must offer adequate support without any demands being made.

Also, you either misunderstood or misrepresented what Paul had said to Timothy, which corresponded to this Scripture:Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (1 Cor 9:7) and is backed up by this Scripture:For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (1 Cor 9:8)

It looks like you have conveniently forgotten others Scriptures in which Paul says that Gospel preachers should be compensated for their efforts:
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?... Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. (1 Cor 9:11,14)

And here is that Bible principle again: Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? ( 1 Cor 9:13)

Also life requires more than the basics of food, clothing and shelter, including heat, water, electricity, and transportation, not to mention taxes, and Christian giving, including helping others in need, and also helping oneself by investing in books etc.

Christians need to make sure that if they are to adopt a doctrine or practice it must have a broad base in Scripture. What you are trying to do is narrow the focus, and miss the point.

 

[Hidden In Him]

What Paul was addressing in your quote is GREED or covetousness.

Yes, but wasn't the commandment "having food and clothing, let us therewith be content" addressed to everyone? You seem to be implying that the command was only applicable to the covetous but not to anyone else.

Also, you either misunderstood or misrepresented what Paul had said to Timothy, which corresponded to this Scripture:Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? (1 Cor 9:7) and is backed up by this Scripture:For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (1 Cor 9:8)

All these are analogies of eating, are they not?

It looks like you have conveniently forgotten others Scriptures in which Paul says that Gospel preachers should be compensated for their efforts:
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?... Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. (1 Cor 9:11,14)

No, no. I hadn't forgotten. See Post #3. I addressed your underlined words in my response to Nancy there.

And here is that Bible principle again: Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? ( 1 Cor 9:13)

See, once again this verse is a reference to partaking of food; i.e. of eating what was sacrificed on the altar of God. So it supports the idea that "to live from the gospel" was a reference once again to being fed in return for preaching it, yes?

Also life requires more than the basics of food, clothing and shelter, including heat, water, electricity, and transportation, not to mention taxes, and Christian giving, including helping others in need, and also helping oneself by investing in books etc.

Christians need to make sure that if they are to adopt a doctrine or practice it must have a broad base in Scripture. What you are trying to do is narrow the focus, and miss the point

I'm merely trying to be more exacting about what was actually being taught in scripture regardless of Christian tradition, which is not always well-founded. Now about your point that life requires more than food and clothing, I'm of the opinion that Christian ministers should have no problem working to support themselves while also in ministry. There are a number of countries where ministers do just that, but in the States there seems to be a resistance to the idea.

But I'm less concerned with personal opinions regarding how much ministers should be supported. I'm really only concerned about acutely determining what the New Testament teachings were.

 

[Hidden In Him]

I think of "double honor" is speaking more to respect than reward.

Btw, I agree with you here on this, Nancy. I think feeding them was the way of honoring them in a very practical sense, as a sign on respect and appreciation. In 1st Thessalonians Paul gave a similar command:

But we beseech you, brothers, to know those laboring among you, and taking governance over you in the Lord and admonishing you, and regard them exceedingly in love for their work's sake. (1 Thessalonians 5:12)

In 1 Timothy, the connection between "honor" and "wages" is that they were honoring them with food. "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor... For the scripture saith... 'The laborer is worthy of his wages'" then meant honoring them in a very practical and visible sense by feeding them, as an expression of love. This would have been a wise precaution, btw, because when it came time that someone had to be chastised or rebuked (i.e. "governed over"), they would know they were being addressed by someone highly respected within the community. :)