Theory of the Eldership [pp. 702-759]

1 Timothy v. 17, examined.
after all, the force of the passage. Double honour-that is ample
support-and being esteemed highly in love for their works'
sake, are not to be given, except where the well-ruling of the
presbyter (who is officially both ruler and teacher) is shown in
his labours in the word and doctrine. Preaching and teachingteaching while preaching-earnestly and zealously applying
the word and doctrine to the flock publicly, and from house to
house-this is the "rule well" that is to be honoured and supported. In other words, ruling is in order to preaching, and not
preaching in order to ruling. Authority and rule-the keysare given to impart efficiency to preaching, and to render it
the power of God unto salvation-the intermediate causative
agency between the two final ends of the church of God, "the
perfecting of the saints," and "the edifying (or completing) the
body of Christ." Mean what it may, therefore, this text must
mean the exaltation of "the ministry of reconciliation," and
not ruling; and mean what it will, it cannot mean what this
theory of a two-fold presbyterate teaches, and requires it to
declare; since, if it does divide it, it will be into those that
rule only, and those that labour in doctrine only. There is
no alternative. If they who are required to labour well in word
and doctrine, are also required to "rule well," then are they
one and the same, in office, in authority, in qualification, in
function, and in rights, however differing in personal gifts or in
official devotedness. If, on the other hand, the "rule well"
and the "labour in word and doctrine" are distinct, then they
are distinguished here as those that only "rule well," and those
who do not rule, but labour only in word and doctrine. But
that helps this theory as little as the Presbyterian view, and
is contrary to what is elsewhere established as true of presbyters, and to the whole context, which refers only to one order
of presbyters, and that-as Calvin and all other interpreters
admit-the order of the ministry.
The emphasis in this passage, according to the Greek language, is: 1. On the word presbyters, which is the subject of the
proposition. 2. On 7rpoe9a7(e~- xa2o~, who do well what is implied in acting as a proestos, that is, one who presides. 3. On
xoe7z-I)7e, V 2oroJ,* &c.; they who "labour in word and doctrine."
* See Taylor's Emphatic New Testament. London. 1854.
VOL. XXXII.-NO. IV. 93
729
1860.]