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Paul had much wisdom he wanted to convey to Timothy to help him lead the church in Ephesus. He instructed Timothy to give the elders double honor. This may have been financial compensation or respect, but either way Paul tells him that "the worker deserves his wages" (verse 18, NIV). This is part of good management -- compensate people for what they do. Be fair and give them what they deserve.

Paul then tells Timothy how to handle complaints against elders. Once again, Paul stressed fairness by telling Timothy that the charges must be supported by two or three witnesses. This would prevent someone from making a complaint that may not be factual. If an elder is involved in sin, Timothy is instructed to deal with it. He is not to overlook the sin, but to be fair and do nothing out of favoritism. He is also to be selective and take his time in choosing the leaders of the church.

The next part of the text shows how Paul cared for Timothy. He is concerned for Timothy's health and gives him some advice. The last part of the passage talks about how things are not always as they appear. In the context of choosing elders, I think this is a warning to Timothy to look beyond the things that are obvious about people. There are those whose sins are obvious and who will see the effects of a destructive lifestyle in their lifetime. In the case in which the sins trail behind a person, the destruction may not be as easy to see, but it will be at some time.

In the same way, there are those whose good deeds are well known and who may see a reward at that time. There are others whose good deeds are not so obvious. They may see no fruit of their good deeds even in their lifetime. I think the takeaway from this last part for us today as lay people is to not hide our sin but confess it. Also, we are to do good deeds as an outpouring of our relationship with Jesus Christ, regardless of recognition.