“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine” (I Timothy 5:17).

This advice of Paul’s referred particularly to those elders in the local church who “labored” to teach effectively the great truths of God’s word to their people. Such men surely deserve special honor and appreciation.

“These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as He taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on Him; for His hour was not yet come” (John 8:20).

“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of” (Genesis 22:2).

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (I Peter 1:22).

“How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?” (Proverbs 1:22).