Ans. 1.  For substance this objection is the same with objection 10, already answered, therefore much more needs not to be added. 2.  It is to be noted, that the apostle saith not, “Let the presbyters that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially because they labor in the word—­for then he should have pointed at the distinct offices of ministers;” but he saith, especially they that labor, which clearly carries the sense to the distinction of elders themselves, who have distinct employments. 3.  If preaching presbyters only should here be meant, and under that phrase (that rule well) their whole office in general, and the right managing thereof, should be contained, whereas laboring in the word and doctrine (as this exception implies) is but one part thereof, then hence it would inevitably follow, that a minister deserves more honor for the well administration of one part of his office only, than for the well managing of the whole, which is absurd!  Here therefore the apostle doth not compare one primary part of the pastor’s office, with the whole office and all the parts thereof; but one sort of presbyters with another, distinguishing the mere ruling presbyter from the ruling and preaching presbyter, as the acute and learned Whitaker hath well observed.

Except. 12.  It is evident in the text itself, that all these elders here meant were worthy of double honor, whether they labored or governed; which by St. Paul’s proofs, presently following, and by the consent of all old and new writers, is meant of their maintenance at the charges of the Church.[89] Now that lay-judges and censors of manners were in the apostle’s time found at the expense of the Church, or by God’s law ought to have their maintenance at the people’s hands, till I see it justly proved, I cannot believe it:  which yet must be proved before this construction can be admitted.[90]

Ans. 1.  This word honor signifies (after the custom of the Hebrews, Exod. xx. 12) all pious offices and relief.  This phrase (double honor) interpreters expound either absolutely or comparatively.  Absolutely thus:  double honor, i.e. great honor, so some; maintenance in this life, happiness in the life to come, so others; honor of reverence to their persons, and of maintenance for their labors, so Chrysostom, of which saith Calvin, “That Chrysostom interprets double honor to be maintenance and reverence, I impugn not.”  Comparatively thus:  double honor here seems to relate to what was before spoken, ver. 3, “Honor widows that are widows indeed.”  Now here he intimates, that though widows are to be honored, yet these should be much more honored; they should have single, these double honor.  In this last sense, which seems most genuine, it seems most likely that the apostle here intended principally, if not only, the honor of maintenance; partly because the honor appointed for widows, ver. 3, &c., was only