Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about paying the pastor?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that churches should gladly and honorably provide material support for pastors and other faithful ministers who labor in preaching and teaching. First Timothy 5:17-18 calls worthy elders deserving of double honor and applies the principle that a laborer deserves his wages. Paul likewise says that those who proclaim the gospel should receive their living from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:9-14), and Galatians 6:6 urges believers to share good things with their teachers. Such support is not payment for grace or a license for greed, but a loving partnership that frees ministers to serve Christ’s flock. Pastors should also imitate Paul’s freedom from covetousness and willingness to labor sacrificially when needed (Acts 20:33-35).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Timothy 5:17-18 6 votes

    [17] Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. [18] For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain." And, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."

  • Galatians 6:6 5 votes

    But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:14 5 votes

    Even so the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Gospel should live from the Gospel.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:9-14 4 votes

    [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it for the oxen that God cares, [10] or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. [11] If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things? [12] If others partake of this right over you, don't we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right, but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ. [13] Don't you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar? [14] Even so the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Gospel should live from the Gospel.

  • Acts 20:33-35 4 votes

    [33] I coveted no one's silver, or gold, or clothing. [34] You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. [35] In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

  • Luke 10:7 3 votes

    Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don't go from house to house.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 3 votes

    [7] For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn't behave ourselves rebelliously among you, [8] neither did we eat bread from anyone's hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you; [9] not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. [10] For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 3 votes

    [12] But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, [13] and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

  • Deuteronomy 25:4 3 votes

    You shall not muzzle the ox when he treads out [the grain].

  • Romans 4:4 2 votes

    Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as debt.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about paying the pastor and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about paying the pastor