1 Timothy 5 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

1 Timothy 5

Instructions for the Church

5:1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband,¹ 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry 12 and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 15 For some have already strayed after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Footnotes

[1] 5:9 Or a woman of one man

Commentary

v1-2: Proper respect for others, particularly older folk. John also honours "fathers" in 1 John 2.13-14. The N.T. does not allow leaders to mistreat or demean others.

v3-4: Providing for widows. First this was the responsibility of the family. A similar problem arose in Acts 6.1. Never let it be said that the widows in the church are neglected. For some this may involve a move of house, or a shared house.

The O.T. principle (Deut 24.19) of honour to parents and provision for their needs was carried over into the N.T.

v5-7: The responsibility upon the widow that she lead a godly life.

v8: There is a responsibility on reach one to care for and provide for the immediate family. Failure or neglect in this area is a serious matter.

This article develops the principle further: www.reformation21.org/blogs/closely-connected-care.php

v9-10: When no family support was provided, the church took on the responsibility. But that care was shown to godly widows, those of a consistent testimony of good works. Whilst our experience now is that the state provides some support, we must not abrogate our responsibility. Of course in many cultures, there is no such state support, and therefore these words must be routinely applied.

v11-15: Some widows were younger; some were perhaps martyred as Christians; others may have been soldiers who were killed. This created a greater problem in the church, as some of the younger widows neglected their dedication to Christ (their "first pledge"), and pursued their sensual desires. This not only led to a wish to marry, but idleness and gossip, the sowing of discord. Such dishonour the Lord and give room for the devil.

There is no problem in younger widows remarrying, for this was God's provision. But they must do so 'in the Lord' (see 1 Cor 7.39).

Paul's words were no theoretical issue, but something real, since some had already turned away from the Lord.

v16: In summary of the section; the family must take on the responsibility for widows first, and then the church can provide for those really in need. Thus, whilst the church must be generous to those in need, it must be wise in its care, so that resources are used properly.

v17-18: Proper respect for elders, matching their responsibility (see 3.4-5; 1 Pet 5.1-4).

Elders rule, directing the affairs of the church. The word is also used in Rom 12.8, where the NIV translates it "govern." This carries the ideas of care and diligence, setting an example to others.

Some are called also to teach and to preach. Such public ministry was to be recognised and honoured by the church.

v19: An accusation against an elder is a serious thing. An unsubstantiated accusation by a single person has to be rejected; this reflects the teaching of 3.1-7, in which the character of the elder is explained. The elder is also challenged to maintain the life of consistent godliness.

v20-21: Public rebuke for a "sinning" elder. This is not the response to a single indiscretion, but to constant or repeated disobedience. Such discipline must be exercised without partiality and without prejudice. See 3 John 9, where Diotrephes maintained attitudes and actions which promoted division (1 Cor 1.12 also).

v22: Do not rush to appoint an elder; see also 3.6.

v23: Timothy's problem of frequent infirmities; a practical solution of drinking wine. Not all medical conditions led to miraculous healings. We do have to be wise and practical in our living.

v24-25: Public and private sins; all alike known to the Lord. Similarly, good deeds are rewarded by God. Whatever the context and circumstance, there is good and bad.