1 Timothy Chapter 5
1 Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers;
2 the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
3 Honour widows who are widows indeed.
4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
5 Now she who is a widow indeed and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.
6 But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 Also command these things, that they may be without reproach.
8 But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,
10 being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work.
11 But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,
12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.
13 Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.
14 I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.
15 For already some have turned away after Satan.
16 If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don't let the assembly be burdened, that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour 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 labourer is worthy of his wages."
19 Don't receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses.
20 Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
21 I command you in the sight of God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.
22 Lay hands hastily on no one. Don't be a participant in other people's sins. Keep yourself pure.
23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.
24 Some men's sins are evident, preceding them to judgement, and some also follow later.
25 In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can't be hidden.
Footnotes
- Verse 4 (this is...)
- Textus Receptus adds "good and"
- Verse 18
- Deuteronomy 25:4
- Verse 18
- Luke 10:7; Leviticus 19:13
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1 Timothy Chapter 5 Guide
Timothy's demeanour toward men and women was now described, and demands careful study and attention. As for men, seniors are to be treated with respect, while the younger men are to be treated as brethren.
Of women, he is to treat the elder as mothers, and the younger as sisters. The large section devoted to widows indicated peculiar local conditions and dangers. Hence the careful instructions.
At verse 1 Timothy 5:17 we find the term "elders" used in a more specific sense, referring undoubtedly to those who held office in the Church. These were to be held in honour and provided for. Order must be maintained, and discipline enforced, yet in such a way as befits the elders' honourable position. The true Church order must ever be "first pure, then peaceable." The responsibility resting on Timothy was so great that the apostle charged him to act in the sight of God, of Jesus Christ, and the elect angels. Apparently turning aside for a moment, and thinking of Timothy's "often infirmities," he gave him personal and practical advice.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
1 Timothy Chapter 5 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Directions as to the elder and younger men and women. -- (1, 2)
- And as to poor widows. -- (3-8)
- Concerning widows. -- (9-16)
- The respect to be paid to elders. Timothy is to take care in rebuking offenders, in ordaining ministers, and as to his own health. -- (17-25)
Verses 1, 2
Respect must be paid to the dignity of years and place. The younger, if faulty, must be rebuked, not as desirous to find fault with them, but as willing to make the best of them. There is need of much meekness and care in reproving those who deserve reproof.
Verses 3-8
Honour widows that are widows indeed, relieve them, and maintain them. It is the duty of children, if their parents are in need, and they are able to relieve them, to do it to the utmost of their power. Widowhood is a desolate state; but let widows trust in the Lord, and continue in prayer. All who live in pleasure, are dead while they live, spiritually dead, dead in trespasses and sins. Alas, what numbers there are of this description among nominal Christians, even to the latest period of life! If any men or women do not maintain their poor relations, they in effect deny the faith. If they spend upon their lusts and pleasures, what should maintain their families, they have denied the faith, and are worse than infidels. If professors of the gospel give way to any corrupt principle or conduct, they are worse than those who do not profess to believe the doctrines of grace.
Verses 9-16
Every one brought into any office in the church, should be free from just censure; and many are proper objects of charity, yet ought not to be employed in public services. Those who would find mercy when they are in distress, must show mercy when they are in prosperity; and those who show most readiness for every good work, are most likely to be faithful in whatever is trusted to them. Those who are idle, very seldom are only idle, they make mischief among neighbours, and sow discord among brethren. All believers are required to relieve those belonging to their families who are destitute, that the church may not be prevented from relieving such as are entirely destitute and friendless.
Verses 17-25
Care must be taken that ministers are maintained. And those who are laborious in this work are worthy of double honour and esteem. It is their just due, as much as the reward of the labourer. The apostle charges Timothy solemnly to guard against partiality. We have great need to watch at all times, that we do not partake of other men's sins. Keep thyself pure, not only from doing the like thyself, but from countenancing it, or any way helping to it in others. The apostle also charges Timothy to take care of his health. As we are not to make our bodies masters, so neither slaves; but to use them so that they may be most helpful to us in the service of God. There are secret, and there are open sins: some men's sins are open before-hand, and going before unto judgment; some they follow after. God will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make known the counsels of all hearts. Looking forward to the judgment-day, let us all attend to our proper offices, whether in higher or lower stations, studying that the name and doctrine of God may never be blasphemed on our account.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.