man or woman that belioveth , &c. The texts read "believing ( woman) . . . let her:" "believing" being feminine of App-150 . church. App-186 . charged = burdened. Greek. bareo . See 2 Corinthians 1:8 . read more
If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.This merely applies all that was said of a man having widows in his household, earlier in this chapter, with equal force to affluent or wealthy widows, who are here made responsible in the same manner as were the men.And let not the church be burdened ... The thought is not that the church would not step in,"[19] where those responsible were not... read more
16. If any . . . have widows—of his family, however related to him. Most of the oldest manuscripts and versions omit "man or," and read, "If any woman that believeth." But the Received text seems preferable. If, however, the weightiest authorities are to prevail, the sense will be: He was speaking of younger widows; He now says, If any believing young widow have widows related to her needing support, let her relieve them, thereby casing the Church of the burden, 1 Timothy 5:3; 1 Timothy 5:4... read more
1. Provisions for widows 5:3-16Paul gave instructions concerning the church’s responsibility for its widows to clarify how and for whom the church should provide special care. Widows have been and still are especially vulnerable individuals. As such God has always shown special concern for their protection (cf. Deuteronomy 10:18; Deuteronomy 24:17; Psalms 68:5; Isaiah 1:17; Luke 2:37). The early church normally mirrored His attitude (Acts 6:1; Acts 9:39). In the Greco-Roman world a female... read more
C. How to deal with widows and elders 5:3-25Paul now addressed how Timothy was to deal with two main problem areas in the Ephesian church, the younger widows and the erring elders. read more
IV. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING LEADERSHIP OF THE LOCAL CHURCH 4:6-5:25Paul proceeded to give some specific instruction about leadership of the church. This included direction concerning the leader’s personal life and public ministry, basic principles of effective interpersonal relationships, and the proper treatment of widows and elders. read more
In conclusion, Paul sought to correct a possible misunderstanding. He wrote that financially capable women should maintain the widows in their families so the church would not have to support them. Probably he referred to "any woman" to clarify that this duty applied to women who did not have living or believing husbands as well as to male heads of households."Certainly we must honor our parents and grandparents and seek to provide for them if they have needs. Not every Christian family is able... read more
Regarding Widows and Accusations against Elders1. Rebuke] This shows the authority which Timothy exercised. An elder] i.e. an elderly man, not one officially so named.3-16. The seventh charge to Timothy—as to widows.3. Widows indeed] Each local Church kept a list of the widows belonging to the congregation, who were supported by the alms of the faithful if they were widows indeed, that is, if they had none to help them (1 Timothy 5:4-5). In return, they did what services they could to the... read more
(16) If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them.—This is not what, at first sight, it appears to be—a mere repetition of the injunction of 1 Timothy 5:4; 1 Timothy 5:8. There the duties enjoined were what may be termed filial; the love, respect, and kindness to the aged was especially pressed on the younger, on the children and grandchildren of the desolate, on the master of the house or family to which the aged widow belonged. Here the reference belongs exclusively... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:1-16
5:1-6:21 VARIOUS KINDS OF PEOPLE IN THE CHURCHThe young, the old and the widows (5:1-16)It may at times have been difficult for Timothy to deal with those who were older or those who were of the opposite sex. Paul therefore reminds him to be careful how he treats people, and always to show fitting courtesy and to act with moral uprightness (5:1-2).The church must care for those of its members who are in need. But the church does not have a duty to support financially those elderly people who... read more