1 Timothy 5:3

Honour. That is, with material assistance as well as respect. In Matt. 15:4–6 Jesus contrasts those children who faithfully provide for the material needs of their parents with those who “honour” their parents only in word. Mere pity for the plight of widows will not provide the needed help, nor will it provide an exhibit of the genuine Christian spirit (see on James 1:27).

Widows indeed. Different categories of widows have always existed in the church: (1) those who still have the active support of children or other relatives, v. 4; (2) those who are completely destitute of family support, v. 5; (3) those who live “in pleasure” and receive material care in some other manner than by either relatives or the church, v. 6. Obviously, only the second class of widows was eligible for the consistent support of the church. The Jewish custom of caring for widows was followed by the Christian church (see on Ex. 22:22; Acts 6:1; James 1:27).