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1 timothy 5:3-16

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1 Timothy 5:3-16

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”

— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

3. Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 5. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 9. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10. Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 11. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12. Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13. And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15. For some are already turned aside after Satan. 16. If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

1 Timothy 5:3-16 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:3

Theological / Devotional

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).

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