1 Timothy 5:8

Provide not. Some commentators believe that this includes material assistance for those deprived of security while the wage earner lives. Others think Paul means that financial security of some kind should be provided for a family by the husband, so that his death would not cause financial hardship to those who survive him.

Own. That is, those connected with his family in any way perhaps in this context, especially widows. In Paul’s day this would include family servants as well as all relatives.

His own house. Paul includes more than widows in this wide circle of responsibility; all dependent relatives should be cared for by those most closely related to them. This practice deserves the full commendation of the church, for all people must look forward to the day when they will be dependent upon others, if death does not suddenly intervene.

Denied the faith. That is, the fundamental teachings of the Christian church concerning a man’s responsibility toward his parents and others who are close of kin. The Christian church affirms the Sinai declaration that children are to “honour” their parents (see on Ex. 20:12), that true religion exalts and ennobles ordinary family duties. To profess a religion based on unselfish love and yet to ignore the responsibilities due one’s parents is tragic inconsistency. A lack of sincerity in one’s profession is thus manifested. Jesus set an example for every Christian when He solicitously provided for His mother’s care at the time of His crucifixion (see on John 19:25–27).

Infidel. Literally, “unbeliever.” Because many a heathen regards it his duty to care for his aged parents, the failure of a Christian to provide for his family would make him “worse than an infidel.”