
1 Timothy 5
1 Timothy 5 discusses the responsibilities within the Christian community, particularly focusing on how members should treat each other, including elders, widows, and family members. It provides guidance on church conduct, emphasizing respect, support, and proper judgment.
1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,
2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.
This passage emphasizes treating others in the church with respect and familial love. Paul advises Timothy to approach older men with humility, as a son would a father, and to address younger men as brothers, fostering unity and mutual care. Older women should be treated as mothers, with dignity and kindness, while younger women are to be treated as sisters, in purity and with protective care. For example, when correcting an elder, one should use respectful language rather than harsh rebuke, preserving their dignity. Similarly, interacting with younger women should reflect godly standards, avoiding any behavior that might lead to misunderstanding or compromise. This counsel encourages a family-like atmosphere in the church, rooted in love and holiness.
1 Timothy 5:3-10 (NKJV)
3 Honor widows who are really widows.
4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.
5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 And these things command, that they may be blameless.
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he is denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man,
10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.
Paul addresses the support of widows, distinguishing those who are genuinely in need. Widows with family should be cared for by their relatives, reflecting a duty to reciprocate parental care. Truly needy widows, without familial support, should be honored and supported by the church. Verses 6 and 8 warn against self-indulgence and neglecting family responsibilities, equating such neglect with denying the faith. Criteria for church-supported widows include age and a history of good works, emphasizing the community's responsibility to verify the genuine need and character of those they support.
1 Timothy 5:11-16 (NKJV)
11 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,
12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith.
13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.
14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15 For some have already turned aside after Satan.
16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.
Paul advises against enrolling younger widows for church support, suggesting they are more likely to remarry and thus divert from church dedication. This scenario could lead to gossip and idleness, undermining community integrity. Instead, he recommends they remarry and focus on family responsibilities, reducing the burden on the church to support only those truly in need and preserving resources for widows without any familial support.
1 Timothy 5:17-20 (NKJV)
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.
20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
Paul emphasizes the value of elders, particularly those who teach and preach, advocating for their adequate compensation and respect. He insists on protecting their reputations by requiring multiple witnesses for any accusations, reflecting the importance of integrity within leadership. Conversely, any proven sin should be addressed publicly to maintain accountability and deter misconduct within the community.
1 Timothy 5:21-25 (NKJV)
21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.
22 Do not lay hands suddenly on anyone, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
24 Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.
25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
Paul gives Timothy critical guidance for leadership and personal conduct in the church. He emphasizes the importance of impartiality, urging Timothy to make decisions without bias or favoritism, especially when dealing with church matters. Paul also warns against hastily ordaining leaders, stressing the need for careful observation of a person's character and deeds, as some sins or virtues may not be immediately visible. In verse 23, Paul advises Timothy to care for his health by using a little wine medicinally for his frequent stomach issues, showing the importance of balancing spiritual responsibilities with physical well-being. This serves as a reminder that leaders must care for their own health to sustain their ability to serve others effectively. Neglecting one’s health for the sake of service is unwise, as it can lead to burnout and hinder ministry. Paul concludes by pointing out that sins and good works often reveal themselves over time, urging patience and discernment in judgment, reflecting the need for wisdom and integrity in leadership.