The Widows And Elderly

INTRO

This is the 78th lesson in our study of Paul’s letters. His words drip with wisdom and practical advice for us. In 1 Timothy, Paul as the older minister poured into his young protégé, Timothy. In chapter 5, Paul presents practical church issues that need to be taken care of correctly.

TEACHING

1 Timothy 5:1-2: Paul began by instructing Timothy not “to ignore older members [but] to love and serve all of the people, regardless of their ages.”¹ He lists four groups of individuals in verses 1–2, reminding Timothy of their value regardless of their age. Rebukemeans to speak sharply to someone (v. 1a). Younger men had no business speaking to older men without respect. This is part of God’s order that we are to speak to those who are older with respect. Paul includes older women in his instructions for showing respect to and also said to treat younger women with pure motives as he would his sisters (v. 2).

1 Timothy 5:3–16: Paul also instructed that all widows should be honored, and those who are “genuinely widows,” meaning they had no family to support them, should be both honored and supported, even with financial support if needed (v. 3). However, if the widow had family, her family was to honor and support her by learning to practice godliness (v. 4). Nelson’s Commentary states, “Honoring our parents includes caring for them physically and financially as they grow older.”² This pleases the Lord. Without family support, it is the church’s responsibility to care for them while they devote themselves to petitions and prayers (v. 5). Those who are self-indulgent or ungodly are no longer the responsibility of the church (v. 6).³

By doing what was right, the believers in the congregation maintained a good reputation in the community, and the church was held blameless (v. 7). Paul’s condemnation was strong though for those who did not take care of the widows in their families. He described them as being worse than unbelievers, having actually denied their faith (v. 8).

Paul gave requirements for the widows who would receive the support of the church. They were those who were at least 60 years old, the wife of one husband, were known for good works—having brought up her children, shown hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped the sick, and done other good works (vv. 9–10). Nelson’s Commentary explains why the age limit was so set: “The reason for this refusal [of women under 60] is that younger widows may grow wanton, which means to experience sexual desire, and thus desire to marry, presumably an unbeliever, since the marriage is said to be outside their first faith” (vv. 11–13).⁴

Paul wanted the younger women to marry and have children so Satan would not be able to use them (vv. 14–15). In verse 16, Paul repeated his admonition for the family, including female believers, to help support the widows in their families so the church could help the genuine widows (v. 16).

1 Timothy 5:17–25: In verse 17 Paul moved on to support for the elders. He stated it was okay to pay those who worked hard at preaching and teaching and were good leaders because “the worker is worthy of his wages” (v. 18). In verse 19, Paul explained an accusation should not be brought against an elder without two or three other witnesses. This is still about showing respect.

However, when someone was found guilty, Paul instructed Timothy to publicly rebuke the sinner so others would be afraid of the consequences of their sin (v. 20). Paul knew “discipline must be exercised in the church. But it should be done without prejudice (personal bias) or partiality (preferential treatment) (vv. 21–22).”⁵ Paul cautioned Timothy to take his time in appointing an elder and to make sure he was not pulled into the sins of others (v. 22).

Paul interrupted his chain of thought in writing with a personal message for Timothy in verse 23. Paul told Timothy to add a little wine to his water to help with his stomach issues and his frequent illnesses.

Finally, he reminded Timothy that some sins are obvious from the beginning, but others will not surface until later (v. 24). He also pointed out that some good works are obvious from the time they are done, while others won’t become known until much later (v. 25).

CLOSING

Paul’s advice for Timothy was for how to bring order within the body of Christ, how to enlist leaders, and how to treat the church’s widows. In all situations, Paul reminded Timothy to treat the people in the church with respect, even when they needed discipline. In all he wrote, Paul’s underlying concern was for the members of the congregation and for Timothy as their pastor.