INTRODUCTION
This Epistle was written not long after Paul had left Ephesus for Macedonia; but it is a matter of debate as to when this was, some holding that it must have been about the time of the great riot which drove the Apostle from the city; others that it was nearer the time of his second and last imprisonment at Rome.
Timothy is first mentioned as living at Lystra, Act_16:1. His mother, Eunice, was a Jewess, 2Ti_1:5; his father was a Greek. He was early the subject of pious influence, 2Ti_3:14-15. He was well spoken of by his fellow-believers, and became the intimate friend and companion of the Apostle.
The Epistle was designed to instruct him how to deal with false teachers, how to conduct public worship, and to urge him to cultivate all those qualities which would better equip him for the discharge of his important duties.
OUTLINE OF THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY
The Church and Its Ministry
THE CHARGE CONCERNING THE CHURCH
“A GOOD MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST,”
His Bearing toward Elders and Widows
9. What instructions are given regarding widows in the early Church?
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CHURCH
A widow is to be put on the list [to receive regular assistance] only if she is over sixty years of age, [having been] the wife of one man,
and has a reputation for good deeds; [she is eligible] if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints (God’s people), if she has assisted the distressed, and has devoted herself to doing good in every way.
But refuse [to enroll the] younger widows, for when they feel their natural desires in disregard of Christ, they wish to marry again,
and so they incur condemnation for having set aside their previous pledge.
Now at the same time, they also learn to be idle as they go from house to house; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies [meddlers in things that do not concern them], talking about things they should not mention.
So I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and not give opponents of the faith any occasion for slander.
Some [widows] have already turned away [from the faith] to follow Satan.
If any believing woman has [dependent] widows [in her household], she must assist them [according to her ability]; and the church must not be burdened [with them], so that it may assist those who are truly widows [those who are all alone and are dependent].
Comments by
F.B.Meyer
on
1 Timothy 5:9-16
HOME-KEEPING INDUSTRY ENJOINED
The sphere of the younger woman must be in the home. This is the noblest work of all, and wherever it exists, it has the prior claim; yet even during the years of early motherhood there may still be opportunities of offering hospitality to strangers, ministering to the children of God who need refreshment and comfort, and diligently assisting in good work. These offices lovingly and humbly performed, will serve as a gracious opening for further ministries of the same description in the later period of life.
The Apostle says nothing about remarriage in general, but simply refers to the fact that young women who have become widows are likely to accept the offer of a second marriage, and so abjure that first faith, in which they had pledged themselves to the service of the church. Unless there is great watchfulness, the practice of going from house to house, ostensibly on church business, may degenerate into gossip-mongering. Therefore it was wiser not to put young women on the church service roll. If they did not marry a second time, they might at least work for the maintenance of others, widows like themselves, but less able to help themselves. There must be no idling.
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