Reproof and Respect
Right conduct in God’s household (see 3:15) relates...
Right conduct in God’s household (see 3:15) relates to old and young (5:1–2), widows (5:3–16), elders (5:17–25), and slaves (6:1–2a). Proper honor within the household cuts across social boundaries.
1Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father.
Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Honoring True Widows
A widow without wealth or family was alone...
A widow without wealth or family was alone in a world that did not provide for her. The Christian community was expected to care for such widows among its members (see Deut 10:17–19; Isa 1:17; cp. Acts 6:1–6; Jas 1:27). Some have argued that this passage suggests a religious order of widows in the first-century church at Ephesus, but there is no certain evidence of such an order in the first-century church, only of a ministry of care for community members without means.
3Honor the widows who are truly widows. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
5The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers. 6But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive.
7Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach. 8If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, faithful to her husband, 10and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.
If Paul was concerned about remarriage to unbelievers...
If Paul was concerned about remarriage to unbelievers (cp. 5:14), their previous pledge would refer to their Christian faith, which they would surrender upon entering a pagan marriage; such a marriage would probably have alienated them from Christ. It is also possible that Paul and the church recognized a special category of “sacred widowhood” (see 5:5; cp. Acts 9:36–37), entered by a vow that Paul refers to as the previous pledge.
Young widows still in their childbearing years required...
Young widows still in their childbearing years required a different approach. Paul was concerned that the false teachers were leading them astray.
11But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry, 12and thus will incur judgment because they are setting aside their first faith. 13At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.
14So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. 15For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
16If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.
Honoring Elders
should be respected and paid well (literally should...
should be respected and paid well (literally should be worthy of double honor): Cp. Gal 6:6. There is no evidence of a paid clergy at this time; the word used here is never used for a continuous salary, though it does imply something beyond a show of respect. The quotations from Scripture (Deut 25:4; Luke 10:7) suggest gifts of money.
Elders: As in Judaism, community leaders (see also...
Elders: As in Judaism, community leaders (see also 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9) were usually older men who were leaders in the wider community. The letters to Timothy and Titus recognize an office of elders, as here (see also 1 Tim 4:14; Titus 1:5), but the word is also used generally for older men in the community (as in 1 Tim 5:1).
17Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”† and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”†
The climate created by the false teachers may...
- The climate created by the false teachers may have led to spurious charges against the leaders of the community. This passage follows the outline of Deut 19:15–21.
- two or three witnesses: See Deut 17:6; 19:15; Matt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1; Heb 10:28.
19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 20But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.
A Charge to Timothy
21I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.
22Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
These two proverbial statements summarize 5:17–23 and point...
These two proverbial statements summarize 5:17–23 and point to God’s judgment.
24The sins of some men are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others do not surface until later. 25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.