1 Timothy
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1 Timothy 5
1 Timothy 5
1Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:
1Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
Commentary · verse 1
2the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
3Honor widows that are widows indeed.
4But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
3Honour widows that are widows indeed.
4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
Commentary · verses 2-4
Children and grandchildren ought to first show piety (actions of reverence) towards their widowed grandmothers before this became the church's responsibility.
5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
6But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth.
7These things also command, that they may be without reproach.
8But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Commentary · verses 5-8
We should be providing for our own families, especially those in our own homes. To "provide" meant "to perceive before, foresee, think of beforehand, to take thought for, care for a thing." These were all effects of putting one's family's best interest ahead of his own.
9Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.
9Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Commentary · verses 9-10
Paul's advice was to only employ women who had been widowed and were sixty years or older.
11But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; 12having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.
13And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
14I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling: 15for already some are turned aside after Satan.
11But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
12Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
13And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
14I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
15For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Commentary · verses 11-15
Paul was concerned that women younger than sixty would want to remarry. Their attempt to focus on working for the church would actually lead to idleness and being busybodies which would cause them to follow Satan. Paul supported his belief by saying this had already occurred.
16If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
16If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Commentary · verses 16-17
Elders that rule were what we would today call pastors. We saw in the Book of Acts that elders were similar to modern day pastors because the church was supposed to be led by many pastors, not just one. Elders will be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who DO the word and teaching (Doctrine). What about elders who do not the word and teaching (Doctrine)? If elders who rule well are given double honor, it is Just for elders who do not rule well to lose double honor.
18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.
19Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.
18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
19Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
Commentary · verses 18-19
Paul referenced Deuteronomy 25:4. These verses make more sense when seen as dealing with pastors. Pastors (elders) ought to be able to gain from their work for the church, just like an ox can eat while working. Paul stated that no one should accuse an elder/pastor unless it was with two or three witnesses.
20Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Commentary · verse 20
Those that sin should be reproved in front of all. Notice, this verse came after Paul's advice on accusations against elders/pastors would state that if the elders/pastors were in sin, they ought to be reproved in front of the entire church. Verses 19-20 were a concise version of Matthew 18:15-17.
21I charge thee in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.
21I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
Commentary · verse 21
Do these things (verses 19-20) in order and without prejudice. This meant that all believers were subject to being confronted when they trespassed against another believer, including elders/pastors. Confronting everyone except elders/pastors would actually be proving that the elders/pastors were the least excellent/worthy people in the church.
22Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
Commentary · verse 22
Doctrine: Keep thyself pure. This was the contrastive way of stating "flee fornication."
23Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
Commentary · verse 23
Paul stated there was a medicinal benefit from drinking wine.
24Some men’s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after.
25In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.
24Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
25Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Commentary · verses 24-25
Theme of Chapter 5: Paul covered specific guidelines for dealing with elders/pastors and widows.
Do not rebuke (to strike upon, beat upon) an elder. This usage of "rebuke" was the Greek word epiplēssō and this was the only time it was used in the New Testament. This word may have not only meant a "physical" strike or beating but it was clearly something that was not in the long term best interest of the elder. An "elder" ought to be confronted by a person coming along side him: exhort.