I Timothy 5: Guidance for God's Family
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Honour widows that are widows indeed.
But 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.
Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
But 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.
Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
Well 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.
But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
And 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.
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
For some are already turned aside after Satan.
If 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.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
I 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.
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
I Timothy 5 offers practical guidance on how to care for various groups within the church, emphasizing the importance of treating one another with respect and providing for those in genuine need. This chapter provides a window into the early church's values and priorities, particularly regarding the care of widows and the selection and discipline of elders. Understanding these instructions helps us apply these principles in our modern context.
Respectful Relationships (5:1-2)
Paul begins by addressing how Timothy, as a leader, should interact with different age groups within the church. He urges Timothy to treat older men with the respect due to a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, always with purity (I Timothy 5:1-2). This familial language underscores the idea that the church is a family, bound together by faith in Jesus Christ. Just as we relate to our biological family members with specific attitudes and behaviors, so too should we approach our fellow believers. This mindset transforms how we think about and respond to fellow believers.
Caring for Widows (5:3-16)
A significant portion of this chapter is dedicated to instructions regarding widows. Paul emphasizes honoring "widows who are truly widows" (I Timothy 5:3), meaning those who are genuinely in need of support. The church is to support widows who are genuinely in need (I Timothy 5:3). The care of widows and orphans is a priority for the people of God. The church should recognize and support a widow who is truly in need, has no family support, and who serves God and his people with prayers and a life that is above reproach.
However, Paul also stresses the importance of family responsibility. If a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show godliness at home and repay their parents (I Timothy 5:4). Children have an obligation to practice godliness toward their parents for the investment they made in their lives. No widow should be in want who has believing children. Importantly, if anyone will not provide for his own family members, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (I Timothy 5:8). God calls parents, and especially husbands, to provide for their families. Men are to reflect the fatherhood of God. A man who will not take care of his wife and children lies about what God is like. Believing men should also care for widows in their families because God is “a champion of widows” (Psalm 68:5). Believing men and women with widows in their families share this responsibility (I Timothy 5:16).
Paul also addresses the qualifications for widows to receive church support, stating that she must be at least sixty years old, have been faithful to her husband, and be well known for good works (I Timothy 5:9-10). A widow without family assistance is eligible for support from the church if she is at least sixty years old and was the wife of one husband (I Timothy 5:9). She should also be well known for good works—that is, deeds that glorify God and benefit other people. This would include raising children and helping those in need, such as through offering hospitality, serving the saints, and caring for the afflicted (I Timothy 5:10). A widow who has demonstrated faithful service to the church deserves the faithful support of the church.
Younger widows, however, should not be enrolled. They might make a pledge to remain a widow, but they’ll likely be drawn away and desire to get married again (I Timothy 5:11). Thus, they’ll incur condemnation for renouncing their original pledge (I Timothy 5:12). Moreover, young women with nothing to do will be tempted to be idle, to act as gossips and busybodies (I Timothy 5:13). So, instead, Paul says the younger women should marry, have children, manage their households. Through this kind of noble service and productivity, they will give the adversary no opportunity to accuse the church of promoting sin (I Timothy 5:14).
Notice that Paul does not give cultural reasons for this directive. Rather, he provides a theological and spiritual reason. By devoting her primary focus to her home, a kingdom woman protects herself and her family from Satan (I Timothy 5:15).
Honoring and Disciplining Elders (5:17-25)
The final section of I Timothy 5 focuses on the proper treatment of elders. Paul states that elders who rule well are worthy of "double honor," especially those who labor in preaching and teaching (I Timothy 5:17). The church is to be governed by elders (i.e., overseers; see 3:1-7), males designated as the spiritual leadership and final human authority of the church. They are to be considered worthy of double honor. Elders engaged in pastoral work, preaching and teaching, should not be expected to work without generous financial support (I Timothy 5:17). As Scripture says, if an ox is provided with food for his work (see Deuteronomy 25:4), how much more is a hard-working minister of the gospel worthy of his wages (I Timothy 5:18)?
He also provides guidelines for handling accusations against elders. An accusation of wrongdoing against an elder is serious business. It should not be easy for a disgruntled church member to falsely accuse an elder. Therefore, all accusations must be confirmed by two or three witnesses (I Timothy 5:19). If an elder is found guilty of unrepentantly continuing in sin, he must be rebuked publicly, so that the rest of the elders (and the congregation) will fear the consequences of sin (I Timothy 5:20). Paul delivers a solemn charge to Timothy that he carry out any cases of disciplines without prejudice or favoritism (I Timothy 5:21). God’s people see that their leaders are held to the same standards as they are—and to an even higher level.
Churches should not be too quick to appoint someone as an elder. We don’t want to unintentionally share in the sins of others because we fail to do the proper vetting of a candidate. We also do not want to fail to take the appropriate time to observe a man’s life and spiritual condition, as outlined in 3:1-7.
Paul encourages Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach and frequent illnesses. In a day before modern medicine, a moderate amount of wine provided medicinal benefits to those who needed them.
Paul reminds Timothy that, most of the time, sins and good works are obvious. Over time, then, he’ll be able to evaluate candidates for leadership in the local church by observing their lifestyles. But even those who commit sin or good works unnoticed will not be able to keep them hidden forever. What we do—whether good or bad—will come to light.
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Honour widows that are widows indeed.
But 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.
Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
But 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.
Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
Well 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.
But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
And 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.
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
For some are already turned aside after Satan.
If 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.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
I 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.
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
I Timothy 5 offers practical guidance on how to care for various groups within the church, emphasizing the importance of treating one another with respect and providing for those in genuine need. This chapter provides a window into the early church's values and priorities, particularly regarding the care of widows and the selection and discipline of elders. Understanding these instructions helps us apply these principles in our modern context.
Respectful Relationships (5:1-2)
Paul begins by addressing how Timothy, as a leader, should interact with different age groups within the church. He urges Timothy to treat older men with the respect due to a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, always with purity (I Timothy 5:1-2). This familial language underscores the idea that the church is a family, bound together by faith in Jesus Christ. Just as we relate to our biological family members with specific attitudes and behaviors, so too should we approach our fellow believers. This mindset transforms how we think about and respond to fellow believers.
Caring for Widows (5:3-16)
A significant portion of this chapter is dedicated to instructions regarding widows. Paul emphasizes honoring "widows who are truly widows" (I Timothy 5:3), meaning those who are genuinely in need of support. The church is to support widows who are genuinely in need (I Timothy 5:3). The care of widows and orphans is a priority for the people of God. The church should recognize and support a widow who is truly in need, has no family support, and who serves God and his people with prayers and a life that is above reproach.
However, Paul also stresses the importance of family responsibility. If a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show godliness at home and repay their parents (I Timothy 5:4). Children have an obligation to practice godliness toward their parents for the investment they made in their lives. No widow should be in want who has believing children. Importantly, if anyone will not provide for his own family members, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (I Timothy 5:8). God calls parents, and especially husbands, to provide for their families. Men are to reflect the fatherhood of God. A man who will not take care of his wife and children lies about what God is like. Believing men should also care for widows in their families because God is “a champion of widows” (Psalm 68:5). Believing men and women with widows in their families share this responsibility (I Timothy 5:16).
Paul also addresses the qualifications for widows to receive church support, stating that she must be at least sixty years old, have been faithful to her husband, and be well known for good works (I Timothy 5:9-10). A widow without family assistance is eligible for support from the church if she is at least sixty years old and was the wife of one husband (I Timothy 5:9). She should also be well known for good works—that is, deeds that glorify God and benefit other people. This would include raising children and helping those in need, such as through offering hospitality, serving the saints, and caring for the afflicted (I Timothy 5:10). A widow who has demonstrated faithful service to the church deserves the faithful support of the church.
Younger widows, however, should not be enrolled. They might make a pledge to remain a widow, but they’ll likely be drawn away and desire to get married again (I Timothy 5:11). Thus, they’ll incur condemnation for renouncing their original pledge (I Timothy 5:12). Moreover, young women with nothing to do will be tempted to be idle, to act as gossips and busybodies (I Timothy 5:13). So, instead, Paul says the younger women should marry, have children, manage their households. Through this kind of noble service and productivity, they will give the adversary no opportunity to accuse the church of promoting sin (I Timothy 5:14).
Notice that Paul does not give cultural reasons for this directive. Rather, he provides a theological and spiritual reason. By devoting her primary focus to her home, a kingdom woman protects herself and her family from Satan (I Timothy 5:15).
Honoring and Disciplining Elders (5:17-25)
The final section of I Timothy 5 focuses on the proper treatment of elders. Paul states that elders who rule well are worthy of "double honor," especially those who labor in preaching and teaching (I Timothy 5:17). The church is to be governed by elders (i.e., overseers; see 3:1-7), males designated as the spiritual leadership and final human authority of the church. They are to be considered worthy of double honor. Elders engaged in pastoral work, preaching and teaching, should not be expected to work without generous financial support (I Timothy 5:17). As Scripture says, if an ox is provided with food for his work (see Deuteronomy 25:4), how much more is a hard-working minister of the gospel worthy of his wages (I Timothy 5:18)?
He also provides guidelines for handling accusations against elders. An accusation of wrongdoing against an elder is serious business. It should not be easy for a disgruntled church member to falsely accuse an elder. Therefore, all accusations must be confirmed by two or three witnesses (I Timothy 5:19). If an elder is found guilty of unrepentantly continuing in sin, he must be rebuked publicly, so that the rest of the elders (and the congregation) will fear the consequences of sin (I Timothy 5:20). Paul delivers a solemn charge to Timothy that he carry out any cases of disciplines without prejudice or favoritism (I Timothy 5:21). God’s people see that their leaders are held to the same standards as they are—and to an even higher level.
Churches should not be too quick to appoint someone as an elder. We don’t want to unintentionally share in the sins of others because we fail to do the proper vetting of a candidate. We also do not want to fail to take the appropriate time to observe a man’s life and spiritual condition, as outlined in 3:1-7.
Paul encourages Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach and frequent illnesses. In a day before modern medicine, a moderate amount of wine provided medicinal benefits to those who needed them.
Paul reminds Timothy that, most of the time, sins and good works are obvious. Over time, then, he’ll be able to evaluate candidates for leadership in the local church by observing their lifestyles. But even those who commit sin or good works unnoticed will not be able to keep them hidden forever. What we do—whether good or bad—will come to light.