How godly Widows should act
January 14, 2023
Commentary
In this passage, Paul identifies two kinds of widows: those who should receive extra help from the church and those who should not. Here are Paul’s qualifications for worthy widows: (1) Not less than 60 Years old (v. 9). She should be elderly. The implication is that she would be gladly working if able, but she has reached the age when that is no longer possible. (2) Having been the wife of one husband (v. 9). This implies faithfulness to one man all his days, but it also indicates she only has one inheritance to live off. She did not remarry over and over again. (3) Having a Reputation for Good Works (v. 10). Paul lists off some examples of good works: (1) child raising, (2) hospitality, (3) feet washing, (4) caring for the afflicted, & (5) devoted to every good work (v. 10).
There is a warning about allowing the “charity” ministry of the church to encourage people to be idle (vv. 9-10). The church certainly needs to help those who need help but should not subsidize those who are not deserving. Every person who is able needs to have a job to do. There is definite connection between idleness and getting involved in sinful practices.
God’s special care for the widows is a recurring theme in Scripture (Deut. 14:29; Psa. 94:6; Mal. 3:5) It was only right that the local church show compassion to these women who were in need. The church cannot care for all the widows in their city, but it should care for all the believers who are a part of its fellowship. Godly widows are often the spiritual powerhouse in the church and the backbone of the prayer meetings. Special instruction is given for younger widows as they are encouraged to marry again and get busy serving others (vv. 11-16). One thing that widows can do is provide hospitality for God’s servants who are traveling.
Application
Have each person in my family think of someone who has been a big help to them spiritually. Then ask if adequate appreciation has been expressed to them. If they depend on the gifts of God’s people for food, clothing, and shelter maybe as a family we could send some financial support as a token of appreciation.
1 Timothy 5:9– 16 (NET)
9 No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband, 10 and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress—as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works. 11 But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry, 12 and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge. 13 And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not. 14 So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us. 15 For some have already wandered away to follow Satan. 16 If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need.
Illustration: Intelligent Conversation
A lady had an appointment with a marriage counselor, and told him: “I would like to divorce my husband.” To this, the counselor replied, “ Do you have any grounds?” She answered, “Why yes. We have almost an acre.” The puzzled counselor asked her, “You don’t understand. What I want to know is do you and your husband have a grudge?” The lady answered, “Actually, we don’t, but we do have a nice carport.” At this, the counselor shook his head and said, “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but I just don’t see any reason why you should divorce your husband.” The lady looked at the counselor and said to him, “It’s just that the man can’t carry on an intelligent conversation." (Source Unknown)