FIRST TIMOTHY
Chapter Five
DEALING WITH DIFFERENT AGES AND CLASSES OF PEOPLE
(vs 1) "Rebuke not" -- But, "exhort."
"elder" -- an older man. Though the word "elder" often refers
to the overseer of the congregation (Acts 20:17; 1 Pet.
5:1; 1 Tim. 5:17); it also refers simply to one who is
"older" in years. The meaning here, for it is
contrasted with "the younger men."
"as a father" -- kindly, considerate, with respect.
"younger...brother" -- as equal, in love.
(vs 2) "elder women" -- older.
"mother" -- respect, honor, affectionately.
"younger" -- treat as you would a sister.
"in all purity" -- proper moral conduct. Timothy, keep
yourself free from any misconduct with reference to
any, especially younger women.
NOTE: How careful preachers must be when counselling
women, especially younger women.
(vs 3) "Honor" -- Not only respect, but financial assistance also.
Cf. Acts 6:1-2.
"widows indeed" -- Widows who meet certain criterion as
described in the following verses.
(vs 4) Paul places an obligation upon children and grandchildren to
care for their mother, grandmother. This is but small
payment for all they have done for us.
"requite" -- Repay with love and affections, care and concern
"sight of God" -- He sees and knows.
NOTE: These are not options, these are requirements.
(vs 5) "A widow indeed" -- Requirements:
(1) She must be desolate; utterly alone; no income.
(2) Without children or grandchildren, who will care
for her.
(3) One serving God, with supplications and prayer.
(vs 6) The negative side: (4) Keeping herself free from sin.
"pleasure" -- Ephesus offered many opportunities to live a
life of "pleasure," sinful practices.
NOTE: She "giveth herself" -- It is by choice.
"dead" -- spiritual separation from Jehovah. One can be alive
in the flesh, but dead spiritually.
NOTE: This is why one must crucify the flesh and be
buried in the grave of baptism, to be raised to walk in
newness of life. Rom. 6:1-11. Alive spiritually!!
(vs 7) "command" -- The obligation of Timothy to teach these things.
"without reproach" -- pleasing to God.
(vs 8) "his own household" -- family, parent, grandparent.
"the faith" -- the system of faith, the gospel.
"worse than an unbeliever" -- even the unbeliever understands
the responsibility toward one's family, parents, etc.
(vs 9) "be enrolled" -- receiving financial assistance on a regular
basis.
"three score years" -- Why this age? In this context Paul
describes the actions of those who are younger; thus,
the widow "indeed" must not be younger.
"husband of one wife" -- not a bigamist, or an adulteress,
who had been divorced, but had been faithful to her
marriage vows.
(vs 10) "good works" -- her demeanor, life as a child of God. Paul
then list some of these good works:
"brought up children" -- rearing children who are a credit to
the world and especially to the church.
"hospitality to strangers" -- those outside of her family.
"washed saints' feet" -- a show of hospitality, and humility.
Sandals were often worn and it was a mark of
hospitality to provide for the feet to be washed. In
our day it would be providing some menial service.
Never regarded as a "church ordinance," but rather an
act of kindness, a good work.
"relieved the afflicted" -- none out of reach for her to show
her care and concern.
"good work" -- she is admired for the deeds done.
(vs 11) "younger women" -- less than 60.
"refuse" -- Do not "enroll" them. They are not to receive
regular support from the church.
"wanton" -- indulging in desires that are contrary to the
will of Christ.
"desire to marry" -- being younger, they desire a husband.
The temptation to marry would be stronger.
(vs 12) "having condemnation" -- Heaven's disapproval, having
rejected her "pledge" or promise to Christ.
"first pledge" -- Seems to indicate that those who were
"enrolled" took on a promise (pledge) of fidelity to
Christ.
(vs 13) If they were "enrolled," supported by the church, they would
have more time to be idle; to listen to and repeat
gossip; become busybodies, doing and saying things they
ought not to do and say.
(vs 14) Paul now gives advice as to what younger women should do:
"bear children, rule household" -- this takes the place of
idle time and being a busybody. Cf. Titus 2:4-5.
"adversary" -- Those who would oppose the church and God's
children. How important that our "light" shines in a
positive manner. Satan's workers are constantly
watching the actions of the family of God.
(vs 15) Some had already turned aside from following Christ. The
danger and possibility of apostasy is ever present in
the family of God.
NOTE: As difficult as it is to accept, there have always
been those who have left the faith. 2 Tim. 4:10.
(vs 16) If at all possible, each one should do the best they can to
care for their own, that the church can care for those
who have no one to provide for them.
CONCERNING ELDERS
(vs 17) "elders...rule" -- Elders have oversight, directing the
affairs of the congregation, looking after the souls of
the members.
"double honor" -- (1) respect and honor of the members, and
(2) financial assistance if needed. It seems that some
of the elders at that time were devoting their full
time to the work, thus, can be supported by the
congregation. Thus,
"labor in word and teaching" -- spent their full time in
this.
(vs 18) Deut. 25:4 -- The law required this.
Jesus taught it. Lk. 10:7
NOTE: Paul uses the same language in discussing the
support of a preacher. 1 Cor. 9:3-14.
(vs 19) Do not take an accusation against an elder, unless it is
confirmed by witnesses. The O. T. required 2-3
witnesses. Deut. 19:15.
This suggests that accusations against elders would
come. Perhaps elders should expect criticism.
NOTE: It has been my policy to ask of a critic of
any member of the church that he/she sign their name to
their complaint.
(vs 20) When an accusation has been verified, something must be
done.
"sight of all" -- before the congregation who appointed them
to the office. Sin cannot be ignored or covered up.
"rest may...fear" -- That others might not be tempted to
commit the same sin(s).
(vs 21) "I charge thee" -- very important, Timothy, you have a great
responsibility.
"God, Christ, angels" -- Heaven is watching, be sure you
fulfil your obligations.
"without prejudice" -- reaching a conclusion without all of
the facts; pre-judge.
"partiality" -- decisions made because of personal advantage.
(vs 22) "Lay hands" -- The laying on of hands for setting men into
office was common during this time. Cf. Acts 13:1-3;
2 Tim. 1:6; 1 Tim. 4:14; Acts 6:1-6. Timothy as an
evangelist would take part in this.
It is possible that Paul has reference to not
"receiving an accusation" (vs 19) against an elder
without ample proof; do not accept a hasty charge.
"neither be partaker" -- Do not allow another's sins (false
charges) to draw you into unjust accusations.
"keep thyself pure" -- Timothy, you have an obligation to
keep your motives and actions clean, pure.
(vs 23) Timothy refrained from the use of wine and strong drink.
Paul is advising Timothy to "use a little wine" for
medicinal purposes. Drink no longer water alone, but
drink a little wine, as a medicine.
NOTE: This does not justify the use of wine as a
beverage. In fact, the very opposite is taught.
Timothy, as a young man, refused to use wine at
all, even in the case of sickness. Paul said a
little wine would be all right, if ill.
(vs 24) I believe Paul returns to the thought of appointing elders.
Do Not do this hastily (vs 22). Be sure that their
character is beyone reproach, because...
"sin's are evident" -- Sin is obvious in the lifes of some;
they will be judged for them.
"some men they follow after" -- Others sins are not as
obvious; difficult to see.
(vs 25) "Likewise" -- The opposite is true also.
"good works...evident" -- The good works of some are known by
all.
"such as are otherwise" -- Those not good will be exposed.
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