Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Timothy 5

Proper behavior in God's spiritual household involves everyone, including:

• the old and young (5:1–2),

• widows (5:3–16),

• old people (5:17–25), and

• slaves (6:1–2a).

Showing respect within the household goes beyond social boundaries.

A widow without wealth or family was alone in a world that did not support her. The Christian community was expected to care for such widows among its members (see Deuteronomy 10:17–19; Isaiah 1:17; compare Acts 6:1–6; James 1:27). Some suggest this passage implies a religious order of widows in the first-century AD church at Ephesus. However, there is no obvious evidence of such an order, only of a ministry to help community members without financial means.

The widow who is truly in need and left all alone: Women in this situation could only rely on their hope in God (Psalms 68:5; 146:9).

but she who lives for pleasure: Some widows in Ephesus lived only for pleasure. They cared more about receiving than giving to others (see also 6:17–19; James 5:5). They did not need support.

The faith of the Christians was and is more than just belief. It is a complete way of living (see James 2:14–26).

• at least sixty: Young widows needed a different approach (5:11–15). People were usually divided between young and old at around forty. Elderly people were probably those over fifty (see Titus 2:2).

• the wife of one man: The grammar is the same in 1 Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6.

washing the feet of the saints: See Genesis 18:4; Luke 7:44; John 13:1–17.

their first faith: If Paul was concerned about a second marriage to non-Christians, this phrase might refer to their Christian faith (see 5:14). They would give up this faith by entering a marriage with a pagan (worshiper of false gods). This would probably separate them from Christ. It is also possible that Paul and the church recognized a special category of “sacred widowhood” (see 5:5; compare Acts 9:36–37). These widows entered this category by making a vow.

Younger widows who could still have children needed a different approach. Paul worried that false teachers were leading them into error.

• Those fully supported by the church rarely dedicate their lives to a true commitment (see 2:9–10; 5:10). Abusing the church’s support harms both them and the gospel (good news) (see 5:14).

• discussing things they should not mention: This suggests involvement in false teachings (5:15; see 2 Thessalonians 3:11–13; Titus 1:11).

• Paul advises younger widows to marry again and to marry Christians (5:11–12; see also 2:15).

• denying the adversary occasion for slander: Their actions were harming their testimony for the good news about Jesus (see 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12; Titus 2:8).

already turned aside to follow Satan: They had turned away from Christ, probably because of false teachers and how they indulge themselves (1:6–7; compare 3:6–7; Hebrews 2:1; 1 Timothy 5:6, 13).

Individual Christian households kept their roles and identities within the church (see 2:15; 3:15). The church did not control them. However, the household of God is central to the identity of the Christian community (see Mark 3:31–35).

are worthy of double honor: Compare Galatians 6:6. There is no evidence of paid leadership at this time. The word used here never refers to a continuous salary. But it does imply more than just respect. The quotations from Scripture suggest gifts of money (Deuteronomy 25:4; Luke 10:7).

Elders: In Judaism, community leaders were usually older men who led the wider community. The letters to Timothy acknowledge an office of elders (Greek presbuteroi) called "overseers" (see also 3:1–7). Titus lists both offices (Titus 1:5–9). But the term also refers to older men in the community (as in 1 Timothy 4:14; Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 5:1).

• The false teachers may have caused false accusations against Christian leaders. This passage follows the outline of Deuteronomy 19:15–21.

• two or three witnesses: See Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Hebrews 10:28.

• Those who persist in sin: This refers to someone accused, whether the accusation is true or false (Deuteronomy 19:16–19).

• the others: This could mean the other elders or the rest of the church (compare Deuteronomy 19:20; Acts 5:1–11).

• God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels serve as three witnesses (5:19). These witnesses confirm accusations against leaders who sin (5:20).

• Angels represent a connection to God's judgment (Daniel 7:9–10; Matthew 13:49; 25:31, 41; Luke 9:26; 2 Thessalonians 1:7).

Do not … share in the sins of others: Those who ordain or appoint an elder are accountable for his actions.

The concern with being pure might have been excessive regarding wine or food (5:22; see 3:3; Numbers 6:1–21; 1 Corinthians 10:21). People may have considered wine as medicine.

These two wise sayings summarize 5:17–23 and emphasize God's judgment.