1 Timothy 5:1-16

 (1) Main theme

Church should help widows who are truly in need v. 3, 5, 16. Widows who still had families should let them support her and not the church v.4, 8, 16.  Widows supported by the church should be beyond reproach v.7 (same requirement as the overseers 3:2), 60 and above, was the wife of one husband ( same requirement as the overseers 3:2) and has a good reputation  ( same requirement as the overseers 3:7)

(2) Problem

a. 5:6 But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.

lives for pleasure-(BDAG) to indulge oneself beyond the bounds of propriety, live luxuriously/voluptuously. 

Same word in James 5:5 You have lived indulgently and luxuriously on the earth. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.

b. 5:11 But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry, 5:12 and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge.

 their passions may lead them away from Christ-(BDAG) when they feel sensuous impulses that alienate them from Christ

former pledge-(BDAG) a solemn promise to be faithful and loyal, assurance, oath, troth

The contend did not tell us about the pledge? Was it a pledge never to marry again? And if they marry then they broke that it means they were unfaithful to God??  Alternative view: (NAC) Although Paul did not mention this, the widows’ problem may have come when they married an unbeliever in opposition to biblical commands (see the discussion of similar issues in 1 Cor 7:32–40).

c. 5:13 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.5:14 So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us.5:15 For some have already wandered away to follow Satan

(BKC) younger and more energetic widows would have a more difficult time resisting the temptations connected with idleness. With the congregation supporting them, their time normally given to maintaining a living would be free. Instead of giving this time to the service of Christ in visitation and counseling,

(3) Reflection: Widows who were being supported by the church has to meet certain standard. The standard is almost identical to the overseers. People will see see them as representative of the church. No believers are exempt and will be viewed like that. Are you above reproach? Is your marriage pure? Do you have good reputation?

Church needed to have wisdom to determine who to support. Some people should not be supported just because there is someone else who should take up the responsibility (their family). Some needs to be monitor so that they did not live luxuriously with the money from the church. Some should not be included because of their age they are more suspected to temptation. Is our church wise in how to spend our resources? Are you wise in choosing which charity to support?

Audrey