In writing to Timothy, Paul now turns his attention to the proper treatment of members in the church. He makes a brief statement mentioning that young men should give respect and reverence to older men (5:1-2). Specifically, Paul was referencing a situation when an older man was sinning and must be confronted by those who are younger. Instead of arrogantly approaching the sinning older man, the younger men should address him with love and kindness. After making this brief statement to the younger men, Paul uses the great majority of his words in chapter 5 discussing proper treatment of women who have lost their husbands (widows). Paul states the obvious reminding his readers to honor widows (5:3), but gives further instructions on the differences between older and younger widows. In verse 4, Paul gives a command to the family of a widow to take care of her so the church is not burdened with the situation. Children and grandchildren have the first responsibility to care for a widowed woman. However, if a woman is widowed and left with no family to care for her, let her be dependent on God for help continuing to live a godly life and the church will take care of her needs (5:5-7). Restating what he has already said, Paul again challenges children and grandchildren to care for a widowed woman, declaring that anyone who refuses to do so is worse than an unbeliever (5:8). Paul then defines older widows as those who are over the age of sixty and have lived a godly life – these women are to be given the proper respect. Younger widows, who almost always desire to marry again, should “marry, bear children, manage the house, and give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully” (5:14). Apparently some of the younger widows were causing problems in the church (5:12-13) and Paul wanted the church to only take care of those who were seeking a godly life (5:16).
Dear God, help me to properly take care of those who are widowed. Give me compassion and generosity toward them.
