Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. For some have already strayed after Satan. If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
The topic of widows in the church: what role do they play and how are they to be treated?
Well the chapter begins with a general introduction about the different groups of people that make up the church and how they are to be seen and cared for. Paul makes 4 early comparisons:
- Older men should be respected as a father.
- Younger men should be viewed as brothers, not placing yourself above them.
- Older women should be treated gently as a mother.
- Younger women should be protected like a sister, especially in purity.
But starting in v3, Paul focuses in on the women (picking up on the men later in the chapter). He discusses the importance of caring for the widows, a theme in the Bible that stretches way back into the Old Testament where God commonly commanded His people to care for the orphans and widows. Here, Paul commands the church to care for the widows in their church and community who are truly in need of help.
However, there is a qualifier. If the widow has a family still (children or grandchildren) then the family should be the ones who care for the widow. The responsibility falls on their shoulders. But if this support is not present for the widow, then Paul commands the church to step in and assume responsibility. Also, Paul says that these widows must be involved in the church, staying true to the faith. He commands the widows to basically do their part, continuing to grow in God, praying, reading Scripture, and living above reproach.
V9 throws an interesting twist to the passage that is disputed. Some say that this next section is about a group of widows who have a specific role in the church, a specific ministry. So the characteristics/qualities apply to those who can be in this leadership position. Others say that these are the qualifications for being considered on the list of widows that the church will support. I tend to side with the first explanation, but either way these are good, general qualities as to how a widow (and really anyone) should live.
Marriage is important, and here Paul commands "one husband." But since he later encourages younger widows to remarry, this must mean one husband at a time, not one husband in a lifetime. This shows that the woman has true commitment to her husband. She must also have a good reputation in good works, which will primarily be seen through the way she ministers to her family. She must also be humble, a servant, one who cares for those hurting around her. Again, these are all general characteristics that we could all follow.
The reason I think this list was for older women in the church to form a specific ministry is because they could care for and watch out for the younger widows of the church and aid any women struggling in life. But also, if this was a list for those who could receive support, then all women under 60 would be cut out, not receiving any support from the church, which would seem to contradict God's command to care for all widows. Although Paul commands the younger widows to remarry (because they still have that passion and it is better to be married), some might not remarry. So where would that leave them? Should the church then leave them out to dry?
This passage specifically deals with the church's relationship and care for widows, but it can apply to many other groups as well. We are a model of Christ, and Christ cared for all men who were hurting. We must do the same, helping anyone who needs help in this life. If we do not show the world the love of Christ, who will?
Matt
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