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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY

CHAPTER FIVE:
“HOW TO TREAT CHURCH MEMBERS”

1 Timothy 5:1-2 – Church Members

1TM5:1 Do not rebuke an elderly man, 197 rather entreat him as a father, young men as brothers, 198

197

Do not rebuke an elderly man: Or, KJV: rebuke not an elder; WEY never a sharp reprimand; BER: do not chide; NEB: never be harsh. Given the Jewish background to the early Church where all had to rise when a man with gray hair entered the room, Paul makes sure the young minister remembers to be respectful to age. [Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 16:31; 20:29] Though some render this elder, possibly regarding the office, most observe the context and apply it to an elderly Christian. Old age began at 40, priests retired at 50, and the mighty lived to be 80 or more. This injunction form Paul is just plain good manners.

198

Young men as brothers: “Young men” are mentioned in Proverbs 20:29, Acts 2:17; 5:10, 1 John 2:13, 14. Isaac is called a young boy at the age of 25. It seems fair to categorize young men as those between 20 to 39. Priests could begin to serve at 30. It is likely Timothy himself fell into this group and was encouraged to treat such as his brothers.

1TM5:2 elderly women as mothers, 199 and younger women as sisters in all purity. 200

199	Elderly women as mothers: Those over 40. [Compare Titus 2:3.] Timothy was to be respectful to these Christian ladies who would no doubt treat him as a son on occasion, regardless of his apostolic appointments.

200

Younger women as sisters in all purity: Or, chastity, modesty. There is no more desirable “catch” than a vigorous young man devoted to the Church with the trappings of apostolic appointments. We can imagine more than one pretty young lady wanted to catch Timothy’s eye. He would have to view them as sisters and not allow himself to get into situations and circumstances which could lead to difficulties. Note Paul’s later counsel in 2 Timothy 2:22. It is a sad fact that many pastors and evangelists have taken advantage of younger women under their oversight. Such will be repaid according to heir behavior.

1 Timothy 5:3-16 – Women and Widows

1TM5:3 Honor widows who are genuine widows. 201

201

Honor widows who are genuine widows: On widows under the Law see Exodus 22:22-24; Leviticus 22:13; Deuteronomy 14:28, 29; 16:10-14; 24:19-21; 26:12, 13. Note Jesus concern for widows. [Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:46, 47] The first case of need among widows in the Church is recorded at Acts 6:1-6. Paul goes on to define what is a “genuine” or real widow.

1TM5:4 However, if any widow has children or grandchildren, 202 let these learn first to demonstrate godliness to their own household, 203 and to repay their parents, 204 for this is acceptable in the sight of The God. 205

202	If any widow has children or grandchildren: The KJV has “nephews.” Many men died in the Roman wars or under persecution.

203	Let these learn first to demonstrate godliness to their own household: This seems to mean that before the congregation offers aid, her own family ought to demonstrate their godliness by providing the proper care. [See notes on 1 Timothy 5:8.]

204

Repay their parents: Or, requite, return remuneration, return the care, pay the debt they owe their parents, repay their obligation. Having raised their children from babies into their teens, the children owe a debt of 15 years or more to their parents. Compare our Master’s teaching at Matthew 15:4. When the commandments said, “honor your mother and father” it meant a material recompense. [Ephesians 6:2]

205	This is acceptable in the sight of The God: God is aware of a son or daughter’s treatment of their parents. [Proverbs 23:22]

1TM5:5 Now, the genuine widow 206 [is one] who is now alone, resting her hope in God, and continuing in supplications and prayers night and day.

206	The genuine widow: Paul describe the real widow as one without a family who is a true Christian woman characterized by faith and constant prayers. It is noteworthy in what follows what Paul omits.

1TM5:6 However, the [widow] living in pleasure has died though living. 207

207	The [widow] living in pleasure has died though living: Evidently a young widow who is now free to seek out pleasure which is unchristian. [Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13]

1TM5:7 Command these [widows] to be beyond reproach. 208

208	Command these [widows] to be beyond reproach: Or, blameless, irreproachable, no call for censure. Here is the word “command” again. Timothy is authorized by Paul to give commands or order in certain situations where the morals and doctrinal purity of the Church is in danger. [1 Timothy 4:11]

1TM5:8 But if any one – especially household members – does not provide for their own relatives, has denied the Faith 209 and is worse than an unbeliever. 210

209

Does not provide for their own relatives, has denied the Faith: Or, KJV: but if any provide not for his own… has denied the faith; WEY: makes no provision disowned the faith; WMS: fails to provide; MOF: repudiated the faith. [Isaiah 58:7] The main thrust here is with regard to widows, though the point may be applied to other family members.

210	Worse than an unbeliever: Or, infidel, has no faith, heathen. Any worship rendered by such a person is worthless. [James 1:27] They have behaved as those Christian goats in Jesus’ parable. [Matthew 25:31-46; Galatians 6:10]

1TM5:9 Let a widow be put on the [congregation] list 211 who has lived sixty years, 212 a wife of one husband, 213

211	List: That is the congregation list of those deserving of aid as widows. [James 1:27] Paul goes on to provide another list involving eight requirements.

212	Lived sixty years: We get an idea of the age group of an older, genuine widow is over 60.

213	A wife of one husband: Or, MOF: married only once. This is the opposite of the requirement for an elder, “the husband of one wife.” [1 Timothy 3:2] Obviously, the Christian woman has been married, her husband died, and she never remarried.

1TM5:10 her deeds well-known, 214 raised children, 215 showed hospitality, 216 washed the feet of saints, 217 assisted the oppressed, 218

214	Her deeds well-known: Or, reported for good works, a reputation for doing good deeds. What deeds? Consider the example how godly woman convinced Peter of a dead sister’s good deeds. [Acts 9:39; 1 Timothy 2:10]

215

Raised children: For some reason this widow raised children who are either unable or no longer providing for her needs. [1 Timothy 2:15] There can be no question that generally Paul advised Christian women to marry and rear children. The two billion professing Christians in the world today is evidence of the success of this direction.

216	Showed hospitality: Or, lodged strangers, kind to travelers. Compare notes on Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9, 3 John 8 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. Like an elder the widow must be characterized by hospitality, or love of strangers.

217

Washed the feet of saints: Compare John 13:5, 14. Some view this as an ongoing command of the Master Jesus. Others view it as a custom practiced when people wore sandals. However, much of the world still goes barefoot or wears sandals. There seems no reason to discourage the practice in modern times, though local congregations may determined to what extent they would observe this. There are other ways to “wash someone’s feet” as in displays of kindness and humble service.

218

Assisted the oppressed: Or, relieved the afflicted, assisted those in distress, who are in trouble, given relief. There is a saying that what goes around comes around. This woman is not an isolated hermit who ignores the world. She has been aware of a need in the past and fulfilled it. Because she has been so kind to others, she now deserves the congregation’s aid in return. [James 1:27]

1TM5:11 devoted to every good work. 219 However, refuse younger widows 220 – because whenever they begin to feel sexually impetuous 221 they wish to marry 222 [and so they abandon] Christ,

219	Devoted to every good work: Or, devoted to all kinds of good works, Research good works in Nazarene Commentary 2000© for details on what these might be. [Proverbs 31:27] Generally these are works of charity.

220	Refuse younger widows: Less than 60 years old.

221

They begin to feel sexually impetuous: Or, wax wanton against Christ, sensual desires, make them chafe against Christ, their youthful vigor. Paul recommends that widows remain as he – unmarried. [1 Corinthians 7:8, 9] This gives us some insight into the early Church’s attitude toward sexual relations.

222	They wish to marry: Paul discourages such though he goes on to encourage the same. “They do not sin,” Paul writes. [1 Corinthians 7:28]

1TM5:12 having come under condemnation because they violated their first pledge. 223

223

Come under condemnation because they violated their first pledge: Or, KJV: having damnation because they have cast off their first faith; RHM: a sentence that their first faith they have set at naught; ALF: bearing a judgment because they made void there first faith; BER: breaking their prime engagement. It is clear from this that sexual relations and marital intimacy were placed second to devotion to Christ. [Revelation 2:4]

1TM5:13 Additionally, they learn to be idle, 224 going around to houses. 225 And, not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, 226 speaking of things they should not. 227

224	They learn to be idle: Or, lazy, idleness, slackness, unoccupied. Paul wants young widows to busy themselves in good works as the genuine widow above.

225	Going around to houses: Or, KJV: going from house to house; MOF: gadding about. They are off to visit with other women in different parts of town. In other words, they are not just lazy but they waste valuable time better spent in caring for the needs of others. [James 1:27 KJV]

226

Gossips and busybodies: Or, tattlers, over-interested in the business of others, meddling, interfere. This type of woman is destructive to the unity and peace of the congregation. Compare the following warnings against slander. [Leviticus 19:16; Psalm 101:5; Proverbs 11:13; 16:28; 18:8; 26:22] See the notes on 1 Timothy 3:11 where a slanderous woman cannot serve as a deaconess.

227	Speaking of things they should not: Or, MON: repeating things they ought not. Compare notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:11, 1 Timothy 3:11, 1 Peter 4:15. Judging from 2 Thessalonians 3:11 such slander may be a reason to shun the individual.

1TM5:14 Therefore, I counsel younger [widows] to marry, 228 bear children, 229 rule the house, 230 and give no occasion to the Adversary for the sake of reproach. 231

228	Therefore, I counsel younger [widows] to marry: Because of the foregoing problems of being a young widow and unoccupied with children, Paul advises the best course is to marry. He explains why in the following. [1 Corinthians 7:9]

229	Bear children: Nowhere does Paul counsel refraining from having children in order to serve God. Compare notes on 1 Timothy 2:15. [Genesis 1:28]

230

Rule the house: Or, guide the house, mistress of, manage, controlling their families. The Greek word for “rule” is different from that of the elder who “stands before” his family. How a woman manages her home is seen from Proverbs 31:10-31, which every Christian sister should be familiar with. Most men realize that the house is the woman’s nest and he does best who allows her freedom to prepare her house as she sees fit.

231

Give no occasion to the Adversary for the sake of reproach: Or, RHM: giving no single occasion to the opposer as a cause of reviling; TCNT: so avoid giving the enemy an opportunity for scandal. This is the prime motive behind Paul’s counsel: to protect the Church from reproach in the community. [Titus 2:8] It is also possible that this is “the Adversary” – the Devil.

1TM5:15 Already some [widows] were turned out to follow Satan. 232

232	Already some [widows] were turned out to follow Satan: In the first three decades of Christianity already some female followers of Christ had returned to the world.

1TM5:16 If any believing woman has relatives 233 let her assist them and not let the congregation be burdened, 234 so that [the congregation] may assist those genuine widows.

233	If any believing woman has relatives: Or, KJV: man or woman; GDS: widowed relatives; NWT: bereaved widows. Literally this is “has widows.”

234

Let her assist them and not let the congregation be burdened: Or, assist them, help them, look after them. [1 Timothy 5:10] The early Church was not a wealthy institution. Most local congregations were poor and could hardly care for themselves. The family is first responsible for its own and the Church for those who are truly in need without outside help.

1 Timothy 5:17-25 – Dealing with Elders

1TM5:17 Let those elders who rule well 235 be considered worthy of double honor, 236 especially those who labor in the Word and teaching. 237

235

Let those elders who rule well: The Geek for “rule” is PRO-ESTOTES [Strong’s Concordance #4291, to stand before (in rank), maintain, be over]. Or, preside well, efficient presidents, who do their duties well, a gift of leadership. Compare notes on Romans 12:8, Hebrews 13:17, and 1 Peter 5:2. The Presiding Elder served as a benevolent monarch characterized by service to others.

236

Considered worthy of double honor: Or, twofold honor, especial consideration, double reward, deserving twice the salary, double stipend. The word “honor” often includes a monetary sense. Read 1 Corinthians chapter 9 regarding why hard-working elders could “refrain form secular work.” Note the “honor” in Acts 28:10. Though this was the case, elders often worked to defray costs and not be a burden on the congregation as Paul sets the example in tent making. Indeed, those who took advantage of the congregation were to be “marked.” [2 Thessalonians 3:6, 8-15]

237

Those who labor in the Word and teaching: Or, labour in the word and doctrine, toil in discourse. Not all elders are free to devote a large portion of their time to the Church. Paul encourages “double honor” to those elders who are deeply into the Word, doctrine, and teaching in the congregation. [1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:7] One of an elder’s primary duties is to preserve the doctrinal purity of the Church.

1TM5:18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain.” 238 [Deuteronomy 25:4] And, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 239 [Matthew 10:10]

238	You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain: Paul quotes Deuteronomy 25:4 just as he does at 1 Corinthians 9:9. It is worth reading 1 Corinthians chapter 9 regarding the reasons why the congregation should assist hard working elders. Paul extends his comments on Deuteronomy 25:4.

239	The worker is worthy of his wages: Paul makes a rare quote of the Nazarene, here referring to Matthew 10:10. He also alludes to this verse in 1 Corinthians 9:14. It is his argument that those elders who minister in a fine way deserve financial assistance without being a burden on the congregation.

1TM5:19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder 240 unless there is testimony from two or three witnesses. [Deuteronomy 19:15]

240

Do not accept an accusation against an elder: Or, WEY: never entertain an accusation against; WEY: make it a rule not to consider a charge. A major problem a traveling overseer has is when he is approached by a congregation member with a complaint against an elder. Paul alludes to Deuteronomy 19:15 and charges Timothy to make sure there are proper witnesses to any wrongdoing. Deuteronomy 19:15 is a very also referenced at Matthew 18:16, John 8:17, 2 Corinthians 13:1.

1TM5:20 Expose before all those [elders] who habitually sinned 241 so that all the rest [of the congregation] may have fear. 242

241

Expose before all those [elders] who habitually sinned: Or, rebuke before all, in the presence of all, public rebuke, expose in public. The context and the Greek construct argue that Paul has in mind elders and not church members in general. He does not state what these sins might be – though much in First Timothy would outline such – but surely they are grave. Nor, does he state the elder is removed from his office, though that might be the case. The important matter is that the elder is chastised before the whole congregation as an example. This public reproof is a difficult thing to do but an elder must have what it takes to do so. Compare Ephesians 5:11 and Titus 1:9. [Proverbs 28:23]

242

So that all the rest [of the congregation] may have fear: Or, PME: as a salutary warning to others. If the elders are treated one way, and congregation members another, it breeds disunity and destructiveness in the Church. Paul uses the Greek PHOBON from which comes the English “phobia.” This is a healthy “fear” and it serves as a protection. Research the word fear in the Christian Bible. [Deuteronomy 13:11] Note how Paul does this with Peter. [Galatians 2:14]

1TM5:21 I earnestly testify, in the sight of The God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, 243 that you keep these things without pre-judgment, 244 doing nothing out of partiality. 245

243

The God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels: Here is a clear triune formula where Paul could have surely replaced the “chosen angels” with Holy Spirit. It is clear Christ Jesus is not TOU THEOU [HO THEOS], or God. If it were argued that three mentioned together amount to a Trinity, then here is such lacking the Holy Spirit.

244

Keep these things without pre-judgment: Or, without preferring, prejudging, prejudice, bias, discrimination. It is not unknown when several congregation members, as well as elders, may create a case against an elder. It is a sad fact that political intrigues will occur in the Church as long as there are jealous and ambitious persons. [Compare 1 Corinthians 3:1, 3 and Galatians 2:4.] Timothy, and any modern elder in his circumstances, must weigh all the facts without prejudice.

245	Doing nothing out of partiality: Or, no favoritism, without a preference. It is particularly difficult if one who is a friend, or well respected, or a relative has fallen into sin. Timothy is acting as a judge and such must be completely impartial. [Leviticus 19:15; James 3:17]

1TM5:22 Never lay on your hands hastily, 246 nor participate in the sins of others. 247 Keep yourself pure. 248

246

Never lay on your hands hastily: Or, KJV: lay hands suddenly on no man; NEB: over-hasty. Timothy was authorized to make appointments of elders and deacons by the laying on of hands. Such likely included prayer and perhaps fasting. If one has some doubts or misgivings it is best to wait. It is easy to appoint a man, but much harder to remove him. Compare notes on 1 Timothy 4:14.

247

Nor participate in the sins of others: Or, KJV: neither a partaker of other men’s sins. Given the context it would seem Paul means that by being hasty in appointing a man who is not really qualified, then Timothy becomes a sharer in later sins and problems which will arise in the Church. [Compare 2 John 11.] Timothy and any elder must be on guard in their associations with those of questionable moral attitudes.

248

Keep yourself pure: Or, chaste, free from sin, hands clean, clear of fault. See the notes on 1 Timothy 4:12 and 1 Timothy 5:2. Not all in a congregation have the same degree of experience in the Christian walk, nor the same attitudes toward morals and life-style. Timothy, and any elder, must walk carefully so that his character is known by all to be guileless and pure. Compare 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 1 John 3:3.

1TM5:23 (Drink water no longer, 249 but use a little wine because of your stomach, 250 and your frequent illnesses. 251)

249	Drink water no longer: Impure water was an ancient plague and continues to be a problem in the modern Third World. Unless water is boiled or chemically treated there are many hidden dangers. However, if Timothy is to decease drinking water, he must replace these fluids with something else.

250

Use a little wine because of your stomach: The Mediterranean world drank wine with most meals. Why Timothy is not drinking wine is not explained. It is possible he had taken too seriously any injunction on temperance. [1 Timothy 3:8] Paul had to encourage him to drink wine. Some believe Paul meant to add wine to the water. Wine in the ancient world was generally of a weaker quality, about 4 to 6%. Alcohol was discovered by the Arabs around the year 1,000 CE. Wine drunk in small amounts with meals throughout the day has little affect on a person used to it. Cultures differ on attitudes toward wine and liquor. The Bible, if any thing, encourages its use. Research the word wine or strong drink. The word “wine” occurs over 250 times in the Bible. Our Lord drank wine and his first miracle was turning 120 gallons of water into wine. [John 2:1ff] Compare Proverbs 3:10 and Proverbs 31:4-7. However, the Proverbs also caution against abuse. [Proverbs 20:1; 21:17; 23:20, 30-35] See the Biblical Article Wine That Makes the Heart Rejoice.

251

Frequent illnesses: Or, sicknesses, recurring illness, frequent attacks, ailments. It is interesting that Paul does not recommend self-healing through prayer, or going to the elders for a healing prayer. [James 5:14] There is only one example in the Christian Bible of the healing gift being used on a disciple. [Acts 9:36ff] There is no evidence Paul later healed Timothy of his nervous stomach. Even Paul, when praying for relief from a possible eye ailment was told, “No.” [2 Corinthians 12:8] Compare also other cases of sickness among God’s servants. [Philippians 2:26, 27; 2 Timothy 4:20]

1TM5:24 The sins of some persons are clearly apparent leading to judgment. 252 However, [the sins] of some [become evident] later.

252

The sins of some persons are clearly apparent leading to judgment: Or, clearly seen, openly evident, conspicuous, notorious. Some of these are works of the flesh as described at Galatians 5:19ff. [Proverbs 28:13] Paul may have in mind elders and how some sins [note verse 20] become manifest immediately, while other sins only become manifest over time.

1TM5:25 Likewise, also, the good works become evident, and those otherwise are unable to be hidden. 253

253

Good works become evident, and those otherwise are unable to be hidden: Or, PME: similarly some virtues are plain to see; GDS: and when they are not, they cannot be wholly concealed; MOF: they cannot escape notice forever. A man may behave publicly with an appearance of righteousness while secretly sinning, but in time such an unrepentant disposition will manifest itself. Those who are humble and obedient “openly confess their sins one to another.” On confession note; Leviticus 5:5; 26:40; Numbers 5:7; James 5:16.

Review Questions on Chapter Five

Summary of Chapter Five

Paul discusses how to treat Church members. He details how the Church should go about helping real widows, proving a list of criteria for qualification. He discusses the problem of younger widows. He then gives specifics on dealing with elders, both rewarding the hard working, and rebuking the habitually sinning elder. He gives some personal advices to Timothy about laying on of hands and his illnesses.