1 Timothy – Part 7

Note: To examine the graphics in this series, click on them for a pop-up version.

Concerning Widows ~ Part 2

Regarding Younger Widows

5 ¹¹ But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when they begin to feel natural passions that alienate them from the Messiah, they want to get married. (see 1 Timothy 5:9-10 for the background).¹² This brings them under condemnation for having set aside the trust they had at first. ¹³ Besides that, they learn to be idle, going around from house to house; and not only idle, but gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn’t. ¹⁴ Therefore, I would rather the young widows get married, have children, and take charge of their homes, so as to give the opposition no occasion for slandering us. ¹⁵ For already, some have turned astray to follow the Adversary. ¹⁶ If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, she should provide relief for them—the congregation shouldn’t be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are really in need.

Notice that Sha’ul does not give cultural reasons for the directive in verse 14. Instead, he provides a theological and spiritual reason. By devoting her primary focus on her home, a kingdom woman protects herself and her family from HaSatan.

Concerning Elders

In a world where people can sometimes gossip or misjudge character, it’s crucial for you to practice discretion. If you find yourself in a position to share about others, use this passage as a reminder to gather facts before making judgments. This week, look to connect with someone in your church whom you may have heard rumors about. Approach them with love and a listening heart, fostering an environment of transparency rather than suspicion.

Honor and Support Elders

¹⁷ The leaders who lead well should be considered worthy of double honor, especially those working hard at communicating the Word and at teaching. ¹⁸ For the Tanakh says, “You are not to muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain,” (see Deuteronomy 25:4) in other words, “The worker deserves his wages.”

If an ox is provided with food for his work, how much more is a hard-working minister of the Gospel worthy of his wages?

¹⁹ Never listen to any accusation against a leader unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. (see Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15) ²⁰ Rebuke before the whole assembly those leaders who continue sinning, as a warning to the others. ²¹ Before God, the Messiah Yeshua and the chosen angels, I solemnly charge you to observe these instructions, not pre-judging and not doing anything out of favoritism.

It should not be easy for a disgruntled kehillah member to falsely accuse an elder. Therefore, all accusations must be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If an elder is guilty of continuing in sin, he must be rebuked publicly, so that the rest of the elders (and the congregation) will fear the consequences of sin. God’s people see that their leaders are held to the same standards as they are, and to an even higher level.

²² Do not be hasty in granting s’mikhah (see the Glossary above) to anyone, and do not share in other people’s sins—keep yourself pure.

We don’t want to fail to take the appropriate time to observe a man’s life and spiritual condition as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

Advice to Timothy

²³ Stop drinking water; instead, use a little wine for the sake of your digestion and because of your frequent illnesses.

Before modern medicine, a moderate amount of wine provided medicinal benefits to those who needed them.

Regarding Appearances

²⁴ The sins of some people are obvious and go ahead of them to judgment, but the sins of others follow afterwards. ²⁵ Likewise, good deeds are obvious, and even when they are not, they can’t stay hidden. ^[1]

What we do – whether good or bad – will eventually come to light.

In our next post, we will continue to examine Sha’ul’s First Letter to Timothy.

Click here for the PDF version.

^[1] 1 Timothy 5:11–25.