Introduction:

This chapter gives practical information on how we ought to treat the elderly, widows, and the leaders of the church.

I. The Older Saints (5:1,2)

The church needs to recognize and help meet the needs and problems of the older believers. This verse is not talking about the elders of (vs. 17) which are the leaders of the church. The context makes it clear the discussion concerns the elderly. We are told not to rebuke one who is elderly. Presumably any one who is old enough to be your father in the flesh would qualify. Age deserves respect. If an older person needs a good lecture we are given a good example of how to approach them in (Job 32:6-15). An elderly woman deserves the respect that we should give our own mother. Keep in mind God is talking about Christian relationships and not necessarily those outside the Lord.

II. The Widows (5:3-16)

The Word of God makes it clear that the church has the responsibility to support widows, however there are several requirements that must be met on the part of the widows. They are as follows:

[1]. That They Be Widows Indeed (vs. 3) - That is that they have no one else (vs. 4,8) to take care of them and that her total dependence must be upon the Lord (vs. 5).
[2]. She Must Be At Least 60 Years of Age (5:9) - The reasoning is that a younger woman can work (vs. 13) or get remarried (vs. 14). The Holy Spirit disallows younger women from full support because of the great possibility that they may eventually waver from the things of the Lord (vs. 11). The word damnation (vs. 12) is not a reference to eternity but only temporal condemnation. It is used the same way in (I Cor. 11:29,30). It is a self condemnation as in (Titus 3:11). The damnation seems to be a result of taking support with false intentions and motives and not for remarriage. Paul allowed marriage for these women in (vs. 14 and I Cor. 7:28).
[3]. She Must Have A Reputation For Good Works And Prayer (vs. 5, 10) - The implication is that the widow receiving support entered into an contractual agreement with the church. In return for their support she would pray continually as well as work for the church (Lk. 2:36,37)

 

III. The Elders (5:17-25)

The elders in (vs. 17) are those who rule. The ruling is concerning spiritual things (Heb. 13:17) and the ruling is not to be done in a dictatorial manner (I Peter 5:1-6). It is the duty of the elders (ordained) to feed and teach the flock of God (I Tim. 5:17; Acts 20:17,28).

The double honour of (vs. 17) must refer to finances because of what follows in (vs. 18) (Deut. 25:4). Because of the double honour and reward there will always be those standing in the wings who are jealous and eager to pounce upon the elders with false accusations. (Matt. 26:59,60). Therefore, it is imperative to be extremely careful about what you listen to and say about an elder (vs. 19; 1:20). One of the greatest sins of God's people is murmuring (Ex. 15:24; Josh. 9:18; Ps. 106:25; Lk. 5:30; 1 Cor. 10:10) and gossip (Prov. 6:19). Because of that Timothy is commanded to rebuke before all those who sin (vs. 20). Presumably this is done from the pulpit. It is not stated that he should get into actual name calling but it certainly is an option in extreme circumstances. The rich and the poor both sin and it is to be preached upon without partiality (vs. 21; James 2:1,4,9).

Because of the critical nature of the position of elder, Timothy was told to be very careful in whom the church ordained (vs. 22; 4:14; Acts 6:6; 2 Tim. 1:6).

Verse 23 has long been the delight of every liquor head for hundreds of years. They always forget the rules attached which are:

[1]. A little
[2]. Mixed with water, which it had to be or it wouldn't be a little if he resorted to drinking wine only.
[3]. For infirmities
[4]. The great possibility is that it may be new wine (grape juice).

The chapter is concluded by reminding us that it is important to judge our own sin so they will not have to be dealt with at the judgment seat of Christ (I Cor. 11:31).