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Click a verse to see commentary5. Advice About Widows, Elders and Slaves
1Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren: 2the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. 3Honor widows that are widows indeed. 4But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7These things also command, that they may be without reproach. 8But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. 9Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints' feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work. 11But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; 12having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. 13And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling: 15for already some are turned aside after Satan. 16If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. 17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. 18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire. 19Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. 20Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. 21I charge thee in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. 23Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. 24Some men's sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after. 25In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.
Directions Concerning Reproofs. (a. d. 64.)
1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Here the apostle gives rules to Timothy, and in him to other ministers, in reproving. Ministers are reprovers by office; it is a part, though the least pleasing part, of their office; they are to preach the word, to reprove and rebuke, 2 Tim. iv. 2. A great difference is to be made in our reproofs, according to the age, quality, and other circumstances, of the persons rebuked; thus, and elder in age or office must be entreated as a father; on some have compassion, making a difference, Jude 22. Now the rule is, 1. To be very tender in rebuking elders—elders in age, elders by office. Respect must be had to the dignity of their years and place, and therefore they must not be rebuked sharply nor magisterially; but Timothy himself, though an evangelist, must entreat them as fathers, for this would be the likeliest way to work upon them, and to win upon them. 2. The younger must be rebuked as brethren, with love and tenderness; not as desirous, to spy faults or pick quarrels, but as being willing to make the best of them. There is need of a great deal of meekness in reproving those who deserve reproof. 3. The elder women must be reproved, when there is occasion, as mothers. Hos. ii. 2, Plead with your mother, plead. 4. The younger women must be reproved, but reproved as sisters, with all purity. If Timothy, so mortified a man to this world and to the flesh and lusts of it, had need of such a caution as this, much more have we.