April 6th 2025 1 Timothy 5 v 14 - 25
V 14. Younger women. These are probably the younger Widows who are eligible, except for their age, not the ones described in verse 12. Guide the house. This is used only here in the NT.
The high estimate of woman's place and ability is paralleled in the classic passage in Prov 31 V 10-31.
Give none occasion. " or "opportunity." The adversary is Satan, mentioned immediately following.
To speak reproachfully.. Either, unbecoming behavior is a condemning of the truth by those who live that way and gives Satan occasion for further work against the church or, such behaviour gives Satan an opportunity to condemn and so harms the church's testimony.
V 15. This is an example of the principle just stated.
V 16. Man or woman that believeth Even a woman might be in a position where it would be her responsibility to care for a Widow rather than throw the burden on the church, which is to care for those who are desolate (left alone, v. 5). The main principle is stated in verse 8.
Paul turns now to the Elders, he has already discussed some of the elders' official relationships
Here he deals with more detailed and individual relationships, and his style is marked by frequent essentials and personal appeals to Timothy.
This is Paul's usual way of handling doctrine in his epistles: first a discussion of principle, and then the practical application, with an earnest appeal to godly living.
So in the present section Paul returns to the subject of elders to give further counsel.
V 17. Rule well. An important qualification of an elder (3 v 4,5) is that he govern properly.
This is among the basic gifts for the well being of the church (Rom 12 v 8; I Thess 5 v 12).
Double honour. Honour has two meanings:
"Honor" and "honorarium" or "compensation." Both meanings are doubtless intended here.
In the case of those who labour in preaching and teaching, their whole time is thus devoted, and they are deserving of compensation from the church (see I Tim 5 v 18).
The word double seems to argue for a sufficient or appropriate recompense, rather than a double amount.
In Isa 40 v 2, the same word is used, and it carries in context the idea of "full equivalent."
note also Paul's parallel usage of honour in 6 v 1, where it is "all" or "full honour."
V 18. There are two quotations here: Deut 25 v 4 and Lk 10 v 7.
Muzzle the ox. The content in Deuteronomy 25 deals with equitable relations among men; the verse is a saying quoted by Moses to prove a Principle, and is so understood by Paul, who discusses the same principle at Rom 13 v 7 and I Cor 9 v 7-11, and quotes the same passage from Deuteronomy.
Labourer. The exact original form of the quotation is found only in Luke.
V 19. Before two or three Witnesses. The rule of evidence given by Moses (Deut 19 v 15), and used by the Lord (Mt 18 v 16).
V 20. Them that sin (talks about "those who persist in sin") rebuke before all, as Paul himself rebuked Peter (Gal 2 v 14). A godly man when so admonished publicly will take the lesson to heart (Prov 9 v 8).
V 21. Paul here uses the solemn charge, an entreaty, to reinforce the importance of the command against partiality.
The same is used in II Tim 4 v 1 and again in II Tim 2 v 14, where Timothy himself is commanded to beseech others with the same earnestness.
V 22. Lay hands suddenly. This is often understood as forbidding hasty ordination.
However, qualifications and ordination were discussed earlier.
Hands (plural) may also mean "violent measures, "force."
Here it would be another caution regarding Timothy's dealing with men who were to be rebuked.
He should use no partiality, no violent measures, or unnecessary severity, nor, on the other hand, undue leniency, so as to be a partaker of their sins.
Pure. This and related words are those generally translated holy. sanctify,"
The closest parallel to pure as used here is clear as employed in. II Cor 7 v 11 So perhaps here it should read: "Keep yourself clear [of other men's sins)." This discussion of others' sins is resumed and concluded in verses 24,25.
V 23. Drink no longer water. no longer drink only water RSV.
Paul's prohibitions are interpreted by context and sometimes are not absolute.
To be a "water drinker" in common usage seems to imply excessive severity and self-denial.
At that point Paul quickly shifted from general principle to specific, practical advice to Timothy (on bodily exercise, v. 8).
So here, in speaking of general principles of avoidance, it is in point to warn against excessive frugality and severity.
Wine is used for a wide variety of products of the grape; medicinal qualities are implied (Lk 10 v34).
Paul's prescription for Timothy's ailments is not a general rule of "moderate use" for all and sundry.
General Biblical rules still apply (Heb 2 v 5,15; Prov 20 v 1; 23 v 31).
V 24. This and the next verse are to be kept in the context of
neither be partaker of other men's sins (v. 22) and that in relation to the office of elder.
The principle is: "By their fruits ye shall know them."
Connect this with the warning against hasty action (v. 22).
Some men's sins are open and lead to the appropriate decision; in the case of others, the evidence will be manifest in time.
V 25. So also good deeds are noticeable; and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden (RSV).
News from the Church New dates
16th April…. Knit and natter is a time to finish old projects or learn new skills
18th April …..Good Friday 10am An hour at the cross
20th April ….Easter Sunday 10-45 am and 6-30pm
7th May …..Friendship Group, (this covers all ages and the lonely people)
ANSWERS TO 30th March QUESTIONS
1) Joshua 2) Nebuchadnezzar 3) Gideon 4) Esau 5) Goliath 6) Jonah 7) Amos 8) David 9) Boaz
10) Hiram 11) Naaman 12) Job 13) Solomon 14) Jeremiah 15) Isaac16) Ishmael
Bible Quiz this week’s Quiz is OLD TESTAMENT WOMEN
1 Who was Naomi’s daughter-in-law?
2 Who was Isaac’s wife?
3 Who was Moses wife?
4 Who hid 2 Israelite spies?
5 Who was Saul’s daughter who became the wife of David?
6 Who found a baby Moses?
7 Who was Jacob’s favourite wife?
8 Who Samuels mother?
9 Who was the first woman?
10 Who the fist woman judge?
11 Who was Moses mother?
12 Who was Ruth’s mother-in-law?
13 Who was Abrahams wife after Sarah died?
14 Who was Hosea’s wife?
15 Who had a son in her old age16 Which Queen visited Solomon?
God Bless