1 Timothy 5:9-16
9 “A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, 12 thereby incurring condemnation, because they have ignored their previous pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; 15 for some have already turned away to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows.”
A widow: Paul wants the church to take care of widows. But there are some requirements for a widow to go onto the care-list. Paul wants widows who have a proven moral character because these people will be good stewards of the money given by the church. Paul also encourages Timothy to only place older widows on the list. Younger widows, on the other hand, can be remarried or work for income.
Washed the saints’ feet: Foot washing was an act of servitude and love to people. Paul’s point is that widows on the list ought to be those who express the Spirit and who are consequently reliable in their behavior.
Alienating them from Christ: The issue is not marriage but the disregard of Christ. Paul evidently was anticipating some young women who were still participating in immorality common in pagan religions. Elsewhere we see Paul make similar remarks about the danger of men who are younger in the faith becoming elders (verse). Those who are young in the faith can fall easily into temptation. These young widows were also apparently gossips and just poor at expressing the Spirit in general. Instead, these young widows ought to be married and have children. This is a healthy endeavor with which to occupy one’s life. Such a concept is in direct contradiction to the cult of Diana which encouraged women to live independently from men and to not have children.
Incurring condemnation: Paul’s point is younger widows can work or be remarried. Financial offerings, therefore, would be wasted on such people. The condemnation would be from the church. Younger widows would choose to get married and would not benefit income from the church because their husbands would provide for them.
Follow Satan: The theology of Satan is the exact opposite of the theology presented by Paul in this passage. Those who are following this theology have odd beliefs about male and female relationships, and the woman’s value as a mother and wife.
Actually widows: Paul reiterates what he has already argued. All widows on the list ought to be individuals who do not have families taking care of them so that the funds raised by the church go to a genuine need.
