Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Timothy 5
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Timothy 5
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Timothy 5
"Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren: the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity." — 1 Timothy 5:1-2 (ASV)
Respect must be paid to the dignity of age and position. The younger, if at fault, must be rebuked, not as one eager to find fault with them, but as one willing to help them improve. Much meekness and care are needed when reproving those who deserve reproof.
"Honor widows that are widows indeed. But 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. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth. These things also command, that they may be without reproach. But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever." — 1 Timothy 5:3-8 (ASV)
Honour widows that are widows indeed, relieve them, and maintain them. It is the duty of children, if their parents are in need and they are able to relieve them, to do it to the utmost of their power. Widowhood is a desolate state; but let widows trust in the Lord, and continue in prayer.
All who live in pleasure are dead while they live, spiritually dead, dead in trespasses and sins. Alas, how many people fit this description among nominal Christians, even to the very end of their lives!
If any men or women do not maintain their poor relations, they in effect deny the faith. If they spend on their lusts and pleasures, what should maintain their families, they have denied the faith, and are worse than infidels. If professors of the gospel give way to any corrupt principle or conduct, they are worse than those who do not profess to believe the doctrines of grace.
"Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, [having been] the wife of one man, well 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. But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. And 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. I desire therefore that the younger [widows] marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling: for already some are turned aside after Satan. If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it mat relieve them that are widows indeed." — 1 Timothy 5:9-16 (ASV)
Everyone brought into any office in the church should be free from just censure; and many are proper objects of charity, yet should not be employed in public services.
Those who would find mercy when they are in distress must show mercy when they are in prosperity; and those who show the most readiness for every good work are most likely to be faithful in whatever is entrusted to them.
Those who are idle are very seldom merely idle; they make mischief among neighbors and sow discord among fellow believers.
All believers are required to relieve family members who are destitute, so that the church may not be prevented from relieving those who are entirely destitute and friendless.
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire. Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at [the mouth of] two or three witnesses. Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. I 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. Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men`s sins: keep thyself pure. Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach`s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men`s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after. In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid." — 1 Timothy 5:17-25 (ASV)
Care must be taken that ministers are maintained. And those who are laborious in this work are worthy of double honour and esteem. It is their just due, as much as the reward of the labourer. The apostle charges Timothy solemnly to guard against partiality.
We have great need to watch at all times, so that we do not partake of other people's sins. Keep yourself pure, not only from doing likewise yourself, but from countenancing it, or in any way contributing to it in others. The apostle also charges Timothy to take care of his health.
Just as we are not to make our bodies masters, neither are we to make them slaves; rather, we are to use them so that they may be most helpful to us in the service of God.
There are secret and open sins: some people's sins are open beforehand, going before them to judgment; others follow after. God will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and make known the counsels of all hearts.
Looking forward to the judgment day, let us all attend to our proper duties, whether in higher or lower positions. Let us strive so that the name and doctrine of God may never be blasphemed on our account.
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