WIDOWS ARE UNDER THE SPECIAL
CARE OF YHWH (GOD)
Exodus 22:22-23; Deuteronomy 19:29; 24:17; 26:12; 27:19; Job 24:3;
29:13; Psalm 68:5; 146:9; Proverbs 15:25; Isaiah 1:17; Malachi 3:5;
Matthew 23:14
TRUE SPIRITUALITY INCLUDES CARING FOR
WIDOWS
Deuteronomy 24:17; Job 31:16; Acts 6:1; James 1:26-27
GUIDELINES
FOR WIDOW CARE 1 TIMOTHY 5:3-16
The early church had an organized ministry among widows since
Acts 6:1-6. By the time 1 Timothy 5:3-16 was written, some widows had
apparently learned to play the system, so Paul provided Timothy with
guidelines for his ministry.
The challenge is in caring for the widows who are really in need
(verse 3)
NOT SUPPORTED if children or grandchildren exist (verse 4)
NOT SUPPORTED if widow is wealthy or has means to live a
pleasurable life (verse 6)
NOT SUPPORTED if family exists, relatives, especially immediate
family (verse 8, 16)
SUPPORTED
IF:
Widow is alone and no one to help but God (verse 5)
There is deep material need (verse 3)
There is an
indication of volunteer widows' groups as part of the church's
ministry. These widows supported by the church apparently gave back in
volunteer time which may have included counseling women, providing
hospitality, serving those in trouble. Some propose that they are
deaconnesses or presbyters, but this is not clear. (verses 9,
11). Membership in this apparent volunteer widows' group had
qualifications and likely included vows (verses 11-12).
VOLUNTEER
WIDOWS GROUPS IN CHURCH
Over age sixty (verse 9)
Had been faithful to her husband (verse 9)
Well known for good deeds (verse 10) such as bringing up
children, hospitality to strangers, serving, helping those in trouble,
devoted to good deeds)
Why
Young Widows were not Qualified for the List
After joining, she might regret her decision if Mr. Right came
along (verses 11-12). Therefore this was a protection for them
Younger widows should look forward to marrying and having a
family (verse 14)
Lack of wisdom regarding the tongue and boundaries because of
age. (verses 13,15) This was protection so that they would not
become idle, going house to house gossiping, and being
busybodies. periergos -- for "busybodies" is used in Acts 19:19
and 2 Thessalonians 3:11 as "sorcery, magic, curious arts."
PRINCIPLES
Widows have a special place in the Kingdom. Honor them and be
careful not to take advantage of them.
A widow's family has an obligation to care for her. (verses 3, 4,
6, 8, 16)
The church has a responsibility to support widows who are alone
and in material need (verses 3, 5)
The church should encourage counseling, prayer, teaching,
hospitality, service, and other ministries of older widows based on
their demonstrated character. (verses 9-10)
For younger widows, it is not the end of the world. Be open
to the possibility of remarriage and rearing a family. (verses 11-12,
14)
Younger widows not remarrying should beware of gossip, idleness,
and of maintaining proper boundaries with others. (verses 13, 15)
