1 Timothy 5:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach.

NIV: Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame.

NASB: Give these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach.

CSB: Command this also, so that they will be above reproach.

NLT: Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism.

KJV: And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

NKJV: And these things command, that they may be blameless.

Paul's commands regarding widows were not for Timothy alone. Here, Paul teaches him to give the instructions found in verses 1 through 6 to all of the house churches of Ephesus. Paul's reason for this is to keep the churches from "reproach." They are to be commanded to follow these instructions to live without reproach in their church and community.

James 1:27 presents a similar theme regarding the church's role toward widows: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." Jesus personally condemned those who mistreated widows (Mark 12:40). His own mother, Mary, was likely a widow (John 19:25–27) since Joseph is not mentioned during the years of Jesus' ministry. And, based on what we read on the Gospels, it seems Mary's other children—Jesus' brothers and sisters—were not yet following Him (Matthew 13:53–58; John 7:2–5). Churches which do not adequately care for society's most vulnerable are subject to criticism.

At the same time, churches should not provide aid to those who are simply looking for a handout (1 Timothy 5:5–6). Those who do are also vulnerable to "reproach," since they are wasting their resources.

First Timothy 5:3–16 gives Paul's instructions regarding priority in the care of widows. Since church resources are finite, it is important to focus attention on those who are most needy. In this case, Paul refers to such women as ''true widows.'' Those who are younger or more capable should not be given an excuse for laziness or gossip. And, family members have the first and foremost responsibility for caring for each other. The guidelines given here focus attention on the most vulnerable women and avoid enabling immodest behaviors.

First Timothy chapter 5 focuses on Timothy's supervision of those within the church. This includes a respectful attitude towards both men and women, young and old. A large portion of the chapter deals with how to care for widows. The theme of Paul's instruction is prioritizing those who are truly in need, and not enabling those who are merely lazy. Timothy is also instructed on how to screen out baseless accusations against an elder, and how to properly discipline them if they are found in sin. With that in mind, Timothy is also warned not to be reckless in who he appoints as an elder.

Prior passages explained the burden placed on Timothy and other church leaders. In this chapter, the emphasis is on how Timothy is to treat others in the congregation. A large portion of this refers to prioritizing charity for widows. This passage will more or less complete Paul's specific instructions to Timothy in this letter. The next (final) chapter will build on all of these themes with a command for Timothy to make the most of his spiritual service.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.