“Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”
(1 Timothy 5:1–2, New International Version)
In 1 Timothy 5, Paul offers Timothy practical instructions on how to relate to various groups within the congregation. This chapter underscores the close-knit nature of the early church in Ephesus. Archaeologists who’ve studied the region around ancient Ephesus indicate that community life was centered on households and familial ties. Against this backdrop, Paul calls Christian communities to model a spiritual family founded on mutual care and respect.
In the Greco-Roman world, older men and widows often relied on extended family support, if such family existed. Otherwise, they faced poverty and isolation. Paul’s guidance suggests that the church in Ephesus was developing a structured way of caring for those in need, providing for widows without families and honoring elders (church leaders and older adults) with both respect and tangible support.
Paul instructs Timothy to maintain respectful relationships among different age and gender groups:
• “Do not rebuke an older man harshly”: The Greek term for “rebuke
harshly” (ἐπιπλήξῃς, epiplēxēs) implies a sharp or rash reprimand. Paul
calls for gentle correction in situations of sin or error.
• Treating others like family: Timothy is to show older men the dignity
owing to a father, and older women the nurturing regard for a mother.
Younger believers, whether men or women, are regarded as siblings in the
faith. This language reveals how Christians were expected to reflect
God’s familial love within the community.
Western readers may miss how strongly honor and shame dynamics shaped the ancient world. In that culture, correcting someone older in public could bring dishonor on all parties. Paul’s advice encourages both firmness in truth and a spirit of deference toward elders.
One major focus of this chapter is on how the church should care for widows faithfully.
• “Real widows” (verse 3) are those with no family support. Paul says
these women have placed their hope in God and should be supported by the
church.
• Younger widows are encouraged to remarry (verse 14). This likely
reflects cultural realities: younger widows in Ephesus were more likely
to find financial stability and community acceptance through
remarriage.
In the first-century setting, with limited resources and no modern welfare systems, the church had to prioritize. By distinguishing between widows, Paul ensures that those truly in need receive consistent care.
• Acts 6:1–6 – Early church leaders appointed seven men to ensure
daily distributions to widows were handled fairly.
• Ruth 2 – Boaz cares for the widow Ruth, illustrating God’s heart for
the vulnerable.
• John Chrysostom emphasized that caring for widows was not a mere
humanitarian act but an act of worship, reflecting Christ’s
compassion.
• The Protestant Reformer John Calvin underlined the importance of
structured charity, seeing in 1 Timothy 5 a blueprint for organized
deacon ministries focused on benevolence.
Paul transitions to discussing elders—leaders within the congregation who labor in teaching and oversight. The Greek term “πρεσβύτερος” (presbyteros) can refer to both age and office, so context determines whether Paul means older people generally or church leaders specifically.
• “Double honor”: This phrase (verse 17) commonly refers to both
material support and profound respect. Paying a fair wage to those who
teach God’s Word remains a principle the church follows today (compare 1
Timothy 5:18: “The worker deserves his wages,” echoing Deuteronomy 25:4
and Luke 10:7).
• Accusations Against Elders (verses 19–20): Paul invokes the Old
Testament principle of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15) to
ensure fairness. Public leadership requires public accountability, but
also protection from reckless slander.
Paul’s final remarks in this chapter combine ethical instruction with personal advice:
• Verse 22 warns Timothy not to “lay hands on anyone hastily.” In
this context, “laying on of hands” involves recognizing someone for
ministry or conferring blessing. Rushing to ordain or trust a leader can
lead to serious issues if the person lacks genuine character.
• Paul charges Timothy before God and Christ to live without prejudice,
emphasizing impartial leadership in the church (verse 21).
• Verse 23: “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” Beyond the moral and spiritual realm, Paul cares about Timothy’s physical well-being. Wine often had a medicinal purpose in the ancient world, given that plain water might be contaminated.
• In a culture that often prioritizes youth, do we value the wisdom
of older believers?
• How does your church community ensure support for those who are
vulnerable or alone?
• Are we quick to judge church leaders or slow to protect them from
malicious charges?
• Do we strive for balance—both caring for others and taking care of our
own well-being?
A hymn that resonates with these themes of love, unity, and tender care is “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” It celebrates the shared life of believers, calling us to look after one another with a Christlike heart.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for designing Your church to be a spiritual family. Guide us
to show true honor and support to those in need, especially the elderly
and the vulnerable. Grant us wisdom to discern healthy leadership, and
help us care for ourselves and others in body and spirit. May we grow in
compassion and holiness, reflecting the love of Jesus in all we
do.
Amen.