Introduction

1 Timothy 5:1–6:2a shifts focus to the relational dynamics and responsibilities within the household of God. Paul emphasizes the importance of treating all members of the church with dignity, regardless of status, and highlights the responsibilities believers have toward one another in their spiritual family. This passage encourages believers to model Christ’s sacrificial love in their interactions and to honor God in every aspect of life, including work.

Key Points

• Main Point: Believers, as members of God’s household, serve and honour one another beyond themselves, modelling the Christ who first served them.
• Purpose: Treat one another as worthy of honour regardless of status.

1 Timothy 5:1–2

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Church members should be treated as family—older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters in purity. Leadership is not about authority but about love, respect, and care for fellow believers.

1 Timothy 5:3–4

Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

The church should support widows with no family, while those with relatives should be cared for by them. This honors God and ensures church resources are directed to those in true need. Caring for family, both biological and spiritual, is a core Christian duty.

1 Timothy 5:5–7

She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach.

Widows who place their hope in God should be supported, but those living in self-indulgence should be challenged to responsibility. The church must balance compassion with accountability, ensuring help goes to those who truly seek God.

1 Timothy 5:8

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Neglecting one’s family is a denial of faith, as even unbelievers care for their own. As Christ loved us sacrificially, we must care for our parents and relatives, demonstrating genuine faith through our actions.

1 Timothy 5:9–10

Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

The church should support older widows known for their faith and good works. Their lives exemplify godly love and service, reminding us that generosity fuels kingdom work and should be directed toward those who reflect Christ’s character.

1 Timothy 5:11–13

But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.

Younger widows should not depend on church support but take responsibility for their lives, avoiding idleness and gossip. Church resources should inspire gratitude and Christ-likeness, not entitlement or complacency.

1 Timothy 5:14–15

So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. For some have already strayed after Satan.

Paul encourages younger widows to marry and manage their households to prevent spiritual decline. His broader message applies to all believers—steward responsibilities well and serve others, following Christ’s selfless love.

1 Timothy 5:16

If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.

Believers should care for their widowed relatives to prevent unnecessary burdens on the church. Caring for others is not solely the duty of leaders but a shared responsibility among all members of Christ’s body.

1 Timothy 5:17–18

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

Elders who serve faithfully, especially in teaching, deserve both respect and financial support. While some forgo payment, Scripture affirms the right of full-time ministers to receive provision as recognition of their labor.

1 Timothy 5:19–20

Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.

Accusations against elders must be confirmed by witnesses, but those persisting in sin should be publicly rebuked. The church must honor godly leaders while holding them accountable to sound doctrine and righteous conduct.

1 Timothy 5:21

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

Church discipline must be applied impartially, without favoritism. Integrity in leadership is essential, as unchecked sin and false teaching threaten the church’s foundation of truth.

1 Timothy 5:22–23

Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)

Timothy must not hastily appoint leaders, as their true character takes time to reveal. Leadership requires careful evaluation. Paul also advises Timothy on practical matters, recommending wine for health.

1 Timothy 5:24–25

The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Some sins and virtues are immediately visible, while others only surface over time. Leaders must be tested to ensure their character is genuine rather than a false appearance of godliness.

1 Timothy 6:1

Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.

Christian workers should honor their employers to uphold God’s name. Work should be done with excellence and integrity, reflecting a heart that ultimately serves Christ, not just human authorities.

1 Timothy 6:2a

Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.

Believers must not take advantage of Christian employers but serve even more diligently, recognizing their work benefits fellow believers. Submission in the workplace reflects devotion to Christ, not just human relationships.

Conclusion

1 Timothy 5:1–6:2a reminds us of the Christlike attitude believers must have toward one another within God’s household. Paul emphasizes practical godliness, encouraging mutual care, respect, and honor in all relationships, whether within the church or in the workplace. By modeling Christ’s sacrificial love, believers can effectively proclaim the Gospel and bring glory to God.

Summary

1. Believers are called to treat one another with family-like affection and dignity (5:1–2).
2. The church is responsible for providing for those in true need, especially widows, while also encouraging personal responsibility (5:3–16).
3. Elders are to be honored and held accountable for their leadership and conduct (5:17–25).
4. Bondservants are to honor their masters, reflecting the character of Christ in their work (6:1–2a).