Honor and Care: Elders, Widows, and Community Conduct
1 Timothy 5:1-6:2
5
Chapter 5
1Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,2elder women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.3Honor widows who are truly widows.4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety to their own household and to give back recompense to their ancestors, for this is acceptable before God.5But the widow who is truly alone has put her hope in God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.6But she who indulges in luxury, though living, has died.7And command these things, so that they may be unassailable.8But if anyone does not provide for his own and especially for his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.9A widow is not to be enrolled unless she is not less than sixty years old, having become the wife of one husband.10attested in good works, if she has raised children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the feet of saints, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has followed every good work.11But refuse younger widows, for when they live luxuriously on the Christ, they want to marry.12having judgment because they set aside their first faith13At the same time they also learn to be idle, going around from house to house; not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things they should not.14I want therefore the younger women to marry, to bear children, to rule the house, to give no opportunity to the opponent for the sake of reviling.15For some have already turned aside after Satan.16If any faithful woman has widows, let her suffice for them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may suffice for the widows who are truly such.17The elders who rule well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and teaching.18For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox treading out grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."19Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.20Rebuke those who sin in the presence of all, so that the others may fear as well.21I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that you guard these things without prejudging, doing nothing by partiality.22Do not quickly lay hands on anyone, nor share in others' sins; keep yourself pure.23No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent illnesses.24Of some men the sins are evident, going before them into judgment; but of some others they even follow after.25Likewise, good works are also evident, and those that are not cannot be hidden.
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Chapter 6
1All who are slaves under the yoke should consider their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed.2But those who have faithful masters should not despise them because they are brothers; but rather let them serve them, because those who take hold of the benefaction are faithful and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.