Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 11
1 Timothy 5:19-20 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. KJV
Paul now presents to Brother Timothy the only method deemed right, respectful, and responsible of charging any one of the elders in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ of wrongdoing that is harmful first to our Lord Jesus Christ and then to the body of believers that are under the elders care by writing these words, "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." (1 Timothy 5:19) (KJV). When Paul writes in this verse, 'receive not an accusation', he is declaring to Timothy that not every assertion or accusation or affirmation by a person in the Church against an elder in the Church is to be listened to or accepted gladly into confidence, for we recall that just earlier the Apostle Paul had declared that many of the younger widows in the Church had become gossips, "Moreover, as they go about from house to house, they learn to be idlers, and not only idlers, but gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not say {and} talking of things they should not mention." (1 Timothy 5:13) (Amplified Bible), therefore, we can believe that also this practice of gossip was not just relegated to the women in the Church, but some of the men also and such gossip could be brought against an elder as if it were the truth. The English word 'receive' is translated by the Greek word paradechomai which means to accept near, that is, admit or (by implication) delight in: - receive. The little English phrase 'an accusation' is translated by the Greek word katēgoria which means a complaint, that is, criminal charge: - accusation. In other words, the leadership of Christ Church was not to gladly accept or delight in any one person who came to them with a complaint or charge against an elder without proof that their charge held merit. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning not receiving every accusation against an elder in the Church, "Be very cautious of receiving evil reports against those whose business it is to preach to others, and correct their vices."
An elder should have the right and the opportunity to face his accuser face to face (especially if it be just one person), for even the barbarian Romans (at that time) allowed this for persons accused of criminal offenses against their government as it is written, "And while they remained there for many days, Festus acquainted the king with Paul's case, telling him, There is a man left a prisoner in chains by Felix; And when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me about him, petitioning for a judicial hearing {and} condemnation of him. But I replied to them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up freely any man for punishment before the accused had met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to defend himself concerning the charge brought against him." (Acts 25:14-16) (Amplified Bible). Therefore, being fully aware of this (for Paul lived it), he informs Brother Timothy that only accusations made and sustained, supported, and substantiated by two or three witnesses was even to be heard and then received by the Church leadership. The little English word 'but' is translated by the Greek word ektos meaning except in the case; and here of two or three witnesses. Paul (as directed by God the Holy Spirit) wanted then and still wants today that no duteous, dutiful, or diligent elder working to speak and declare the truth from the Word of God be falsely accused by some person or persons in the Church who desire to see a more watered down Word be presented just as Paul dealt with personally concerning the Church @ Galatia when he wrote to them these very affecting and touching words, "What has become of that blessed enjoyment {and} satisfaction {and} self-congratulation that once was yours [in what I taught you and in your regard for me]? For I bear you witness that you would have torn out your own eyes and have given them to me [to replace mine], if that were possible. Have I then become your enemy by telling the truth to you {and} dealing sincerely with you? These men [the Judaizing teachers] are zealously trying to dazzle you [paying court to you, making much of you], but their purpose is not honorable {or} worthy {or} for any good. What they want to do is to isolate you [from us who oppose them], so that they may win you over to their side {and} get you to court their favor." (Galatians 4:15-17) (Amplfied Bible).
The Apostle Paul now proceeds to tell Timothy how 'the elder' who is charged and found guilty of whatever sin should be dealt with by the leadership of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ as he writes these words, "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." (1 Timothy 5:20) (KJV). It is fairly clear what the Apostle Paul desires of Brother Timothy to do concerning those elders in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ who are found guilty of sin, for when he writes this, 'Them that sin rebuke before all', Paul means that their sin should be reprimanded before the entire congregation of believers for which they are responsible for serving, because their position in the Church was public, so must their rebuke be public and not done in private. The English word 'rebuke' is translated by the Greek word elegchō which means to confute, admonish: - convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove. When Paul writes, 'that others also may fear', he means that they would be frightened of having their sin exposed before the entire Church to hear and to see their reprimand, reproof, and rebuke, just as was done during the days that the children of Israel were under the law, even though Timothy then and we now are no longer under the law, but under grace, it stills serves as a deterrent to the other elders in the Church leadership, as well as all the congregation, as it is written, "If a false witness rises up against any man to accuse him of wrongdoing, Then both parties to the controversy shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who are in office in those days. The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, Then you shall do to him as he had intended to do to his brother. So you shall put away the evil from among you. And those who remain shall hear and [reverently] fear, and shall henceforth commit no such evil among you. Your eyes shall not pity: it shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." (Deuteronomy 19:16-21) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the elders public rebuke and the fear of all, "Public rebuke is designed for the good of others, that they may fear, as well as for the good of the party rebuked; hence it was ordered under the law that public offenders should receive public punishment, that all Israel might hear, and fear, and do no more wickedly."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
I am a Christian Writer of non-fiction primarily and a little fiction. My purpose for forming this site is to Edify Christians with my writing and reach the lost with the uncompromising Gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 54
Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 10
1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. KJV
Paul again shifts his focus from the widows in the Church to the 'elders' and in this case he means the older men in leadership in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. The early Church then, had a hierarchy that consisted solely of men serving as its leaders, so Paul instructs Brother Timothy with these words, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine." (1 Timothy 5:17) (KJV). The English word 'elders' is translated by the Greek word presbuteros which means (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian presbyter. The little english phrase 'that rule well' is translated by two Greek words proistēmi and kalōs and they together mean to stand before, that is, (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise: - maintain, be over, rule well (usually morally): - (in a) good (place), honestly. In other words, those men who were appointed in these positions in our Lord Jesus' Church and served to be a blessing, benefit, and a bounty of spiritual knowledge in the teaching of the Word of God to the members of Christ Body under their charge were to be respected and honored by all those whom they ruled over, just as Paul wrote in the Book of Hebrews in his letter when he said, "Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls {and} guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing {and} groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either]." (Hebrews 13:17) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning the elders that ruled well, "The Apostle had given full instructions respecting bishops 1 Timothy 3:1-7; deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13; widows 1 Timothy 5:3-16; and he here proceeds to prescribe the duty of the Church toward those who sustain the office of elder. The word used - 'elder' or 'presbyter' - properly refers to age, and is then used to denote the officers of the Church, probably because the aged were at first entrusted with the administration of the affairs of the Church. The word was in familiar use among the Jews to denote the body of men that presided in the synagogue. Presiding well, or well managing the spiritual interests of the Church."
The little English phrase 'be counted worthy' is translated by one Greek word axioō which means to deem entitled or fit: - desire, think good, count (think) worthy. The English word 'double' is translated by the Greek word diplous which means exactly what our English dictionary declares and that is, two fold: - double, two-fold more. The English word 'honor' is translated by the Greek word timē which means a value, that is, money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself. In other words, the elder that demonstrated himself to be fit spiritually in teaching the Word of God and 'Serving the Lord with all humility of mind' (Acts 20:19) as the Apostle Paul spoke of himself and his actions toward his service of Christ Jesus our Lord, these elders were worthy of a double portion of financial compensation and maybe even more importantly than the money was that they derserved to be held in high esteem or regarded highly by those whom they fed the meat of the Word of God. This is what the Apostle Paul means here when he writes, 'especially they who labor in the word and doctrine', for some commentators conclude that this means that there were two distinct functions of elders in the early Church some who had the responsibility for teaching and preaching the Word of God and some who did other duties in running the Church separate from the actual teaching and preaching of the Word of God. However, I do not find in this passage that clear and specific distinction, but what I believe Paul is declaring here to Brother Timothy is that every elder had the duty and responsibility of the running and ruling of Christ Church in all its requirements, likewise every elder had and has the duty and responsibility to be willing and able to impart, that is, explain, exposit, and expound the Word of God in all its truth and wisdom to those in the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ who seek said truth and wisdom from them, therefore, Paul here wants to honor those elders who are doing their due diligence in fasting, praying, and studying the Word of God to show themselves approved in rightly dividing the Word of Truth and then passing on what has been imparted to them by God the Holy Spirit to every willing vessel or recipient.
Paul now uses what was written by Moses way back in the Book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 25:4) to make his point concerning this matter of double portion being given to the elders that work hard to understand God's Holy Word when he writes, "For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward." (1 Timothy 5:18) (KJV). This verse when written by Moses to the children of Israel was simply saying that an oxen would serve to be able to thresh out more wheat or corn per day if he were allowed to feed or eat of the wheat or corn while he was being used to grind it down, likewise, the elders who are diligent in their praying and studying of the Word of God are also more deserving of being taken care of financially by the Body of believers who are benefiting spiritually from their expounding of God's Word of Truth to them. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul's reference here to what Moses wrote all those years earlier, "This is a manifest proof that by honor, in the preceding verse, the Apostle means salary or wages: 'Let the elders that rule well be accounted worthy of double honor,' a larger salary than any of the official widows mentioned before, for 'the laborer is worthy of his hire.' The maintenance of every man in the Church should be in proportion to his own labor, and the necessities of his family. He that does no work should have no wages. In the Church of Christ there never can be a sinecure. They who minister at the altar should live by the altar; the ox that treadeth out the corn should not be muzzled; the laborer is worthy of his hire: but the altar should not support him who does not minister at it; if the ox won’t tread out the corn, let him go to the common or be muzzled; if the man will not labor, let him have no hire." Note: The word 'sinecure' used by Adam Clarke above means, A benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral duties are attached or An office that involves minimal duties.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. KJV
Paul again shifts his focus from the widows in the Church to the 'elders' and in this case he means the older men in leadership in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. The early Church then, had a hierarchy that consisted solely of men serving as its leaders, so Paul instructs Brother Timothy with these words, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine." (1 Timothy 5:17) (KJV). The English word 'elders' is translated by the Greek word presbuteros which means (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian presbyter. The little english phrase 'that rule well' is translated by two Greek words proistēmi and kalōs and they together mean to stand before, that is, (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise: - maintain, be over, rule well (usually morally): - (in a) good (place), honestly. In other words, those men who were appointed in these positions in our Lord Jesus' Church and served to be a blessing, benefit, and a bounty of spiritual knowledge in the teaching of the Word of God to the members of Christ Body under their charge were to be respected and honored by all those whom they ruled over, just as Paul wrote in the Book of Hebrews in his letter when he said, "Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls {and} guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing {and} groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either]." (Hebrews 13:17) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning the elders that ruled well, "The Apostle had given full instructions respecting bishops 1 Timothy 3:1-7; deacons 1 Timothy 3:8-13; widows 1 Timothy 5:3-16; and he here proceeds to prescribe the duty of the Church toward those who sustain the office of elder. The word used - 'elder' or 'presbyter' - properly refers to age, and is then used to denote the officers of the Church, probably because the aged were at first entrusted with the administration of the affairs of the Church. The word was in familiar use among the Jews to denote the body of men that presided in the synagogue. Presiding well, or well managing the spiritual interests of the Church."
The little English phrase 'be counted worthy' is translated by one Greek word axioō which means to deem entitled or fit: - desire, think good, count (think) worthy. The English word 'double' is translated by the Greek word diplous which means exactly what our English dictionary declares and that is, two fold: - double, two-fold more. The English word 'honor' is translated by the Greek word timē which means a value, that is, money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself. In other words, the elder that demonstrated himself to be fit spiritually in teaching the Word of God and 'Serving the Lord with all humility of mind' (Acts 20:19) as the Apostle Paul spoke of himself and his actions toward his service of Christ Jesus our Lord, these elders were worthy of a double portion of financial compensation and maybe even more importantly than the money was that they derserved to be held in high esteem or regarded highly by those whom they fed the meat of the Word of God. This is what the Apostle Paul means here when he writes, 'especially they who labor in the word and doctrine', for some commentators conclude that this means that there were two distinct functions of elders in the early Church some who had the responsibility for teaching and preaching the Word of God and some who did other duties in running the Church separate from the actual teaching and preaching of the Word of God. However, I do not find in this passage that clear and specific distinction, but what I believe Paul is declaring here to Brother Timothy is that every elder had the duty and responsibility of the running and ruling of Christ Church in all its requirements, likewise every elder had and has the duty and responsibility to be willing and able to impart, that is, explain, exposit, and expound the Word of God in all its truth and wisdom to those in the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ who seek said truth and wisdom from them, therefore, Paul here wants to honor those elders who are doing their due diligence in fasting, praying, and studying the Word of God to show themselves approved in rightly dividing the Word of Truth and then passing on what has been imparted to them by God the Holy Spirit to every willing vessel or recipient.
Paul now uses what was written by Moses way back in the Book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 25:4) to make his point concerning this matter of double portion being given to the elders that work hard to understand God's Holy Word when he writes, "For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward." (1 Timothy 5:18) (KJV). This verse when written by Moses to the children of Israel was simply saying that an oxen would serve to be able to thresh out more wheat or corn per day if he were allowed to feed or eat of the wheat or corn while he was being used to grind it down, likewise, the elders who are diligent in their praying and studying of the Word of God are also more deserving of being taken care of financially by the Body of believers who are benefiting spiritually from their expounding of God's Word of Truth to them. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning Paul's reference here to what Moses wrote all those years earlier, "This is a manifest proof that by honor, in the preceding verse, the Apostle means salary or wages: 'Let the elders that rule well be accounted worthy of double honor,' a larger salary than any of the official widows mentioned before, for 'the laborer is worthy of his hire.' The maintenance of every man in the Church should be in proportion to his own labor, and the necessities of his family. He that does no work should have no wages. In the Church of Christ there never can be a sinecure. They who minister at the altar should live by the altar; the ox that treadeth out the corn should not be muzzled; the laborer is worthy of his hire: but the altar should not support him who does not minister at it; if the ox won’t tread out the corn, let him go to the common or be muzzled; if the man will not labor, let him have no hire." Note: The word 'sinecure' used by Adam Clarke above means, A benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral duties are attached or An office that involves minimal duties.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 53
Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 9
1 Timothy 5:15-16 For some are already turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the Church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. KJV
As we declared in the previous study/commentary, the Apostle Paul had received testimony from various creditable members of many of the local Church bodies of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ concerning the wandering and straying behavior of some of the younger widows in the Church who had allowed the enemy to occupy their minds and cause them to turn aside from that which should have been their duty and responsibilities in the Church body into becoming nosy busybodies, meddlers, and gossips speaking lies about other members of Christ body because the devil himself is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44), and so we see Paul confirms his discovery to Brother Timothy with these words, "For some are already turned aside after Satan." (1 Timothy 5:15) (KJV). The little English phrase 'are already' is translated by the Greek word ede meaning even now: - already, by this time. The little English phrase 'turned aside' is translated by the Greek word ektrepō which means to deflect, that is, turn away (literally or figuratively): - avoid, turn (aside, out of the way). Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning this turning aside after Satan by some of the younger widows, "For in the case of some this result has already ensued; 'Some (widows) are already turned aside after Satan,' the seducer (not by falling away from the faith in general, but) by such errors as are stigmatized in 1 Timothy 5:11-13, sexual passion, idleness, etc., and so have given occasion of reproach (1 Timothy 5:14). 'Satan finds some mischief still for the idle hands to do.'"
Paul now informs, instructs, and institutes this policy for every Church to put into place concerning the young men and women in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ who have older women/widows within their own families by writing these words to Timothy, "If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the Church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed." (1 Timothy 5:16) (KJV). When Paul writes here, 'If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them," Paul is saying to every individual family in the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ that they (the younger men and women of each family) should be first and foremost responsible for the care and support of the older women in their families who are widowed. The little English phrase 'let them relieve' is translated by the Greek word eparkeō which means to avail for, that is, help: - relieve, be of use to, be useful to. In other words, although such widows would be eligible and entitled to receive financial support or assistance from the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, they should not have to do so, seeing that they have younger men and women in their earthly family who should willingly want to provide them whatever they needed, just as their husband would have done for them. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning younger men and women in families taking care of their older relatives who were widowed, "Widowed mothers, or grandmothers, or any other widows whose support would naturally devolve on them. Let them relieve them - That is, let them support them. This was an obvious rule of duty. Nothing can be more unreasonable than to leave those who are properly dependent on us to be supported by others, when we are able to maintain them ourselves."
Here also is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning younger men and women in families taking care of their older relatives who were widowed, "That is, if any member of a Church, whether a brother or a sister, have mothers or grandmothers, or any near relations widows, in mean circumstances, and incapable of taking care of themselves: let them relieve them; out of their own substance; which is what the Apostle before calls showing piety at home, and requiting their own parents." When Paul writes these words here at the end of this verse, 'and let not the Church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed', he is simply, surely, and sweetly saying that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ should not be responsible for taking care of the needs of widows in Christ body that have younger men and women in their families who are able and capable of supplying them all their earthly needs and necessities, for this very reason and cause did the Jews during that time (and some have continued this practice for many generations) have the elderly Father and Mother live in the same house as their sons and daughters. This also is what the Apostle Paul knew quite well being a Jew himself of the tribe of Benjamin, that is, a Hebrew of the Hebrews and surely he and his family practiced this tradition or rule of care concerning their elderly mothers and grandmothers who were widowed. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the Church of Jesus Christ being responsible for taking care of true widows or widows indeed, "Let not the Church be charged; or burdened with the maintenance of them: that the Church may be in a better capacity, its stock not being expended on others, to supply the wants of those who are really widows; who have neither husbands, nor children, nor any relations, to provide for them; nor anything in the world to support themselves with."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 5:15-16 For some are already turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the Church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. KJV
As we declared in the previous study/commentary, the Apostle Paul had received testimony from various creditable members of many of the local Church bodies of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ concerning the wandering and straying behavior of some of the younger widows in the Church who had allowed the enemy to occupy their minds and cause them to turn aside from that which should have been their duty and responsibilities in the Church body into becoming nosy busybodies, meddlers, and gossips speaking lies about other members of Christ body because the devil himself is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44), and so we see Paul confirms his discovery to Brother Timothy with these words, "For some are already turned aside after Satan." (1 Timothy 5:15) (KJV). The little English phrase 'are already' is translated by the Greek word ede meaning even now: - already, by this time. The little English phrase 'turned aside' is translated by the Greek word ektrepō which means to deflect, that is, turn away (literally or figuratively): - avoid, turn (aside, out of the way). Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning this turning aside after Satan by some of the younger widows, "For in the case of some this result has already ensued; 'Some (widows) are already turned aside after Satan,' the seducer (not by falling away from the faith in general, but) by such errors as are stigmatized in 1 Timothy 5:11-13, sexual passion, idleness, etc., and so have given occasion of reproach (1 Timothy 5:14). 'Satan finds some mischief still for the idle hands to do.'"
Paul now informs, instructs, and institutes this policy for every Church to put into place concerning the young men and women in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ who have older women/widows within their own families by writing these words to Timothy, "If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the Church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed." (1 Timothy 5:16) (KJV). When Paul writes here, 'If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them," Paul is saying to every individual family in the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ that they (the younger men and women of each family) should be first and foremost responsible for the care and support of the older women in their families who are widowed. The little English phrase 'let them relieve' is translated by the Greek word eparkeō which means to avail for, that is, help: - relieve, be of use to, be useful to. In other words, although such widows would be eligible and entitled to receive financial support or assistance from the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, they should not have to do so, seeing that they have younger men and women in their earthly family who should willingly want to provide them whatever they needed, just as their husband would have done for them. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning younger men and women in families taking care of their older relatives who were widowed, "Widowed mothers, or grandmothers, or any other widows whose support would naturally devolve on them. Let them relieve them - That is, let them support them. This was an obvious rule of duty. Nothing can be more unreasonable than to leave those who are properly dependent on us to be supported by others, when we are able to maintain them ourselves."
Here also is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning younger men and women in families taking care of their older relatives who were widowed, "That is, if any member of a Church, whether a brother or a sister, have mothers or grandmothers, or any near relations widows, in mean circumstances, and incapable of taking care of themselves: let them relieve them; out of their own substance; which is what the Apostle before calls showing piety at home, and requiting their own parents." When Paul writes these words here at the end of this verse, 'and let not the Church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed', he is simply, surely, and sweetly saying that the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ should not be responsible for taking care of the needs of widows in Christ body that have younger men and women in their families who are able and capable of supplying them all their earthly needs and necessities, for this very reason and cause did the Jews during that time (and some have continued this practice for many generations) have the elderly Father and Mother live in the same house as their sons and daughters. This also is what the Apostle Paul knew quite well being a Jew himself of the tribe of Benjamin, that is, a Hebrew of the Hebrews and surely he and his family practiced this tradition or rule of care concerning their elderly mothers and grandmothers who were widowed. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the Church of Jesus Christ being responsible for taking care of true widows or widows indeed, "Let not the Church be charged; or burdened with the maintenance of them: that the Church may be in a better capacity, its stock not being expended on others, to supply the wants of those who are really widows; who have neither husbands, nor children, nor any relations, to provide for them; nor anything in the world to support themselves with."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 52
Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 8
1 Timothy 5:13-14 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. KJV
Paul continues his assessment of the younger widows here by declaring these words concerning them and their behavior, (Note: "It is not likely that the Apostle Paul who was so close to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ would assume a position of self imposed supreme leader of Christ Church and declare these things concerning younger widows in the Church without it coming to him directly from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, for Paul was assuredly against those who were prideful and puffed up (1 Corinthians 4:18-19) and so he would never take on the role as ruler, but he considered himself just as another brother 'in Christ' amongst many brethren in Christ Church.)" "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." (1 Timothy 5:13) (KJV). When the Apostle Paul writes here, 'And withal they learn to be idle', he is declaring that some of these younger widows receiving financial compensation from the Church in the office of deaconess are neglecting their duties and responsibilities to the Church and instead spending their time unwisely, unresourcefully, and unprofitable to those in the Church they are to care for and help.
The English word 'idle' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word argos which means inactive, that is, unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless: - barren, idle, slow. The English phrase 'wandering about from house to house' is translated by one Greek word perierchomai meaning to come all around, that is, stroll, vacillate, veer: - fetch a compass, vagabond, wandering about. The English word 'tattlers' is translated by the Greek word phluaros (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning (to bubble); a garrulous person, that is, prater: - tattler, that is, someone who talks a lot, especially someone who talks too much or foolishly. The English word 'busybodies' is translated by the Greek word periergos which means working all around, that is, officious (meddlesome) - busybody or nosy, that is, intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner. In other words, it appears to me that before Paul wrote this first letter to Brother Timothy that there was not an age limit placed upon those women who were widowed being accepted into the office of deaconess in the early Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, however, after Paul had made visits to the various Churches he found these things that he details to Brother Timothy evident in the Church bodies.
Therefore, Paul wants to not allow the younger widows into this office in the Church because it was reported to Paul that many of the younger widows in the Church went about from house to house meddling intrusively in other people's private business and then talking foolishly about things that they were not even fully informed on ruining and wrecking the reputation of many people in Christ Church without seemingly any care or concern for the brothers and sisters in the Church that they hurt. Their meddling and tattling served in many occassions to sow discord among brethren and sisteren in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we recall that this is one of the seven things that our Lord Jesus Christ hates and is an abomination to Him as it is declared in the Proverbs, "These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts {and} plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this verse, "They do not love work, and they will not work. Gadding, gossiping; never contented with home; always visiting. If it went no farther, this would be intolerable; but they are tattlers - tale-bearers; whisperers; light, trifling persons; all noise and no work. Persons who meddle with the concerns of others; who mind every one’s business but their own. Speaking lies, slanders, calumnies; backbiting their neighbors, and everywhere sowing the seed of dissension."
So with these things happening in many of the Churches of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul declares these words to Brother Timothy concerning the younger widows in the Church, "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully." (1 Timothy 5:14) (KJV). When Paul writes here in the beginning of this verse these words, 'I will therefore that the younger women marry', he is not declaring this to be a command from our Lord Jesus Christ that the younger widows must marry, but it is here Paul's desire, that is, the way Paul sees that this earthly life for younger widows would be more enjoyable for themselves and more beneficial and profitable (spiritually) for the Church body if the younger widows would re-marry. When Paul writes that the younger widows should 'bear children' and 'guide the house', he knows that in doing this, it will bring joy into the hearts of the younger women and keep them busy with raising and bringing up their precious children in the nurture, training, and admonition of our Lord Jesus Christ, thus preventing them from nosying and meddling about in the private affairs of others. The little English phrase 'guide the house' is translated by the Greek word oikodespoteō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to be the head of (that is, rule) a family: - guide the house.
The English word 'adversary' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word antikeimai meaning to lie opposite, that is, be adverse (figuratively repugnant) to: - adversary, be contrary, oppose. In this case, the adversary was then and now all the unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, therefore, if the widows in the Church of Jesus Christ were going about being tattlers and meddlers in other peoples private affairs this would cause reproach to be hurled at the Church body labeling the entire body of believers as uncreditable in the town or city, but when the widows in the Church were married again and busy with the joy of raising their own family and running their own household, then their would be no cause nor time for them to spend meddling in the affairs of others. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning widows re-marrying, "The word 'women' is not expressed or necessarily implied in the original and it is evident that the Apostle here had particular reference to 'widows,' and that the injunction should be understood as relating to them. We are not to suppose that he gives this as an absolute and universal command, for it might not always be at the option of the widow to marry again, and it cannot be doubted that there may be cases where it would be unadvisable. But he speaks of this as a general rule. It is better for such persons to have domestic concerns that require their attention, than it is to be exposed to the evils of an idle life." Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning bringing reproach upon the Church, "If housekeepers do not mind their business, but are tattlers, they give occasion to the adversaries of Christianity to reproach the Christian name."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 5:13-14 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. KJV
Paul continues his assessment of the younger widows here by declaring these words concerning them and their behavior, (Note: "It is not likely that the Apostle Paul who was so close to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ would assume a position of self imposed supreme leader of Christ Church and declare these things concerning younger widows in the Church without it coming to him directly from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, for Paul was assuredly against those who were prideful and puffed up (1 Corinthians 4:18-19) and so he would never take on the role as ruler, but he considered himself just as another brother 'in Christ' amongst many brethren in Christ Church.)" "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." (1 Timothy 5:13) (KJV). When the Apostle Paul writes here, 'And withal they learn to be idle', he is declaring that some of these younger widows receiving financial compensation from the Church in the office of deaconess are neglecting their duties and responsibilities to the Church and instead spending their time unwisely, unresourcefully, and unprofitable to those in the Church they are to care for and help.
The English word 'idle' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word argos which means inactive, that is, unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless: - barren, idle, slow. The English phrase 'wandering about from house to house' is translated by one Greek word perierchomai meaning to come all around, that is, stroll, vacillate, veer: - fetch a compass, vagabond, wandering about. The English word 'tattlers' is translated by the Greek word phluaros (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning (to bubble); a garrulous person, that is, prater: - tattler, that is, someone who talks a lot, especially someone who talks too much or foolishly. The English word 'busybodies' is translated by the Greek word periergos which means working all around, that is, officious (meddlesome) - busybody or nosy, that is, intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner. In other words, it appears to me that before Paul wrote this first letter to Brother Timothy that there was not an age limit placed upon those women who were widowed being accepted into the office of deaconess in the early Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, however, after Paul had made visits to the various Churches he found these things that he details to Brother Timothy evident in the Church bodies.
Therefore, Paul wants to not allow the younger widows into this office in the Church because it was reported to Paul that many of the younger widows in the Church went about from house to house meddling intrusively in other people's private business and then talking foolishly about things that they were not even fully informed on ruining and wrecking the reputation of many people in Christ Church without seemingly any care or concern for the brothers and sisters in the Church that they hurt. Their meddling and tattling served in many occassions to sow discord among brethren and sisteren in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we recall that this is one of the seven things that our Lord Jesus Christ hates and is an abomination to Him as it is declared in the Proverbs, "These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts {and} plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this verse, "They do not love work, and they will not work. Gadding, gossiping; never contented with home; always visiting. If it went no farther, this would be intolerable; but they are tattlers - tale-bearers; whisperers; light, trifling persons; all noise and no work. Persons who meddle with the concerns of others; who mind every one’s business but their own. Speaking lies, slanders, calumnies; backbiting their neighbors, and everywhere sowing the seed of dissension."
So with these things happening in many of the Churches of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul declares these words to Brother Timothy concerning the younger widows in the Church, "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully." (1 Timothy 5:14) (KJV). When Paul writes here in the beginning of this verse these words, 'I will therefore that the younger women marry', he is not declaring this to be a command from our Lord Jesus Christ that the younger widows must marry, but it is here Paul's desire, that is, the way Paul sees that this earthly life for younger widows would be more enjoyable for themselves and more beneficial and profitable (spiritually) for the Church body if the younger widows would re-marry. When Paul writes that the younger widows should 'bear children' and 'guide the house', he knows that in doing this, it will bring joy into the hearts of the younger women and keep them busy with raising and bringing up their precious children in the nurture, training, and admonition of our Lord Jesus Christ, thus preventing them from nosying and meddling about in the private affairs of others. The little English phrase 'guide the house' is translated by the Greek word oikodespoteō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to be the head of (that is, rule) a family: - guide the house.
The English word 'adversary' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word antikeimai meaning to lie opposite, that is, be adverse (figuratively repugnant) to: - adversary, be contrary, oppose. In this case, the adversary was then and now all the unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, therefore, if the widows in the Church of Jesus Christ were going about being tattlers and meddlers in other peoples private affairs this would cause reproach to be hurled at the Church body labeling the entire body of believers as uncreditable in the town or city, but when the widows in the Church were married again and busy with the joy of raising their own family and running their own household, then their would be no cause nor time for them to spend meddling in the affairs of others. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning widows re-marrying, "The word 'women' is not expressed or necessarily implied in the original and it is evident that the Apostle here had particular reference to 'widows,' and that the injunction should be understood as relating to them. We are not to suppose that he gives this as an absolute and universal command, for it might not always be at the option of the widow to marry again, and it cannot be doubted that there may be cases where it would be unadvisable. But he speaks of this as a general rule. It is better for such persons to have domestic concerns that require their attention, than it is to be exposed to the evils of an idle life." Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning bringing reproach upon the Church, "If housekeepers do not mind their business, but are tattlers, they give occasion to the adversaries of Christianity to reproach the Christian name."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 51
Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 7
1 Timothy 5:11-12 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. KJV
Now the Apostle Paul begins to focus his instruction to Brother Timothy concerning the younger widows in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, specifically on how the Church leaders should see them and treat them. Apparently, the Apostle Paul had received reports from many of the Churches expressing concern about the behavior of many of the younger widows in the various Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ and the reports did not speak of them in a positive light. Therefore, Paul immediately and instantly commands Timothy to not allow younger widows to serve in the paid or compensated office of deaconess in the Church as he writes these words first to Timothy, "But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;" (1 Timothy 5:11) (KJV). Remember, Paul had just instructed Timothy that the cutoff age for widows to be accepted in the paid/compensated office of the Church was to be the age of 60 years old. Now Paul is declaring to Timothy that all widows that are under this age of 60 must not even be considered for such an office in the Church and he follows up this command with reports of their behavior being damaging to the Church body. The English word 'refuse' is translated by the Greek word paraiteomai which means or carries the same idea of meaning that our English dictionary gives to it and that is, to beg off, that is, decline, shun: - avoid, refuse, or reject.
Just before Paul declares why he sees that the younger widows should be 'refused', he uses the little English word 'when' and this word is translated by the Greek word hotan which means whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causative (conjugationally) inasmuch as: as long as or soon as. The English phrase 'they have begun to wax wanton against' is translated by one Greek word katastrēniaō (another one of these Greek words used this one time only in the entire New Testament) and it means to become voluptuous against: - begin to wax wanton against; that is, signifying to feel the sexual impulse, only here, and to run riot. In other words, Paul felt strongly that the widows that were under the age of 60 were more likely to have a strong need to have their sexual desires with a man fulfilled and in so doing would be more vulnerable, that is, susceptible to attack from the enemy in their bodies wanting to fulfill their sexual desires, just as Paul wished that everyone could be as he was with the spiritual gift of celibacy, but knowing that all did not have said gift he warned the Corinthian believers with these words, "I wish that all men were like I myself am [in this matter of self-control]. But each has his own special gift from God, one of this kind and one of another. But to the unmarried people and to the widows, I declare that it is well (good, advantageous, expedient, and wholesome) for them to remain [single] even as I do. But if they have not self-control (restraint of their passions), they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame [with passion and tortured continually with ungratified desire]." (1 Corinthians 7:7-9) (Amplified Bible).
Paul knew that the younger the widow, the more likely she would want to marry again, so as to be able to gratify her sexual desires and passions, which is exactly why Paul set the age limit that he did (under the direction of God the Holy Spirit). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning the younger widows being refused of this office, "The sense here is, that they would not be subordinate to the restraints implied in that situation, they would become impatient, and would marry again. The idea is not that of wantonness or lewdness, but it is that of a mind not subdued by age and by trials, and that would be impatient under the necessary restraints of the condition which was contemplated. They could not be depended on with certainty, but they might be expected again to enter into the married relation." This next verse perhaps has been long mis-understood by the Apostle Paul as to what he meant in writing these words to Brother Timothy concerning the younger widows who are desiring to re-marry instead of pledging themselves to the sole servitude, service, or slavery of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church and it even wrongly caused the Catholic Church and other Churches to set up a system of women in service to Christ Church forbidding them to marry a husband and remain celibate for their entire earthly lives in the Church without ever knowing or discerning if all of these women had the gift of celibacy or self-control from God the Holy Spirit and in so doing has caused a lot of harm to other members of Christ Body through sexual abuse. Just yesterday (August 14, 2018) we learned in the news that in Pennsylvania it was discovered that over many years it is alleged that Celibate Priest were allowed to sexually abuse and molest children over the course of many generations in the Catholic Church.
Paul writes these words to Timothy, "Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith." (1 Timothy 5:12) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'damnation' is translated by the Greek word krima meaning a decision (the function or the effect, for or against [“crime”]): - avenge, condemned, condemnation, judgment. In other words, Paul is not here declaring that younger widows who elect to re-marry instead of pledging themselves to the service of Christ and His Church are to be damned to hell, of course not, but what he is declaring is that if they were to be allowed to serve in that capacity or office in the Church and then back away from said office in order to re-marry, they would bring upon themselves the burden of God's judgement for their about face and that would be their condemnation weighing upon their conscience like a heavy weight on their backs would feel. Here again is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning Paul's reference here to damnation, "Or, rather, having 'condemnation;' or incurring guilt. This does not mean of necessity that they would lose their souls. The meaning is, that they would contract guilt, if they had been admitted among this class of persons, and then married again. The Apostle does not say that that would be wrong in itself (compare notes on 1 Timothy 5:14), or that they would be absolutely prohibited from it, but that injury would be done if they were admitted among those who were 'widows indeed' - who were supported by the Church, and who were entrusted with a certain degree of care over the more youthful females - and then should leave that situation. It might give occasion for scandal it might break in upon the arrangements; it would show that there was a relaxing of the faith, and of the deadness to the world, which they were supposed to have; and it was better that they should be married 1 Timothy 5:14, without having been thus admitted."
When Paul writes here, 'because they have cast off their first faith', he probably means simply having entered into the office of deaconness and then turned away from the office in order to re-marry, however, Paul is certainly not saying these women have lost their faith in Christ or lost their salvation, for their is no such thing for all who have truly been born again, because if you are born you can't then be unborn. The little English phrase 'they have cast off' is translated by one Greek word atheteō meaning to set aside, that is, (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate: Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning the casting off of their first faith, "Namely, pledged to Christ and the service of the Church. There could be no hardship at the age of sixty or upwards in not marrying again (end of 1 Timothy 5:9), for the sake of serving better the cause of Christ as presbyteresses; though, to ordinary widows, no barrier existed against remarriage (1 Corinthians 7:39). This is altogether distinct from Rome’s unnatural vows of celibacy in the case of young marriageable women. The widow-presbyteresses, moreover, engaged to remain single, not as though single life were holier than married life (according to Rome’s teaching), but because the interests of Christ’s cause made it desirable (see on 1 Timothy 3:2). They had pledged 'their first faith' to Christ as presbyteress widows; they now wish to transfer their faith to a husband."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 5:11-12 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. KJV
Now the Apostle Paul begins to focus his instruction to Brother Timothy concerning the younger widows in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, specifically on how the Church leaders should see them and treat them. Apparently, the Apostle Paul had received reports from many of the Churches expressing concern about the behavior of many of the younger widows in the various Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ and the reports did not speak of them in a positive light. Therefore, Paul immediately and instantly commands Timothy to not allow younger widows to serve in the paid or compensated office of deaconess in the Church as he writes these words first to Timothy, "But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;" (1 Timothy 5:11) (KJV). Remember, Paul had just instructed Timothy that the cutoff age for widows to be accepted in the paid/compensated office of the Church was to be the age of 60 years old. Now Paul is declaring to Timothy that all widows that are under this age of 60 must not even be considered for such an office in the Church and he follows up this command with reports of their behavior being damaging to the Church body. The English word 'refuse' is translated by the Greek word paraiteomai which means or carries the same idea of meaning that our English dictionary gives to it and that is, to beg off, that is, decline, shun: - avoid, refuse, or reject.
Just before Paul declares why he sees that the younger widows should be 'refused', he uses the little English word 'when' and this word is translated by the Greek word hotan which means whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causative (conjugationally) inasmuch as: as long as or soon as. The English phrase 'they have begun to wax wanton against' is translated by one Greek word katastrēniaō (another one of these Greek words used this one time only in the entire New Testament) and it means to become voluptuous against: - begin to wax wanton against; that is, signifying to feel the sexual impulse, only here, and to run riot. In other words, Paul felt strongly that the widows that were under the age of 60 were more likely to have a strong need to have their sexual desires with a man fulfilled and in so doing would be more vulnerable, that is, susceptible to attack from the enemy in their bodies wanting to fulfill their sexual desires, just as Paul wished that everyone could be as he was with the spiritual gift of celibacy, but knowing that all did not have said gift he warned the Corinthian believers with these words, "I wish that all men were like I myself am [in this matter of self-control]. But each has his own special gift from God, one of this kind and one of another. But to the unmarried people and to the widows, I declare that it is well (good, advantageous, expedient, and wholesome) for them to remain [single] even as I do. But if they have not self-control (restraint of their passions), they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame [with passion and tortured continually with ungratified desire]." (1 Corinthians 7:7-9) (Amplified Bible).
Paul knew that the younger the widow, the more likely she would want to marry again, so as to be able to gratify her sexual desires and passions, which is exactly why Paul set the age limit that he did (under the direction of God the Holy Spirit). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning the younger widows being refused of this office, "The sense here is, that they would not be subordinate to the restraints implied in that situation, they would become impatient, and would marry again. The idea is not that of wantonness or lewdness, but it is that of a mind not subdued by age and by trials, and that would be impatient under the necessary restraints of the condition which was contemplated. They could not be depended on with certainty, but they might be expected again to enter into the married relation." This next verse perhaps has been long mis-understood by the Apostle Paul as to what he meant in writing these words to Brother Timothy concerning the younger widows who are desiring to re-marry instead of pledging themselves to the sole servitude, service, or slavery of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church and it even wrongly caused the Catholic Church and other Churches to set up a system of women in service to Christ Church forbidding them to marry a husband and remain celibate for their entire earthly lives in the Church without ever knowing or discerning if all of these women had the gift of celibacy or self-control from God the Holy Spirit and in so doing has caused a lot of harm to other members of Christ Body through sexual abuse. Just yesterday (August 14, 2018) we learned in the news that in Pennsylvania it was discovered that over many years it is alleged that Celibate Priest were allowed to sexually abuse and molest children over the course of many generations in the Catholic Church.
Paul writes these words to Timothy, "Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith." (1 Timothy 5:12) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'damnation' is translated by the Greek word krima meaning a decision (the function or the effect, for or against [“crime”]): - avenge, condemned, condemnation, judgment. In other words, Paul is not here declaring that younger widows who elect to re-marry instead of pledging themselves to the service of Christ and His Church are to be damned to hell, of course not, but what he is declaring is that if they were to be allowed to serve in that capacity or office in the Church and then back away from said office in order to re-marry, they would bring upon themselves the burden of God's judgement for their about face and that would be their condemnation weighing upon their conscience like a heavy weight on their backs would feel. Here again is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning Paul's reference here to damnation, "Or, rather, having 'condemnation;' or incurring guilt. This does not mean of necessity that they would lose their souls. The meaning is, that they would contract guilt, if they had been admitted among this class of persons, and then married again. The Apostle does not say that that would be wrong in itself (compare notes on 1 Timothy 5:14), or that they would be absolutely prohibited from it, but that injury would be done if they were admitted among those who were 'widows indeed' - who were supported by the Church, and who were entrusted with a certain degree of care over the more youthful females - and then should leave that situation. It might give occasion for scandal it might break in upon the arrangements; it would show that there was a relaxing of the faith, and of the deadness to the world, which they were supposed to have; and it was better that they should be married 1 Timothy 5:14, without having been thus admitted."
When Paul writes here, 'because they have cast off their first faith', he probably means simply having entered into the office of deaconness and then turned away from the office in order to re-marry, however, Paul is certainly not saying these women have lost their faith in Christ or lost their salvation, for their is no such thing for all who have truly been born again, because if you are born you can't then be unborn. The little English phrase 'they have cast off' is translated by one Greek word atheteō meaning to set aside, that is, (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate: Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning the casting off of their first faith, "Namely, pledged to Christ and the service of the Church. There could be no hardship at the age of sixty or upwards in not marrying again (end of 1 Timothy 5:9), for the sake of serving better the cause of Christ as presbyteresses; though, to ordinary widows, no barrier existed against remarriage (1 Corinthians 7:39). This is altogether distinct from Rome’s unnatural vows of celibacy in the case of young marriageable women. The widow-presbyteresses, moreover, engaged to remain single, not as though single life were holier than married life (according to Rome’s teaching), but because the interests of Christ’s cause made it desirable (see on 1 Timothy 3:2). They had pledged 'their first faith' to Christ as presbyteress widows; they now wish to transfer their faith to a husband."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 50
Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 6
1 Timothy 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. KJV
In the last commentary/bible study, we learned that the Apostle Paul instructed Brother Timothy to declare the cutoff age for widows to receive financial relief or assistance from the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ to be the age of 60 years old. Now the Apostle moves on from there to inform Brother Timothy on what the character of the age appropriate widow likewise should be to qualify her, that is, prove her capable and spiritually fit to serve in the paid/compensated office of widow in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ by writing these words to Brother Timothy at that time and to everyone of us believers of every era and generation saying this should be their well documented character, "Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work." (1 Timothy 5:10) (KJV).
First of all Paul says that she should be 'well reported of for good works', The little English phrase here 'well reported of' is translated by one Greek word martureō which means to be a witness, that is, testify (literally or figuratively): - give evidence of, or bear record concerning the person or persons. When Paul says, 'for good works', he means that the works should be virtuous, that is, morally excellent and good for others and also valuable for others. In other words, the qualified widow should'nt be a witch (literally or figuratively), but instead a woman who has spent her life doing good to others and for others and not in any way causing harm to come to others or hurting others for selfish gain or to gain favor in the community, such as was said of Tabitha as recorded for us by Dr. Luke, "Now there was at Joppa a disciple [a woman] named [in Aramaic] Tabitha, which [in Greek] means Dorcas. She was abounding in good deeds and acts of charity." (Acts 9:36) (Amplified Bible).
Next on the Apostle Paul's list is this reference 'if she have brought up children' and in making this statement, Paul seeks the woman that has experience in loving nurture of her children or the children of another, knowing that such a woman would be well suited to care for the sick and shut in saints and orphaned children in the office of widow in the Church of Christ. The little English phrase 'brought up children' is translated by one Greek word teknotropheō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to be a child rearer, that is, fulfill the duties of a female parent: - bring up children. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning bringing up children, "It was customary among the Gentiles to expose their children, when so poor that they were not able to provide for them. Pious and humane people took these up; and fed, clothed, and educated them. The words brought up may refer to the children of others, who were educated in the Christian faith by pious Christian women."
Next on the Apostle Paul's list is this reference 'if she have lodged strangers' and this reference in no way applies to any person that wandered her way off the streets, but it is a reference to her being the person who would provide her place or home for many traveling saints to stay (such as Paul, Silas, or Timothy) as they went about from town to town and city to city as missionaries and evangelist preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all who would listen. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the lodging of strangers, "As Abraham and Lot did, who entertained angels unawares: this may be understood of strangers in common, but especially of the brethren, ministers, and others, who came from distant parts, and travelled about to spread the Gospel of Christ. The Jews say many things, 'in honour of hospitality' or entertaining of strangers, especially of receiving into their houses the disciples of the wise men, and giving them food and drink, and the use of their goods; this was what gave persons a very great character with them, and highly recommended them."
Next on the Apostle Paul's list is this reference 'if she have washed the saints' feet' and this reference was peculiar for that day in the land and area where the Apostle Paul lived and the places he visited on his missionary journeys because the land was covered with red dusty clay dirt on the traveling roads that were walked primarily (walked in sandals) by everyone to get to and from their homes and places of business. Therefore, when people would enter the homes of others they would commonly have a servant who would remove their sandals and wash their feet in a basin of water kept by the doorway or entry way. Paul is saying here that the widow who did this regulary and customarily for those who would enter her home was the type of widow given a position in the office of widow or deaconess in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, just as our Lord Jesus Himself did by washing the dirty dusty feet of His disciples showing them how they should treat one another as it is written, "Then He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the [servant's] towel with which He was girded." (John 13:5) (Amplified Bible).
Note: "This act of feet washing in most or many places today is not necessary. Those who do this feet washing (literally) today (in most cases) are not doing some great service for another saint, but instead they should be willing to provide resources such as shoes to the millions of children around the world that have none, nor have any way of ever getting any shoes. The benevolent offering taken up in many Churches is never used for such things just as this, which is exactly why the Church instituted such an offering in the first place." Next on the Apostle Paul's list is this reference 'if she have relieved the afflicted' and here Paul means the persecuted saints by the afflicted and the little English phrase 'she have relieved' is translated by one Greek word eparkeō meaning to avail for, that is, help: - relieve.
The little English phrase 'the afflicted' is translated by one Greek word thlibō meaning the troubled and persecuted saints who were suffering tribulation for and because of their faith in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Lastly on the Apostle Paul's list is this reference 'if she have diligently followed every good work' and this simply means to sum up all the others that he has previously listed above and also that she herself has made it a pattern of her life over the years in Christ Church to follow after or to pursue those things that are good and well pleasing to Him. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the diligent following of good works, "Not only have done good works at certain times, but has followed that which is good; has closely pursued it, and that with great eagerness and diligence; has been constant and indefatigable in the performance of it."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. KJV
In the last commentary/bible study, we learned that the Apostle Paul instructed Brother Timothy to declare the cutoff age for widows to receive financial relief or assistance from the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ to be the age of 60 years old. Now the Apostle moves on from there to inform Brother Timothy on what the character of the age appropriate widow likewise should be to qualify her, that is, prove her capable and spiritually fit to serve in the paid/compensated office of widow in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ by writing these words to Brother Timothy at that time and to everyone of us believers of every era and generation saying this should be their well documented character, "Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work." (1 Timothy 5:10) (KJV).
First of all Paul says that she should be 'well reported of for good works', The little English phrase here 'well reported of' is translated by one Greek word martureō which means to be a witness, that is, testify (literally or figuratively): - give evidence of, or bear record concerning the person or persons. When Paul says, 'for good works', he means that the works should be virtuous, that is, morally excellent and good for others and also valuable for others. In other words, the qualified widow should'nt be a witch (literally or figuratively), but instead a woman who has spent her life doing good to others and for others and not in any way causing harm to come to others or hurting others for selfish gain or to gain favor in the community, such as was said of Tabitha as recorded for us by Dr. Luke, "Now there was at Joppa a disciple [a woman] named [in Aramaic] Tabitha, which [in Greek] means Dorcas. She was abounding in good deeds and acts of charity." (Acts 9:36) (Amplified Bible).
Next on the Apostle Paul's list is this reference 'if she have brought up children' and in making this statement, Paul seeks the woman that has experience in loving nurture of her children or the children of another, knowing that such a woman would be well suited to care for the sick and shut in saints and orphaned children in the office of widow in the Church of Christ. The little English phrase 'brought up children' is translated by one Greek word teknotropheō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to be a child rearer, that is, fulfill the duties of a female parent: - bring up children. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning bringing up children, "It was customary among the Gentiles to expose their children, when so poor that they were not able to provide for them. Pious and humane people took these up; and fed, clothed, and educated them. The words brought up may refer to the children of others, who were educated in the Christian faith by pious Christian women."
Next on the Apostle Paul's list is this reference 'if she have lodged strangers' and this reference in no way applies to any person that wandered her way off the streets, but it is a reference to her being the person who would provide her place or home for many traveling saints to stay (such as Paul, Silas, or Timothy) as they went about from town to town and city to city as missionaries and evangelist preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all who would listen. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the lodging of strangers, "As Abraham and Lot did, who entertained angels unawares: this may be understood of strangers in common, but especially of the brethren, ministers, and others, who came from distant parts, and travelled about to spread the Gospel of Christ. The Jews say many things, 'in honour of hospitality' or entertaining of strangers, especially of receiving into their houses the disciples of the wise men, and giving them food and drink, and the use of their goods; this was what gave persons a very great character with them, and highly recommended them."
Next on the Apostle Paul's list is this reference 'if she have washed the saints' feet' and this reference was peculiar for that day in the land and area where the Apostle Paul lived and the places he visited on his missionary journeys because the land was covered with red dusty clay dirt on the traveling roads that were walked primarily (walked in sandals) by everyone to get to and from their homes and places of business. Therefore, when people would enter the homes of others they would commonly have a servant who would remove their sandals and wash their feet in a basin of water kept by the doorway or entry way. Paul is saying here that the widow who did this regulary and customarily for those who would enter her home was the type of widow given a position in the office of widow or deaconess in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, just as our Lord Jesus Himself did by washing the dirty dusty feet of His disciples showing them how they should treat one another as it is written, "Then He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the [servant's] towel with which He was girded." (John 13:5) (Amplified Bible).
Note: "This act of feet washing in most or many places today is not necessary. Those who do this feet washing (literally) today (in most cases) are not doing some great service for another saint, but instead they should be willing to provide resources such as shoes to the millions of children around the world that have none, nor have any way of ever getting any shoes. The benevolent offering taken up in many Churches is never used for such things just as this, which is exactly why the Church instituted such an offering in the first place." Next on the Apostle Paul's list is this reference 'if she have relieved the afflicted' and here Paul means the persecuted saints by the afflicted and the little English phrase 'she have relieved' is translated by one Greek word eparkeō meaning to avail for, that is, help: - relieve.
The little English phrase 'the afflicted' is translated by one Greek word thlibō meaning the troubled and persecuted saints who were suffering tribulation for and because of their faith in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Lastly on the Apostle Paul's list is this reference 'if she have diligently followed every good work' and this simply means to sum up all the others that he has previously listed above and also that she herself has made it a pattern of her life over the years in Christ Church to follow after or to pursue those things that are good and well pleasing to Him. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the diligent following of good works, "Not only have done good works at certain times, but has followed that which is good; has closely pursued it, and that with great eagerness and diligence; has been constant and indefatigable in the performance of it."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 49
Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 5
1 Timothy 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, KJV
Paul now instructs Brother Timothy on the cutoff age of widows that should be admitted into the paid or compensated service positions in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as he declares with these words, "Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man," (1 Timothy 5:9) (KJV). The idea here was that every Churches official list of widows in their Church was not to have listed on it any widowed woman under 60 years of age. Perhaps Paul felt like the widowed women that were 60 years old or older were less likely to want to re-marry verses the widows who were younger, just as Paul himself had given counsel to the Church @ Corinth when he wrote these words in his first letter to them, "A wife is bound to her husband by law as long as he lives. If the husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she will, only [provided that he too is] in the Lord. But in my opinion [a widow] is happier (more blessed and to be envied) if she does not remarry. And also I think I have the Spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 7:39-40) (Amplified Bible).
The older women were also looked upon by the Apostle Paul as mentors and counselors or teachers to the younger women of the Church so that the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ would be sound, solid, and sure even as he instructed Brother Titus to instruct this to the older women in the Church with these words, "Bid the older women similarly to be reverent {and} devout in their deportment as becomes those engaged in sacred service, not slanderers or slaves to drink. They are to give good counsel {and} be teachers of what is right {and} noble, So that they will wisely train the young women to be sane and sober of mind (temperate, disciplined) and to love their husbands and their children, To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted), adapting {and} subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited)." (Titus 2:3-5) (Amplified Bible). The little English phrase 'be taken into the number' is translated by one Greek word katalegō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning (figuratively) to enroll, that is, to register formally as a participant or member: - take into the number.
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning widows being listed into the official order at age 60 years or older, "That is, of widows, to be maintained by the Church; though some choose to understand these words of the number of such who were made deaconesses, and had the care of the poor widows of the Church committed to them; and so the Arabic version renders it, 'if a widow be chosen a deaconess'; but the former sense is best, for it appears from 1 Timothy 5:1 that the Apostle is still speaking of widows to be relieved: now such were not to be taken under the Church's care for relief, under threescore years old: for under this age it might be supposed they would marry, and so not be desolate, but would have husbands to provide for them; or they might be capable of labor, and so of taking care of themselves. The age of sixty years was by the Jews reckoned, 'old age', but not under." When the Apostle Paul writes here, 'having been the wife of one man', he means that she was married to one man who died, not that she was married only one time, however, other commentators believe that Paul means the qualified widow must have been married only one time in her life and most use the case of the Prophetess Anna as this was spoken concerning her, "And there was also a Prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood, And as a widow even for eighty-four years. She did not go out from the temple enclosure, but was worshiping night and day with fasting and prayer." (Luke 2:36-37) (Amplified Bible).
Anna's case in my opinion was a personal one and it is not recorded here or anywhere else in the Scripture that this was the mandatory practice in that day of all widows, but what is recorded is the Lord's heart for and care for widows in that day and all the way up to today as described by the Psalmist with these words, "The Lord protects {and} preserves the strangers {and} temporary residents, He upholds the fatherless and the widow {and} sets them upright, but the way of the wicked He makes crooked (turns upside down and brings to ruin)." (Psalm 146:9) (Amplified Bible). So, we see then that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will establish and take care of the upright widow whether He takes her to another husband or whether He takes care of her some other way. Again here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning widows having been the wife of one husband, "That is, at one time; for second marriages are not hereby condemned, for this would be to condemn what the Apostle elsewhere allows, Romans 7:2. Nor is the sense only, that she should be one who never had more husbands than one at once; for this was not usual for women to have more husbands than one, even where polygamy obtained, or where men had more wives than one: this rather therefore is to be understood of one who had never put away her husband, and married another, which was sometimes done among the Jews; see Mark 10:12, and this being a scandalous practice, the Apostle was willing to put a mark of infamy upon it, and exclude such persons who had been guilty of it from the number of widows relieved by the Church."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, KJV
Paul now instructs Brother Timothy on the cutoff age of widows that should be admitted into the paid or compensated service positions in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as he declares with these words, "Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man," (1 Timothy 5:9) (KJV). The idea here was that every Churches official list of widows in their Church was not to have listed on it any widowed woman under 60 years of age. Perhaps Paul felt like the widowed women that were 60 years old or older were less likely to want to re-marry verses the widows who were younger, just as Paul himself had given counsel to the Church @ Corinth when he wrote these words in his first letter to them, "A wife is bound to her husband by law as long as he lives. If the husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she will, only [provided that he too is] in the Lord. But in my opinion [a widow] is happier (more blessed and to be envied) if she does not remarry. And also I think I have the Spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 7:39-40) (Amplified Bible).
The older women were also looked upon by the Apostle Paul as mentors and counselors or teachers to the younger women of the Church so that the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ would be sound, solid, and sure even as he instructed Brother Titus to instruct this to the older women in the Church with these words, "Bid the older women similarly to be reverent {and} devout in their deportment as becomes those engaged in sacred service, not slanderers or slaves to drink. They are to give good counsel {and} be teachers of what is right {and} noble, So that they will wisely train the young women to be sane and sober of mind (temperate, disciplined) and to love their husbands and their children, To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted), adapting {and} subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited)." (Titus 2:3-5) (Amplified Bible). The little English phrase 'be taken into the number' is translated by one Greek word katalegō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning (figuratively) to enroll, that is, to register formally as a participant or member: - take into the number.
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning widows being listed into the official order at age 60 years or older, "That is, of widows, to be maintained by the Church; though some choose to understand these words of the number of such who were made deaconesses, and had the care of the poor widows of the Church committed to them; and so the Arabic version renders it, 'if a widow be chosen a deaconess'; but the former sense is best, for it appears from 1 Timothy 5:1 that the Apostle is still speaking of widows to be relieved: now such were not to be taken under the Church's care for relief, under threescore years old: for under this age it might be supposed they would marry, and so not be desolate, but would have husbands to provide for them; or they might be capable of labor, and so of taking care of themselves. The age of sixty years was by the Jews reckoned, 'old age', but not under." When the Apostle Paul writes here, 'having been the wife of one man', he means that she was married to one man who died, not that she was married only one time, however, other commentators believe that Paul means the qualified widow must have been married only one time in her life and most use the case of the Prophetess Anna as this was spoken concerning her, "And there was also a Prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood, And as a widow even for eighty-four years. She did not go out from the temple enclosure, but was worshiping night and day with fasting and prayer." (Luke 2:36-37) (Amplified Bible).
Anna's case in my opinion was a personal one and it is not recorded here or anywhere else in the Scripture that this was the mandatory practice in that day of all widows, but what is recorded is the Lord's heart for and care for widows in that day and all the way up to today as described by the Psalmist with these words, "The Lord protects {and} preserves the strangers {and} temporary residents, He upholds the fatherless and the widow {and} sets them upright, but the way of the wicked He makes crooked (turns upside down and brings to ruin)." (Psalm 146:9) (Amplified Bible). So, we see then that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will establish and take care of the upright widow whether He takes her to another husband or whether He takes care of her some other way. Again here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning widows having been the wife of one husband, "That is, at one time; for second marriages are not hereby condemned, for this would be to condemn what the Apostle elsewhere allows, Romans 7:2. Nor is the sense only, that she should be one who never had more husbands than one at once; for this was not usual for women to have more husbands than one, even where polygamy obtained, or where men had more wives than one: this rather therefore is to be understood of one who had never put away her husband, and married another, which was sometimes done among the Jews; see Mark 10:12, and this being a scandalous practice, the Apostle was willing to put a mark of infamy upon it, and exclude such persons who had been guilty of it from the number of widows relieved by the Church."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 48
Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 4
1 Timothy 5:7-8 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. KJV
Paul reinforces his desire to Brother Timothy concerning the previous things he has instructed him on regarding the treatment of widows in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ by saying, "And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless." (1 Timothy 5:7) (KJV). The little English phrase 'give in charge' is translated by the Greek word paraggellō which means to transmit a message, that is, (by implication) to enjoin: - give command or commandment, to declare. The English word 'blameless' is translated by the Greek word anepilēptos which means (by implication) inculpable: - blameless, unrebukeable. In other words, these things were not Paul's suggestions to Timothy, but commands to him from the Throne of God on how widows in Christ Church should be treated and how they (the widows) should conduct themselves so that by virtue of their employment in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ they would be without blame, that is, not rebuked for their service to Christ Church by other members who saw their positions as suspect or unneeded or unnecessary. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning these commands, "Charge the whole Church to attend to these things, that they may be blameless. The words are not spoken of the widows only, but of the Church or its officers."
Now Paul gives Timothy what he has been inspired by God the Holy Spirit to speak concerning the children of a widowed Mother or Grandmother by these very strong words of warning and of rebuke, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." (1 Timothy 5:8) (KJV). Paul here is again instructing Timothy on how he must inform and instruct the children of widows on their primary responsibility and that is of taking care of their widowed Mother and/or Grandmother in need. The little English phrase 'provide not for' is translated by the Greek word pronoeō which means to consider in advance, that is, look out for beforehand (active voice by way of maintenance for others. The English phrase 'for those of his own house' is translated by the Greek word oikeios which means domestic, that is, (as noun), a relative, adherent: - in this case the widowed Mother or Grandmother. The English phrase 'he hath denied' is translated by the Greek word arneomai which means to contradict, that is, disavow, reject, abnegate: - deny, refuse.
The English word 'faith' is translated by the Greek word pistis and it means persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. The English word 'worse' is translated by the Greek word cheirōn meaning more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally): - sorer, worse. Th little English phrase 'than an infidel' is translated by the Greek word apistos meaning (actively) disbelieving, that is, without Christian faith (specifically a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing): - that believeth not, faithless, incredible thing, infidel, unbeliever. In other words, Paul declares to Brother Timothy that the grown children who have a widowed Mother and/or Grandmother and refuse to provide financial care, emotional care, and every other type of loving care for them is not even equal to an atheist or a witch or a wizard or a sorcerer or a spiritualist or any other person or system of spiritual belief that is contrary to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel, they are even worst than them in the sight of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Here is what F. B. Meyer had to say concerning the childrens responsibility to their widowed Mothers or Grandmothers, "The special references to widows evidence the early practice of the Church. Provision was made for godly women who had lost husbands by death, and who in return for the weekly gift from Church funds, gave themselves to Christian service. The Apostle indicates the age and characteristics of those who might be eligible. It was his clear judgment, however, that, wherever possible, it was becoming for children to make such provision as would place an aged Mother or other relative beyond the reach of want or any need of claiming maintenance from Church funds. Our nurses and deaconesses are the modern counterparts of the order of widows in the early Church; yet the standard of Christian living here emphasized may well be pondered and prayed over by all Christian women, who should, as far as possible without fee or reward, consider Church service only second to the claims of home."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 5:7-8 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. KJV
Paul reinforces his desire to Brother Timothy concerning the previous things he has instructed him on regarding the treatment of widows in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ by saying, "And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless." (1 Timothy 5:7) (KJV). The little English phrase 'give in charge' is translated by the Greek word paraggellō which means to transmit a message, that is, (by implication) to enjoin: - give command or commandment, to declare. The English word 'blameless' is translated by the Greek word anepilēptos which means (by implication) inculpable: - blameless, unrebukeable. In other words, these things were not Paul's suggestions to Timothy, but commands to him from the Throne of God on how widows in Christ Church should be treated and how they (the widows) should conduct themselves so that by virtue of their employment in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ they would be without blame, that is, not rebuked for their service to Christ Church by other members who saw their positions as suspect or unneeded or unnecessary. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning these commands, "Charge the whole Church to attend to these things, that they may be blameless. The words are not spoken of the widows only, but of the Church or its officers."
Now Paul gives Timothy what he has been inspired by God the Holy Spirit to speak concerning the children of a widowed Mother or Grandmother by these very strong words of warning and of rebuke, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." (1 Timothy 5:8) (KJV). Paul here is again instructing Timothy on how he must inform and instruct the children of widows on their primary responsibility and that is of taking care of their widowed Mother and/or Grandmother in need. The little English phrase 'provide not for' is translated by the Greek word pronoeō which means to consider in advance, that is, look out for beforehand (active voice by way of maintenance for others. The English phrase 'for those of his own house' is translated by the Greek word oikeios which means domestic, that is, (as noun), a relative, adherent: - in this case the widowed Mother or Grandmother. The English phrase 'he hath denied' is translated by the Greek word arneomai which means to contradict, that is, disavow, reject, abnegate: - deny, refuse.
The English word 'faith' is translated by the Greek word pistis and it means persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. The English word 'worse' is translated by the Greek word cheirōn meaning more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally): - sorer, worse. Th little English phrase 'than an infidel' is translated by the Greek word apistos meaning (actively) disbelieving, that is, without Christian faith (specifically a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing): - that believeth not, faithless, incredible thing, infidel, unbeliever. In other words, Paul declares to Brother Timothy that the grown children who have a widowed Mother and/or Grandmother and refuse to provide financial care, emotional care, and every other type of loving care for them is not even equal to an atheist or a witch or a wizard or a sorcerer or a spiritualist or any other person or system of spiritual belief that is contrary to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel, they are even worst than them in the sight of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Here is what F. B. Meyer had to say concerning the childrens responsibility to their widowed Mothers or Grandmothers, "The special references to widows evidence the early practice of the Church. Provision was made for godly women who had lost husbands by death, and who in return for the weekly gift from Church funds, gave themselves to Christian service. The Apostle indicates the age and characteristics of those who might be eligible. It was his clear judgment, however, that, wherever possible, it was becoming for children to make such provision as would place an aged Mother or other relative beyond the reach of want or any need of claiming maintenance from Church funds. Our nurses and deaconesses are the modern counterparts of the order of widows in the early Church; yet the standard of Christian living here emphasized may well be pondered and prayed over by all Christian women, who should, as far as possible without fee or reward, consider Church service only second to the claims of home."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)