Table of Contents For 1 Timothy 5 READ THE APPROPRIATE CHAPTER Page 53 READ AND DISCUSS EACH VERSE AND TRANSLATION AMONG YOUR GROUP (1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER FIVE). Page 54 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER FIVE). Page 63 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR DISCUSSION AMONG YOUR GROUP (1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER FIVE). Page 64 1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 5 In Your Group Read 1 Timothy chapter five (aloud) in a modern translation or read it in the King James Version (below). As a Group, Discuss the general content of the chapter. THE LETTER OF 1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 5 King James Version 1 TIMOTHY 5: [1] 1 Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; [2] The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. [3] ¶ Honour widows that are widows indeed. [4] But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. [5] Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. [6] But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. [7] And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. [8] 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. [9] Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, [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. [11] But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; [12] Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. [13] 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. [14] I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [15] For some are already turned aside after Satan. [16] 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. [17] ¶ Let the elders that 53 rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. [18] For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn (Deuteronomy 25:4). And, The labourer is worthy of his reward (Luke 10:7). [19] Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. [20] Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. [21] I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. [22] Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. [23] Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. [24] Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. [25] Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GROUP: Read and Discuss each verse and translation along with the “Additional Information” in each box provided. 1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 5 VERSES 1-2 1 Timothy 5: [1] 1 Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; [2] The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. (King James Version) 1Never speak sharply to an older man, but plead with him respectfully just as though he were your own father. Talk to the younger men as you would to much-loved brothers. 2Treat the older women as mothers, and the girls as your sisters, thinking only pure thoughts about them. (The Living Bible) [1] Never give a sharp reprimand to an older man, but encourage him as if he were your father. Treat the younger men as brothers, [2] the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, thinking only pure thoughts about them. (The New Translation) [1] You mustn’t speak harshly to an older man, but urge him to do what you want as if he were your father. And urge the younger men like brothers, [2] the older women like mothers, and the younger women like sisters, with nothing but pure thoughts in your mind. (New Testament in Everyday American English) [1] Correct an older man gently, not harshly; plead with him as you would with a father. Correct the younger men as you would your brothers, [2] older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with utmost care to maintain purity. (The Last Days Bible) Additional Information: (Verse 1) – “Elder.” In this context, the Greek is indicating older men generally, not the office of elder. The younger Timothy was to confront sinning older men with deference and honor, which is clearly inferred from the Old Testament principles (See Lev.19:32; Job 32:4; Prov.16:31) (MacArthur Bible Commentary, p.1792). 54 1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 5 VERSES 3-4 1 Timothy 5: [3] ¶ Honour widows that are widows indeed. [4] But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. (King James Version) [3] Honor widows who are widows indeed; [4] but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. (New American Standard Bible) 3 4 The church should care for any widow who has no one else to care for her. But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God very much. (New Living Translation) 3 Take care of any widow who is really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to serve God by taking care of her, as she once took care of them. This is what God wants them to do. (Contemporary English Version) 3The church should take loving care of women whose husbands have died if they don’t have anyone else to help them. 4But if they have children or grandchildren, these are the ones who should take the responsibility, for kindness should begin at home, supporting needy parents. This is something that pleases God very much. (The Living Bible) [3] Help women whose husbands have died. [4] If a woman whose husband has died has children or grandchildren, they are the ones to care for her. In that way, they can pay back to their parents the kindness that has been shown to them. God is pleased when this is done. (The New Life Testament) Widows in real need must be supported from the funds. (When a widow has children or grandchildren, they must learn that the first duty of religion is to their own household, and that they should make some return to those who have brought them up. In God’s sight this is a commendable deed.) (verses 3-4) (Moffatt Translation) [3] Honor and care for widows who are without any family. [4] But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn as their first duty to put godliness into practice at home by caring for her. In this way they will be making some repayment to their parents, for this is pleasing to God. (The New Translation) [3] [Always] treat with great consideration and give aid to those who are truly widowed (solitary and without support). [4] but if a widow has children or grandchildren, see to it that these are first made to understand that it is their religious duty [to defray their natural obligation to those] at home, and make return to their parents or grandparents [for all their care by contributing to their maintenance], for this is acceptable in the sight of God. (The Amplified New Testament) Additional Information: (Verses 3-4) - See Mark 7:9-13. (Verse 4) - Those who use the King James Version (KJV) should know that “nephews” in 1611 meant “grandchildren” (Helps for Translators, p. 46). 55 1 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 5 VERSES 5-6 1 Timothy 5: [5] Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. [6] But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. (King James Version) 5 But a woman who is a true widow, one who is truly alone in this world, has placed her hope in God. Night and day she asks God for help and spends much time in 6 prayer. But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead. (New Living Translation) 5 A widow who is really in need is one who doesn’t have any relatives. She has faith in God, and she keeps praying to him night and day, asking for his help.