Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
1 Timothy Ch.5 / 6 Ch.s
1TI:5
* Directions as to the elder and younger men and women. (1,2)
And as to poor widows. (3-8) Concerning widows. (9-16) The
respect to be paid to elders. Timothy is to take care in
rebuking offenders, in ordaining ministers, and as to his own
health. (17-25)
#1,2 Respect must be paid to the dignity of years and place. The
younger, if faulty, must be rebuked, not as desirous to find
fault with them, but as willing to make the best of them. There
is need of much meekness and care in reproving those who deserve
reproof.
#3-8 Honour widows that are widows indeed, relieve them, and
maintain them. It is the duty of children, if their parents are
in need, and they are able to relieve them, to do it to the
utmost of their power. Widowhood is a desolate state; but let
widows trust in the Lord, and continue in prayer. All who live
in pleasure, are dead while they live, spiritually dead, dead in
trespasses and sins. Alas, what numbers there are of this
description among nominal Christians, even to the latest period
of life! If any men or women do not maintain their poor
relations, they in effect deny the faith. If they spend upon
their lusts and pleasures, what should maintain their families,
they have denied the faith, and are worse than infidels. If
professors of the gospel give way to any corrupt principle or
conduct, they are worse than those who do not profess to believe
the doctrines of grace.
#9-16 Every one brought into any office in the church, should be
free from just censure; and many are proper objects of charity,
yet ought not to be employed in public services. Those who would
find mercy when they are in distress, must show mercy when they
are in prosperity; and those who show most readiness for every
good work, are most likely to be faithful in whatever is trusted
to them. Those who are idle, very seldom are only idle, they
make mischief among neighbours, and sow discord among brethren.
All believers are required to relieve those belonging to their
families who are destitute, that the church may not be prevented
from relieving such as are entirely destitute and friendless.
#17-25 Care must be taken that ministers are maintained. And
those who are laborious in this work are worthy of double honour
and esteem. It is their just due, as much as the reward of the
labourer. The apostle charges Timothy solemnly to guard against
partiality. We have great need to watch at all times, that we do
not partake of other men's sins. Keep thyself pure, not only
from doing the like thyself, but from countenancing it, or any
way helping to it in others. The apostle also charges Timothy to
take care of his health. As we are not to make our bodies
masters, so neither slaves; but to use them so that they may be
most helpful to us in the service of God. There are secret, and
there are open sins: some men's sins are open before-hand, and
going before unto judgment; some they follow after. God will
bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make known the
counsels of all hearts. Looking forward to the judgment-day, let
us all attend to our proper offices, whether in higher or lower
stations, studying that the name and doctrine of God may never
be blasphemed on our account.