Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
10. well reported of ] So the word is used of good testimony, in the appointment of the deacons, Act 6:3, ‘seven men of good report;’ of Ananias, ‘a devout man well reported of by all the Jews,’ Act 22:12.
for good works ] Lit. ‘in the matter of good works;’ the preposition expresses ‘the range in which a power acts,’ Winer, 48, 3, a. Cf. 1Th 3:2, ‘God’s minister in the Gospel of Christ;’ and 1Ti 1:18 with note. These good works are not to be limited to such as a widow with means could perform. All were within the reach of the devoted Christian widow, poor as she might be. And pastoral experience can shew similar ‘wonderful works’ still wrought by ‘pious poverty’ for the Saviour. The rhythmical structure of the verse is at least characteristic of St Paul’s rhetoric, fitted now to incorporate some sacred strain, now to suggest one.
if she have brought up children ] R.V. rightly, if she hath brought up; ‘hath’ not ‘have’ because the moods are indicative, not conditional; ‘hath brought up,’ not ‘brought up,’ because the English idiom, in such a retrospect, uses the definite past, while the Greek uses the indefinite aorist: see Revisers’ Preface. ‘There are numerous cases in which the use of the indefinite past tense in Greek and English is altogether different, and in such instances we have not attempted to violate the idiom of our language by forms of expression which it could not bear.’ The bringing up of children most naturally refers to her own home and family, where she has been a nursing mother. This compound verb occurs only here in N.T.; as does the next.
lodged strangers ] An ordinary daily incident of both rich and poor life then: and in the days of persecution soon to follow a sacred privilege and necessity.
washed the saints’ feet ] This special act of Eastern hospitality is singled out doubtless from our Lord’s taking the humble service upon Himself at the Last Supper, Joh 13:4-17. Cf. Abraham’s reception of the ‘three men’ at Mamre, Gen 28:4, ‘Let a little water be fetched and wash your feet;’ and the designation of Elijah’s companion and disciple, 2Ki 3:11, ‘Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.’ ‘The saints’ is another word used like ‘faithful’ (1Ti 5:8) at the commencement of the Epistles and elsewhere to describe all who have been ‘set apart’ from the heathen as ‘Christ’s people’ by baptism.
relieved the afflicted ] The ‘relief’ is the same word as in 1Ti 5:16, exemplifying the promise ‘with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.’ To give such relief from small means would not then be harder than now; and it is very striking, when one knows the real life of the poor, to see how much they can and do help one another in trouble, especially when there is ‘Christian will’ to ‘find the way.’
diligently followed every good work ] Bp Ellicott rightly seems to point out that the preposition in the compound verb indicates direction rather than diligence, quoting 1Pe 2:21, ‘that ye should follow his steps.’ Cf. also Mar 16:20 and 1Ti 5:24 in this chapter. She might not have been in front rank but she hath humbly followed and ‘hath done what she could’ in every good work.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Well reported of for good works – Of good character or reputation; see the notes on 1Ti 3:7.
If she have brought up children – Either her own or others. The idea is, if she has done this in a proper manner.
If she have lodged strangers – If she has been characterized by hospitality – a virtue greatly commended in the Scriptures; compare notes on 1Ti 3:2.
If she have washed the saints feet – It is not certain whether this is to be understood literally, or whether it merely denotes that she had performed offices of a humble and self-denying kind – such as would be shown by washing the feet of others. It was one of the rites of hospitality in the East to wash the feet of the guest Gen 18:4, and Paul might have spoken of this as having been literally performed. There is not the slightest evidence that he refers to it as a religious rite, or ordinance, anymore than he does to the act of bringing up children as a religious rite; compare notes on Joh 13:1-10.
If she have relieved the afflicted – If it has been her character that she was ready to furnish relief to those who were in distress.
If she have diligently followed every good work – This is one of the characteristics of true piety. A sincere Christian will, like God, be the friend of all that is good, and will be ready to promote every good object according to his ability. He will not merely be the friend of one good cause, to the neglect of others, but he will endeavor to promote every good object, and though from special circumstances, and special dealings of Providence, he may have been particularly interested in some one object of charity, yet every good object will find a response in his heart, and he will be ready to promote it by his influence, his property, and his prayers.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 10. Well reported of for good works] Numbers being able to bear testimony, as the word implies, that she has not only avoided all sin, but that she has walked according to the testimony of God.
Brought 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.
Lodged strangers] If she have been given to hospitality, freely contributing to the necessitous, when she had it in her power.
Washed the saints’ feet] This was an office of humanity shown to all strangers and travellers in the eastern countries, who, either walking barefoot, or having only a sort of sole to defend the foot, needed washing when they came to their journey’s end. Pious women generally did this act of kindness.
Relieved the afflicted] Visited and ministered to the sick.
Diligently followed every good work] In a word, if she have been altogether a Christian, living according to the precepts of the Gospel, and doing the Lord’s work with all her heart, soul, and strength.
From the character given here of the widow indeed, it may be doubted whether , widow, was not in some cases the name of an office, which name it might have from being ordinarily filled by widows. It can hardly be supposed that any widow, unless she had considerable property, could have done the things enumerated in this verse, some of which would occasion no small expense. The widow indeed may mean a person who was to be employed in some office in the Church; and Timothy is enjoined not to take any into that office unless she had been before remarkable for piety and humanity. Some think that the widows of whom the apostle speaks had been deaconesses, and wished now to be taken on what might be termed the superannuated list; and the apostle lays down rules for the admission of such, the sum of which is: Let none come on this superannuated list unless she be at least sixty years of age, and can bring proof of her having conscientiously discharged the office and duty of a deaconess.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Well reported of for good works; if she be a person of repute for actions concerning others which are consonant to the will and commandment of God.
If she have brought up children well, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
If she have lodged strangers; if when persons that are Christians have come from other places, either driven from them, or upon their occasion, and could not amongst pagans find a convenient inn, her house have been open to them.
If she have washed the saints feet; if she have been ready to do the meanest offices for the servants of God, of which this washing of feet was one in great use in those hot countries, where they had not the benefit of shoes, either to cool, or refresh, or cleanse them.
If she have relieved the afflicted; if to her ability she have relieved such as have been in any kind of distress.
If she have diligently followed every good work; if though it may be she have not had ability, or opportunity, to do all the good works she would, yet she have diligently followed them, doing what she could; let such a one be put into the catalogue of those whom the church will relieve, and honour, and employ.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. for good worksGreek,“IN honourable(excellent) works”; the sphere or element in which thegood report of her had place (Tit2:7). This answers to 1Ti 3:7,as to the bishop or presbyter, “He must have a good report ofthem which are without.”
ifif, in addition tobeing “well reported of.”
she . . . brought upchildreneither her own (1Ti 3:4;1Ti 3:12), or those of others,which is one of the “good works”; a qualification adaptingher for ministry to orphan children, and to mothers of families.
lodged strangers 1Ti3:2, “given to hospitality” (Tit1:8); in the case of presbyters.
washed . . . saints’feetafter the example of the Lord (Joh13:14); a specimen of the universal spirit of humbly “bylove serving one another,” which actuated the early Christians.
relieved theafflictedwhether by pecuniary or other relief.
followed . . . good(1Th 5:15; compare instances inMat 25:35; Mat 25:36).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Well reported of for good works,…. Both by the members of the church, and by them that were without:
particularly if she have brought up children; that is, “well”, as the Arabic version adds; in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; commanding them, as Abraham did, to keep the way of the Lord, and to do justice and judgment; training them up in the paths of religion and virtue, from which they will not so easily depart when grown up.
If she have lodged 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 y 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.
If she have washed the saints’ feet; which was usual in those hot countries, where they wore sandals only, partly for refreshment, and partly for the removal of dust and filth, contracted in walking; instances of this we have in several places of Scripture, Ge 18:4. It was such a common piece of civility, that our Lord complains of the neglect of it towards him, Lu 7:44. It was what he did to his own disciples, and in so doing set them an example of what they should do to one another, Joh 13:14 and being a mean and low office, and which very likely was done by the servants of the house; the sense may be, if she has condescended to do the meanest office for the saints.
If she have relieved the afflicted; either in body, with her purse; or in mind, by visiting them, and speaking comfortably to them: in general,
if she have diligently followed every good work; 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.
y T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 63. 2.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
If she hath brought up children ( ). Condition of first class. Late and rare word (Aristotle, Epictetus), first aorist active indicative of (, from , ), here only in N.T. Qualification for her work as leader.
If she hath used hospitality to strangers ( ). First aorist again and same condition. Late form (Dio Cassius) of old verb (Herodotus), to welcome strangers ( ). Only here in N.T. Hospitality another qualification for such leadership (3:2).
If she hath washed the saints’ feet ( ). Same condition and tense of (old form ), common in N.T. (Joh 13:5). Proof of her hospitality, not of its being a church ordinance.
If she hath relieved the afflicted ( ). Same condition and tense of , to give sufficient aid, old word, in N.T. only here and verse 16. Experience that qualified her for eleemosynary work.
If she hath diligently followed ( ). Same condition and tense of , old verb, to follow close upon (). So here, verse 1Tim 5:24; 1Pet 2:21. In a word such a widow must show her qualifications for leadership as with bishops and deacons.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Well reported of [] . Lit. born witness to or attested, as Act 6:3; Act 10:22; Heb 11:2. Comp. marturian kalhn ecein to have good testimony, ch. 3 7.
For good works [ ] . Lit. in good works; in the matter of. Comp. 1Ti 6:18; Tit 2:7; Tit 3:8, 14. In the Gospels, ergon work appears with kalov and never with ajgaqov. In Paul, always with ajgaqov and never with kalov Kings In the Pastorals, with both. The phrase includes good deeds of all kinds, and not merely special works of beneficence. Comp. Act 9:36.
If [] . Introducing the details of the general expression good works. Have brought up children [] . N. T. o. o LXX; very rare in Class. The children may have been her own or others’.
Lodged strangers [] . N. T. o. o LXX On the duty of hospitality comp. ch. 1ti 3:2; Mt 25:35; Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2; 1Pe 4:9; 3Jo 1:5.
Washed the feet. A mark of Oriental hospitality bestowed on the stranger arriving from a journey, and therefore closely associated with lodged strangers.
Of the saints [] . %Agiov is rare in Class. In LXX, the standard word for holy. Its fundamental idea is setting apart, as in Class., devoted to the gods. In O T., set apart to God, as priests; as the Israelites consecrated to God. In N. T., applied to Christians. Ideally, it implies personal holiness. It is used of God, Christ, John the Baptist, God ‘s law, the Spirit of God. Paul often uses oiJ agioi as a common designation of Christians belonging to a certain region or community, as Phi 1:1; 2Co 1; Col 1:2. In such cases it does not imply actual holiness, but holiness obligatory upon those addressed, as consecrated persons, and appropriate to them. What ought to be is assumed as being. In this sense not in the Gospels (unless, possibly, Mt 27:52) or in the Epistles of Peter and John. Rare in Acts.
Relieved [] . Only here and ver. 16. Comp. 1 Macc. 8 26; 11
1Ti 5:35Common in Class. Originally, to suffice for, to be strong enough for, as in Homer, where it is always used in connection with danger or injury. See Il. 2 873; Od. 17 568. Hence, to ward off, help, assist.
The afflicted [] See on tribulation, Mt 13:21, and comp. 2Co 1:6; 2Co 4:8; 2Th 1:6, 7; Heb 11:37. Diligently followed [ ] . Comp. ver. 24. Epi after or close upon. o P. Once in the disputed verses at the end of Mark (xvi. 20), and 1Pe 2:21. Comp. the use of diwkein pursue, Rom 9:30; Rom 12:13; 1Co 14:1; 1Th 5:15.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Well reported of for good works” (en ergois kalois marturoumene) “in good works being reported,” with a testimony, witnesses, or reliable reports of her good works, having a good report for practical piety, as Dorcas was, Act 9:36.
2) “If she have brought up children” (ei hetebnotrophesen). “If she has reared children.” Care of tier may be given by the church — she may be enrolled; if she have been a good mother, Act 16:14-15.
3) “If she have lodged strangers” (ei eksenodochesen) “if she has entertained or cared for strangers,” she may be enrolled for care, Heb 13:2; 1Pe 4:9.
4) “If she have washed the saints’ feet” (ei hagion podas enipsen) “Of holy ones” (saints) feet she has washed,” she may be enrolled for care. This was an act of Eastern social hospitality, considered necessary for reflection of good character, a matter practiced and approved by the Lord, Joh 13:5; Joh 13:14.
5) “If she have relieved the afflicted” (ei thlibomenois eperkesen) “If afflicted ones she has relieved,” cared for, she may be enrolled for care or help. The widow indeed, worthy of church charity, must have been a person of tender Christian compassion, 2Ti 1:8; 1Pe 5:9.
6) “If she have diligently followed every good work.” (ei panti ergo agatho epekolouthesen) “If every (kind of) good work she has pursued,” she may be enrolled for care as a widow indeed, Jos 14:14-15; Eph 2:10; Mat 25:34-40.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
10 For good works Those qualifications which are next enumerated relate partly to honor, and partly to labor. There can be no doubt that the assemblies of widows were honorable, and highly respectable; and, therefore, Paul does not wish that any should be admitted into them, but those who had excellent attestations of the whole of their past life. Besides, they were not appointed in order to lazy and indolent inactivity, but to minister to the poor and the sick, until, being completely worn out, they should be allowed honorably to retire. Accordingly, that they may be better prepared for the discharge of their office, he wishes them to have had long practice and experience in all the duties which belong to it; such as — labor and diligence in bringing up children, hospitality, ministering to the poor, and other charitable works.
If it be now asked, Shall all that are barren be rejected, because they have never borne any children? We must reply, that Paul does not here condemn barrenness, but the daintiness of mothers, who, by refusing to endure the weariness of bringing up their children, sufficiently shew that they will be very unkind to strangers. And at the same time he holds out this as an honorable reward to godly matrons, who have not spared themselves, that they, in their turn, shall be received into the bosom of the Church in their old age.
By a figure of speech, in which a part is taken for the whole, he means by the washing of the feet all the services which are commonly rendered to the saints; for at that time it was customary to “wash the feet.” (92) An employment of this nature might have the appearance of being mean and almost servile; and therefore he makes use of this mark for describing females who were industrious, and far from being fastidious or dainty. What next follows relates to liberality; and, lastly, he expresses the same thing in general terms, when he says, if she hath been diligent in every good work; for here he speaks of acts of kindness.
(92) “This observance was usually administered by, or under the superintendence of, the mistress of the house; and, being in the East particularly grateful, is meant to designate, generally, kind attention to the guests.” — Bloomfield.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(10) Well reported of for good works.Not only must men have no evil to say of her, but she must be well known for her good works, for her kindly willingness to help the weary and heavy-laden ones of the world.
If she have brought up children.This title to honour must be understood quite in a general sense. It must not, of course, be supposed that St. Paul deemed it necessary to exclude from the order of presbyteral widows the childless mothers. Only the candidate for admission must be well known as one who loves children, and would be ready and willing gladly to discharge any public duties to the little orphan ones of the flock who might be intrusted to her care.
If she have lodged strangers.If, even in a comparatively humble state, she have been always mindful of the sacred rites of hospitality, a virtue perhaps even more valued in the East than in the more reserved Western countries. In the early days of the new faith, the readiness to entertain and welcome Christian strangers seems to have been an especial characteristic of believers in Jesus of Nazareth.
If she have washed the saints feet.Not perhaps to be understood literally, though the act of the Lord on the night before the Cross had invested this act of common hospitality with a peculiar halo of love and devotion. The woman who was to be admitted into the fellowship of this honoured order must be well known as one who had never shrunk from any act of devoted love, however painful or seemingly degrading.
If she have relieved the afflicted.Not merely, or even chiefly, by alms, but by all kindly and sisterly encouragement: ever ready to mourn with those that mourn, deeming none too low or too degraded for her friendship, none out of the reach of her sisterly help and counsel.
If she have diligently followed every good work.This sums up the beautiful character to be sought for in the candidates for membership in this chosen womans band. She must be known not merely as a mother and a wife, who had well and faithfully performed the womanly duties of her home life, but men must speak of her as one who had diligently and lovingly sought out the rough places of the world, and who, with a brave and patient self-denial, with a sweet and touching self-forgetfulness, had set herself to perform those kind, good actions the Master loves so well.
In the Shepherd of Hermas, written about A.D. 150, some eighty years after St. Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, we have probably an example of one of these honoured widows in the person of Grapte, whose task it was to teach the widows and orphans of the Roman Church the meaning of certain prophecies. The authorship of the Shepherd has also been ascribed to the Hermas mentioned in Rom. 16:14. It belongs, however, more probably to the middle of the second century, as stated above.
The criticism which dwells on this celebrated passage, containing St. Pauls rules for admission into the order of presbyteral widows, and which finds in it subject matter belonging to a date later than the age of St. Paul and Timothy, forgets that, dating from the days when Jesus of Nazareth walked on earth, women had been enrolling themselves among His foremost followers, and had been sharing in the toils and enterprises of His most zealous disciples. We find the Marys and other holy women associated with His own in the days of the earthly ministry; they were foremost in the work done to the person of the sacred dead. We hear of them after the Resurrection repeatedly in the Jerusalem Church of the first days. It was the neglect of some of the Hebrew widows which led to the foundation of the deacons order. Dorcas, before ten years of the Churchs life had passed, appears to have presided over a charitable company of women at Lydda. Dorcas, no doubt, was but one out of many doing, in different centres, a similar work. Priscilla, the wife of Aquila, the wandering tent-maker of Pontus, early in St. Pauls career evidently took a leading part in organising congregations of Christians. Lydia, the purple seller of Thyatira, was prominent in developing the Philippian Church. Phebe, under the title of the Deaconess of Cenchrea, was the official bearer of St. Pauls famous letter to the Roman Church. This passage, dwelling on the growing organisation for womens work at Ephesus, tells us more, certainly, than the scattered incidental allusions of the Acts and earlier Epistles. But the words of St. Paul speak only of the natural results and development of a great movement, which, dating from the earthly days of the ministry of Christ, was destined to give women a new position among the workers of the world.
The Ephesian organisation here regulated by the Apostle is nothing more than we should expect to find after thirty or thirty-two years of female effort in the Masters cause.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. Second qualification, good Christian housewifery while her husband lived. Of course, the general picture implies that the individual reach this standard so far as circumstances enabled.
Good works The general term of which next follow the specifications.
Brought up children Had been a good and dutiful mother.
Lodged strangers Hospitable, especially to Christian visitors.
Washed feet The ordinary hospitable act for the traveller over the tropical sands, and so put as symbol for hearty service rendered by the housewife to the comer.
Every good work Landing where the catalogue of good qualities started.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Well reported of for good works; if she has brought up children, if she has used hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.’
However, as well as being over sixty and the wife of one man, there were also other important requirements, although for a committed Christian woman they were not really ones which were unusual. They would indeed be the expected norm for any Christian woman. Thus she must have a reputation for good works, some of which are then described in detail. The kind described would have been fairly commonplace. Most widows would have brought up children, and no doubt the elders would take into consideration how well her children had developed. Hospitality to strangers was common in those days in view of the fact that inns were unpleasant, expensive and even immoral. Most Christian families would thus have given hospitality to strangers at one time or another, most on a fairly regular basis. Washing the feet of visitors from afar who came to a house church would be another fairly common action of godly women, as the visitors came into a house church after travelling some distance in their sandals on dusty roads. Relieving those who were afflicted (affliction might hint at some forms of spasmodic persecution, although it may simply have such things as sickness and bereavement in mind) would be another common occurrence. Furthermore we must not read too much into the use of the term ‘enrolled’. It simply means that a list had been made. Consider how we regularly speak of Sunday School teachers and even children being enrolled. Or alternatively that they had simply been brought into the reckoning of the elders.
So these women would simply have done what many dedicated Christian women had done. They were not super-saints. They had simply demonstrated a true Christian commitment, and their genuine love and concern for others. But they had done it with a smile and without grumbling (‘diligently following every good work’) and were recognised as the kind of women who were willing to do anything reasonable, and even go beyond that. Their age would make them suitable in that they were likely to have few other distractions, if any, would probably be known as very sober, and would not be so frowned on in having to deal with men. For although much of their work would be among women, they would tend to have more contact with men than the ordinary women in the church. And when involved with helping males they would not be a temptation to any males whom they assisted or who visited the church, as they would be seen by them as motherly figures. On top of that they would be very conscious in those days that their time was short before they had to go and meet their Master.
In churches where travellers constantly passed through, where slaves might come who were ill-treated, where there would be many sick and where young women would need guidance, such women would have been worth their weight in gold. There is no suggestion that they should be paid. All that was required was that they take a pledge that they would genuinely devote themselves to the work for the remainder of their lives (like any good old time Methodist). Note how at a time when many would think that these women should slacken off, Paul expects them to buckle down and become even more active. The hearer they got to the finishing tape, the harder they should run. ,
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Ti 5:10. If she have washed the saints’ feet, It was an usual piece of civility, as well as a great refreshment in the Eastern countries, to wash a person’s feet, or to take care that it should be done for him. See Gen 18:4; Gen 19:2. Luk 7:38; Luk 7:44. Joh 5:14-15.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
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.
Ver. 10. Well reported of, &c. ] “A good name is better than precious ointment,” Ecc 7:1 ; and “rather to be chosen than great riches,” Pro 22:1 . Provident we must be to preserve it, learning of the unjust steward by lawful, though he did it by unlawful, means; for our Saviour noted this defect, when he said, “The children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light,” Luk 16:8 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
1Ti 5:10 . : with means in respect of . See reff. and Moulton and Milligan, Expositor , vii., vii., 562.
It is characteristic of the sanity of apostolic Christianity that as typical examples of “good works,” St. Paul instances the discharge of commonplace duties, “the daily round, the common task”. For see on chap. 1Ti 3:1 .
: As has been just explained, the is not so much dependent on as explanatory of . . The rendering of the Vulg., [276] , [277] , [278] , Amb., filios educavit , is better than that of [279] 141 , nutrivit , or Ambrst. enutrivit . It is not child-birth so much as the “Christianly and virtuously bringing up of children,” her own or those entrusted to her charge, that St. Paul has in his mind. Tert. de Virg. vel . 9, alluding to this passage, says, “Non tantum univirae, id est nuptae, aliquando eliguntur, sed et matres et quidem educatrices filiorum, scilicet ut experimentis omnium affectuum structae facile norint ceteras et consilio et solatio iuvare, etrut nihilominus ea decucurrerint, per quae femina probari potest”. The later Church widows, among other duties, had the care of the Church orphans ( cf. Hermas Mand . viii.; Lucian, de morte Peregrini , 12).
[276] The Latin text of Codex Claromontanus (sc. vi.), a Grco-Latin MS. at Paris, edited by Tischendorf in 1852.
[277] The Latin version of Codex Augiensis (sc. ix.), a Grco-Latin MS., at Trinity College, Cambridge, edited by Scrivener in 1859. Its presents the Vulgate text with some modifications.
[278] The Latin text of Codex Boernerianus (sc. ix.), a Grco-Latin MS., at Dresden, edited by Matthi in 1791. Written by an Irish scribe, it once formed part of the same volume as Codex Sangallensis ( ) of the Gospels.
[279] Speculum
: Hospitality is a virtue especially demanded in a condition of society in which there is much going to and fro, and no satisfactory hotel accommodation. The episcopus must be (1Ti 3:2 , where see note).
: If the strangers were also “saints,” members of the Christian Society, they would naturally receive special attention. The mistress of the house would act as servant of the servants of God ( cf. Gen 18:6 ; 1Sa 25:41 ). Unless we assume the unhistorical character of St. John’s Gospel, it is natural to suppose that the story told in Joh 13:5-14 , and the Master’s command to do as He had done, was known to St. Paul and Timothy. The absence of an article before “is due to assimilation to ” (Blass, Grammar , p. 151, note 2).
cuts short any further enumeration of details, if in short, she has devoted herself to good works of every kind . There is an exact parallel to this use of in Jos 14:14 , [Caleb] . The word also means to “check” or “verify” an account. In Mar 16:20 , “the signs ‘endorse’ the word” (Moulton and Milligan, Expositor , vii., vii. 376). So here it may connote sympathy with, and interest in, good works, without actual personal labour in them.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Well reported of = borne witness to.
for. App-104.
brought up, &c. Greek. teknotropheo. Only here. lodged strangers. Greek. xendocheo. Only here.
saints. See Act 9:13.
relieved. Greek. eparkeo. Only been and 1Ti 5:16.
afflicted. Greek. thlibo. See a Cor 1Ti 1:6.
diligently followed. Greek. epakoloutheo. Here, 1Ti 5:24. Mar 16:20. 1Pe 2:21.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
1Ti 5:10. , good works) These are presently enumerated, among which is also this species, , where is more than .-) if she have rightly brought up children, either her own, or those of others, for the benefit of the Church.-, lodged strangers) that she may be worthy of being publicly compensated by the Church for the benefits which she has conferred on its members.- , has washed the feet) A Synecdoche of the part, for every kind of humble offices.-, the straitened [the afflicted]) with poverty.-[41] , has followed up) It is the part of ministers and men to take the lead in good works, Tit 3:8; Tit 3:14 (, not as Engl. Vers. to maintain, but to take the lead in good works); of women to follow up, by assisting so far as they are able. The glosses in Pricus are, , , .
[41] , every good work) Wherever any good springs forth, either near or at a distance, it is a sacred duty for us to go to its support. If it was the duty of widows, who subsequently were glad to enjoy the assistance of others, how much more does it become men, and those, too, appointed to offices? Many pay attention to their sons perhaps, their relatives, neighbours, or countrymen. But, indeed, they consider it altogether alien to them (an uncalled for act) to bestow anything on persons unknown and on strangers; or if any case occur seeming to be rather unconnected with them, or a little more remote, to attempt anything in its behalf; 1Sa 25:10. Whoever has attempted a good work will experience the truth of this.-V. g.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Ti 5:10
well reported of for good works-Who has been faithful in performing good works so that she has a good report for them. [The Lord Jesus had first used the phrase and taught how good works” of his disciples (Mat 5:16), as they were evidences of his own mission (Joh 10:32-33). It denotes all kinds of good actions as distinguishes from sentimentality-feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick are good works. (Mat 25:35-36.) ]
if she hath brought up children,-To bring up children faithful to God is implied. The church has no more important work than bearing children and training them for service to God. [She must be well known as one who loves children, and would be ready and willing gladly to discharge any duties to children who might be entrusted to her charge.]
if she hath used hospitality to strangers,-Entertaining strangers has always been esteemed a virtue among the servants of God. Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Heb 13:2.) The strangers to be entertained are those without means to care for themselves.
if she hath washed the saints feet,-Feet were washed at the end of a footsore journey, and was an act of hospitality to strangers. This had from the beginning been regarded as an act of hospitality and kindness. Abraham entertained strangers and offered them (Gen 18:4.) Jesus set his disciples the example that they should go beyond the hospitality of the ancients in love and condescension; they should wash the feet of their brethren. Jesus washed the disciples feet and told them that they also ought to wash one another’s feet. (Joh 13:14.) In the passage before us Paul classes it as a good work with bringing up children and visiting the sick. It is nowhere regarded as a church ordinance. Pious and godly women did it for their brethren who came to them.
if she hath relieved the afflicted,-[Not merely, or even chiefly, by gifts, but by all kindly and sisterly encouragement, ever ready to mourn, deeming none too low or degraded for her kindness, none out of reach of her sisterly help and counsel, implying the visitation of the distressed in their homes.]
if she hath diligently followed every good work.-Every work that administered good to needy and suffering men and women. Women who have through life so conducted themselves as to be well reported of for such works are to he honored and supported by the church.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
reported: 1Ti 3:7, Act 6:3, Act 10:22, Act 22:12, 3Jo 1:12
good: 1Ti 5:25, 1Ti 2:10, 1Ti 6:18, Mat 5:16, Act 9:36, Eph 2:10, 2Ti 3:17, Tit 2:7, Tit 3:8, Tit 3:14, Heb 10:24, Heb 13:21, 1Pe 2:12
if she have brought: 2Ti 1:5, 2Ti 3:15
if she have lodged: Act 16:14, Act 16:15, Rom 12:13, Heb 13:2, 1Pe 4:9
washed: Gen 18:4, Gen 19:2, Gen 24:32, Luk 7:38, Luk 7:44, Joh 13:5-15
if she have relieved: Lev 25:35, Isa 1:17, Act 9:39
if she have diligently: Psa 119:4, Col 1:10, 2Ti 2:21, Tit 2:14, Tit 3:1, Tit 3:8,*Gr.
Reciprocal: Exo 2:20 – call him Lev 14:42 – General Jdg 19:21 – they washed 1Sa 25:41 – to wash 2Ki 3:11 – poured water 2Ch 28:15 – clothed Job 31:32 – The stranger Pro 31:13 – worketh Pro 31:27 – General Isa 58:7 – to deal Mat 25:17 – he also Mat 25:35 – I was a Mat 26:10 – a good Mar 14:6 – a good Luk 8:3 – of their Luk 14:13 – call Act 16:2 – was Rom 16:1 – a servant Rom 16:6 – who 1Co 14:1 – Follow 1Co 16:15 – to the 2Co 8:4 – the ministering Phi 3:12 – I follow Phi 4:3 – help Phi 4:8 – are of 1Ti 6:11 – and Tit 2:5 – good 1Pe 3:5 – the holy 1Pe 3:13 – followers
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ti 5:10. Well reported of for good works. It should be noted that this verse begins and ends with a general statement of good works. It indicates that the items in the body of the verse are classed as good works and not ordinances for the public services of the church. To be well reported of means she has been so generally engaged in doing various good deeds that it has gained her a favorable reputation among the people where she has lived. Brought up children. These may have been her own and also any others who were in need of home care. It was never the Lord’s plan for children to be reared in human organizations, but they should be given the influences and joys of the family life. ( See Psa 68:6.) When orphans are kept out of family homes and herded as groups in human institutions, they are deprived of the train ing that can be given only in a private home. Hence when this widow has performed such a service for children, she has done a good work and done it in the Lord’s way. Lodged strangers. In the days before she was needy and lonely, she bestowed hospitality upon the wayfarer, including disciples who might have been fleeing from persecution. (See Heb 13:1.) Now she is unable to perform such services, but must herself have her needs provided by others. Washed the saints’ feet. This was another good work and not a church ceremonial performance. The subject of feetwashing is treated in detail at Joh 13:5, in the first volume of the New Testament Commentary. Relieved the afflicted. This could be done by nursing the sick, or by extending comfort and sympathy to those in sorrow, etc. Diligently followed. She did not merely perform these good works incidentally or halfheartedly, but gave her best attention to all opportunities for doing good. Now that her age and financial circumstances make it impossible to continue such services, she is entitled to be cared for by the church, if she has no relatives who can do so for her.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Ti 5:10. Well reported of. Including, as in the parallel of 1Ti 3:7, the testimony of those outside the Church.
If she have brought up children. The Greek word seems purposely chosen to leave it open whether the children thus brought up were her own or those, orphans or destitute, of whom she had taken charge-Looking to the nature of the next condition, it would seem as if something more than the instinctive duties of motherhood were contemplated. It hardly seems probable that the apostle meant to contrast the performance of those duties with the general neglect that prevailed among the women of the Empire, still less with such crimes as abandonment or abortion.
If the have lodged strangers. The isolated position of a small Christian community in an Asiatic town, the utter loneliness of a Christian traveller arriving in such a town, gave a prominence to the exercise of hospitality which made it incumbent on poor as well as rich (Heb 13:2; 3Jn 1:5). We need not picture to ourselves a woman of the upper class as exercising the virtue after a stately fashion. The humblest cottage might give scope for its highest form.
If she have washed the saints feet. As in Joh 13:14, the typical instance of extremest humility in ministration, analogous to the test of kissing a lepers flesh which Francis of Assisi imposed on his disciples.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 10
Washed the saints’ feet; been hospitable and kind to them,–washing the feet being the token and symbol of hospitality.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
1Ti 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.
We have covered these in the previous study, but I would make a comment or two concerning the washing of feet.
Washing of feet was a custom and courtesy of the culture of the day. The roads were not blacktopped and people did not have LTD’s to drive to different locations, so when a person arrived to visit or maybe come to your home for a gathering of the church the dust would be heavy on the foot.
A foot washing would have been something offered to any guest coming into a home. This is not a proof text for foot washing, though the attitude of servant hood is certainly an application we can derive from this text.
I have read literature from the Brethren church – those that believe in foot washing as an ordinance and they do not use this passage in their presentation. Indeed, the only passage they suggest is that of the Lord when He washed the apostles feet. (They do mention this text as an example of it being done in their conclusion.)
III. UNWORTHY OF WIDOW SUPPORT
Now, we need to insert a disclaimer before we move onto the next section. This is Paul speaking, this is his doctrine, these are thoughts from HIS mind – I am not responsible for what he says.
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have {c} washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
(c) This is spoken with regard to the manner of those countries.