ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 1 Timothy 5

1 Tim. 5:1–6:2a How Specific Groups in the Church Should Be Shaped by the Gospel. “Honor” (5:3; 17; 6:1) connects the three groups mentioned in these verses (widows, elders, masters). There is a progression from “honor” (5:3) to “double honor” (5:17) to “all honor” (6:1). Each paragraph explains what “gospel living” looks like in relation to that particular group.

1 Tim. 5:1–2 The church is pictured as family (compare 3:4–5, 15). Verse 1 of ch. 5 does not prohibit the correcting of an older man, but teaches that such correction should be done respectfully.

1 Tim. 5:3–16 Providing for widows was an important role for the church from its earliest days (see Acts 6). This passage identifies which widows the church should support.

1 Tim. 5:4 Make some return indicates financial support.

1 Tim. 5:9–10 Having been the wife of one husband is the feminine form of a phrase found in the requirements for overseers and deacons (see note on 3:2–3).

1 Tim. 5:11–12 desire to marry . . . incur condemnation. These verses may at first appear to condemn remarriage. But v. 14 encourages it (compare 1 Cor. 7:39b). Thus, a different concern must be in view here. Perhaps the widows who are being supported by the church have pledged to remain unmarried. Perhaps younger widows have been tempted to marry unbelievers, thus turning away from the faith. These concerns arise from the fact that “some have already strayed after Satan” (1 Tim. 5:15), so perhaps the second interpretation is most likely.

1 Tim. 5:14 no occasion for slander. Compare 3:7; 5:7; 14; 6:1.

1 Tim. 5:17–25 Honoring elders includes providing for them financially and being careful in handling accusations against them.

1 Tim. 5:17 Labor means hard work that makes a person tired (compare “toil,” 4:10). Such effort in preaching and teaching calls for double honor. This could include financial support (5:18). “Double” could imply generous provision, or financial provision in addition to proper respect.

1 Tim. 5:18 muzzle an ox. See Deut. 25:4, which requires an owner to allow an ox to eat of the grain he is grinding. One who works for something should be able to benefit from it. The laborer deserves his wages is a direct quotation from Luke 10:7 (compare Matt. 10:10). Thus, Paul may already be referring to the written records of the statements of Jesus (the Gospels) as Scripture. See 2 Tim. 3:16.

1 Tim. 5:19 two or three witnesses. Accusations against leaders must be proven (see Deut. 19:15).

1 Tim. 5:20 The ones to be corrected in the presence of all are elders who persist in sin. Such public correction goes beyond the discipline procedures that apply to other church members (Matt. 18:15–20). It reassures the congregation that disqualifying sin by an elder will not be covered up. As a result of this public act, the rest will stand in fear of sinning. This refers specifically to “the rest of the elders.” It probably also implies “the rest of the congregation,” since the correction was done “in the presence of all.”

1 Tim. 5:21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels. Paul presents this charge (v. 20) as being delivered before the heavenly court. See note on 1 Cor. 11:10.

1 Tim. 5:22 laying on of hands. Setting aside for service. See 4:14. hasty. Not taking the time to examine the candidates’ lives. take part in the sins of others. If believers rush to appoint someone as an elder, they share responsibility for the elders’ future sin. See note on 5:24.

1 Tim. 5:23 How this verse connects to the rest of the paragraph is not entirely clear. People concerned with purity often drank only water. Paul makes it clear that there would be nothing wrong with Timothy using a little wine for the sake of his health.

1 Tim. 5:24 Paul returns to exercising care in appointing elders (v. 22). Because some sins . . . appear later, it is important to be patient in choosing potential elders. Time must be allowed for the quality of their lives to become evident.