A note from our Pastor:

”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.”

1 Timothy 5:11-12

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verses this week the Apostle Paul continues with his teaching about the order of widows to be formed in the church. This group of widows was to be charged with the care of the younger widows and other charitable work the church was doing. They were to be supported by the community of believers but had a place of distinction as they served the congregation.

In the prior verses, the Apostle stated widows over the age of 60 who had demonstrated dedication to their faith were to be admitted to this group. The behavior and charity of the widows was important as they represented the community of believers to others. Now in our study verse this week the Apostle tells Timothy which widows should not be admitted into this group.

The Apostle says the younger widows, those under the age of 60, were not to be admitted for a particular reason. The Apostle believed the women, especially those much younger than 60, would want to be admitted when they were first widowed. The tremendous feelings of loss and even desperation would motivate them to want the safety of the order. In those early days, they would pour themselves into the work and demonstrate great love for the congregation.

However, as time passed and the heart healed these younger widows would desire to return to a home, a family, and the love of a spouse. If they were in the order of widows at that point and forbidden to marry they would become hostile towards the church and the other widows. This would be devastating for them but also for the community of believers as a whole.

None of this was intended for Timothy to tell the church not to provide for these widows if they were widows indeed. The care of them continued while they needed it, but they were not to be admitted to the special group of widows who pledged service to the community of believers.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah