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Selected Verse: 1 Timothy 5:10 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 1Ti 5:10 |
King James |
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. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
for good works--Greek, "IN honourable (excellent) works"; the sphere or element in which the good report of her had place (Tit 2:7). This answers to Ti1 3:7, as to the bishop or presbyter, "He must have a good report of them which are without."
if--if, in addition to being "well reported of."
she . . . brought up children--either her own (Ti1 3:4, Ti1 3:12), or those of others, which is one of the "good works"; a qualification adapting her for ministry to orphan children, and to mothers of families.
lodged strangers-- Ti1 3:2, "given to hospitality" (Tit 1:8); in the case of presbyters.
washed . . . saints' feet--after the example of the Lord (Joh 13:14); a specimen of the universal spirit of humbly "by love serving one another," which actuated the early Christians.
relieved the afflicted--whether by pecuniary or other relief.
followed . . . good-- (Th1 5:15; compare instances in Mat 25:35-36). |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Well reported of for good works - Of good character or reputation; see the notes on Ti1 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 Ti1 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. |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Well reported of (μαρτυρουμένη)
Lit. born witness to or attested, as Act 6:3; Act 10:22; Heb 11:2. Comp. μαρτυρίαν καλὴν ἔχειν to have good testimony, Ti1 3:7.
For good works (ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς)
Lit. in good works; in the matter of. Comp. Ti1 6:18; Tit 2:7; Tit 3:8, Tit 3:14. In the Gospels, ἔργον work appears with καλὸς and never with ἀγαθὸς. In Paul, always with ἀγαθὸς and never with καλὸς 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 (εἰ)
Introducing the details of the general expression good works.
Have brought up children (ἐτεκνοτρόφησεν)
N.T.o. olxx; very rare in Class. The children may have been her own or others'.
Lodged strangers (ἐξενοδόχησεν)
N.T.o. olxx. On the duty of hospitality comp. Ti1 3:2; Mat 25:35; Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2; Pe1 4:9; Jo3 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 (ἁγίων)
Ἅγιος 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 οἱ ἅγιοι as a common designation of Christians belonging to a certain region or community, as Phi 1:1; Co2 1:1; 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, Mat 27:52) or in the Epistles of Peter and John. Rare in Acts.
Relieved (ἐπήρκεσεν)
Only here and Ti1 5:16. Comp. 1 Macc. 8:26; 11:35. Common 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. ii. 873; Od. xvii. 568. Hence, to ward off, help, assist.
The afflicted (θλιβομένοις)
See on tribulation, Mat 13:21, and comp. Co2 1:6; Co2 4:8; Th2 1:6, Th2 1:7; Heb 11:37.
Diligently followed (ἐπακο ουθησεν)
Comp. Ti1 5:24. Ἑπὶ after or close upon. oP. Once in the disputed verses at the end of Mark (Mar 16:20), and Pe1 2:21. Comp. the use of διώκειν pursue, Rom 9:30; Rom 12:13; Co1 14:1; Th1 5:15. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| If she hath washed the feet of the saints - Has been ready to do the meanest offices for them. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
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 travelers 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 χηρα, 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. |
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;
3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
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.
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.