1 Timothy 5:16

If any man or woman that believeth The balance of authority in mss. requires us to read with R.V., If any woman that believeth.

have widows Again, hath widows, dependent on her. In what precise way we are to understand this verse is not very clear; whether (1) as a general summary of the whole passage, or (2) as a summary of the portion respecting younger widows inculcating such oversight as might anticipate sinful leanings, or (3) as an extension of the charge to more distant Christian relatives than in 1 Timothy 5:4; 1 Timothy 5:8. On the whole, having regard to the way in which the points are put more than once in some fresh aspect, with some degree of repetition, (1) seems best. From 3 to 8 the chief reason given for refusing lavish maintenance is the good of the relatives themselves; from 9 to 15 the good of the widows; in 1 Timothy 5:16 the good of the Church. Each section is commenced without any introductory particle; and (it may be noticed) in Scrivener's edition is marked by a capital letter.

let not the church be charged Or, more exactly, burdened; the verb is the later Hellenistic form of the strong classical verb -to weigh down," -to oppress." It is the word used of the apostles" eyes -weighed down with sleep," Matthew 26:43; of St Paul's affliction in Asia, 2 Corinthians 1:8, -we were weighed down exceedingly." Bp Wordsworth quotes Cornelius, bishop of Rome, a.d. 250 (in Euseb. 6.43), as mentioning the existence in the Church of Rome of -widows and afflicted," more than 1500 in number. For the N. T. use of -the Church," see on ch. 1 Timothy 3:14.

widows indeed See 1 Timothy 5:3.