1 Timothy 5:3

Show respect for widows. We can identify four types of widows in what Paul writes here. (1) The true widow (1 Timothy 5:5); (2) The widow with children or grandchildren (1 Timothy 5:4); (3) The widow who gives herself to pleasure (1 Timothy 5:6); (4) The listed widow (1 Timothy 5:9). Widows were helpless in the harsh world of the first century. The church quickly showed a sense of responsibility toward their welfare (see Acts 6:1-6 and notes).