1 Timothy 5:10

“Having. reputation for good works”: “Approved, well attested in good deeds” (Arndt p. 493). This phrase denotes all kinds of good works rather than merely good intentions. Good works are the mark of. faithful Christian (Matthew 5:16; Titus 3:1; Ephesians 2:10).

1 Timothy 5:10 “If she has brought up children”: The term “if” means that this requirement must be met, here is another condition. To bring up children means, “to rear young” (Vine p. 188), “to care for them physically and spiritually” (Arndt p. 809). Clearly the stress in the passage is on whether or not she has brought up her own children well. Obviously the verse asks more than just that she had some children, rather, did she bring them up in the instruction of the Lord? (Ephesians 6:4).

1 Timothy 5:10 “If she has shown hospitality to strangers”: (Matthew 25:35; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 1:5).

1 Timothy 5:10 “If she has washed the saints' feet”: Literally, washing feet was an act of hospitality (Genesis 18:4; Luke 7:44). “In the ancient world, whenever. guest entered your house, it was customary to provide. towel and basin, and wash the dust and dirt of travel off the guest's feet. Servants sometimes provided this courtesy. The woman of the house also often did this task” (Reese p. 230).

This verse is not talking about an official foot-washing ordinance that was practiced in the assembly, but rather has this woman been willing to give herself to good works, even humble and menial service. None of the other good works mentioned in this section, such as bringing up children are acts of worship in the assembly, so why should we think that feet washing is. reference to an act of worship in the assembly? Secondly, it means did she truly practice hospitality verses simply having people over socially. “Not only was she hospitable to strangers, she also welcomed friends and neighbors as guests into her home” (Reese p. 231).

1 Timothy 5:10 “If she has assisted those in distress”: To “assist” is to help, give aid and relieve. The term “distress” refers to any kind of trouble or affliction. “The attitude behind such helpful actions is one of friendship, willing to reach out to try to help people who were in trouble” (Reese p. 231). Note, even this poor widow had been able to assist people. “However, the relief may not have been merely, or even chiefly, by gifts but by her loving and sisterly encouragement, being ever ready to mourn with those who mourn, deeming none too low or degraded to receive her ministrations of love” (Hiebert p. 96).

1 Timothy 5:10 “If she has devoted herself to every good work”: “After such. life of loving service, no one in the congregation will ever be tempted to think the church is wasting money to provide for such. one regularly, the rest of her life” (Reese p. 232). The term “devoted” means to diligently follow, to follow close upon.