1 Timothy 5:16 16If any believing woman has widows, let her help them and do not let the church be burdened, so that it might help those who are widows.
Paul addresses any believing woman, a generalized reference to women in the church. Women in the early church has special roles and responsibilities in the home and church. Some ministries were reserved for men and others for women. The roles of mens and women will vary according to culture and time period, but many of the principles are timeless. In This verse, Paul offers a basic principle that echoes verse 3: families should care for their elders whenever possible. In this case, women had the special privilege and responsibility of helping widows who are part of their household.
There is no way to know what specific situation lies behind these instructions. The keyword is help (eparkeitō) has a financial connotation but could include helping in some tangible way. Some of the women in the church may have been wealthy or householders who had the financial means to help widows. There are also certain things that a woman can do to help another woman that a man might not be comfortable with or might not be appropriate for a man to do, such as hygiene issues. One of the special ministries for women could be caring for other women.
The church should not be burdened in caring for widows who have other people who can help them, especially people in their home or family. The church should focus on those widows who are destitute and have no one else to help. Every church has limited resources, especially in nascent churches like in Ephesus. Families have the first responsibility to care for widows in the church. With so many neglected elders today, the principles in this passage need to be taught in every church and family. Even with government help, there are many ways that families can care for their elders, including financial, emotional, and physical needs.
For older posts, click here.