1 Timothy 5:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 5:10
10 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.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 5 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, mercy, prayer. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 5:10
10 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.
Analysis
Well reported of for good works (ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς μαρτυρουμένη, en ergois kalois martyroumenē)—'having a reputation for good works.' Martyreō means to bear witness, testify—her good deeds are publicly known. Paul lists five examples:
If she have brought up children (εἰ ἐτεκνοτρόφησεν, ei eteknotrophēsen)—raised children well. If she have lodged strangers (εἰ ἐξενοδόχησεν, ei exenodochēsen)—practiced hospitality. If she have washed the saints' feet (εἰ ἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν, ei hagiōn podas enipsen)—performed humble service. If she have relieved the afflicted (εἰ θλιβομένοις ἐπήρκεσεν, ei thlibomenois epērkesen)—helped those in distress. If she have diligently followed every good work (εἰ παντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ ἐπηκολούθησεν, ei panti ergō agathō epēkolouthēsen)—devoted herself to every good deed.
These qualifications describe a lifetime of faithful, humble service. The enrolled widow has proven character through decades of practical godliness—raising children, showing hospitality, serving humbly, helping the suffering, pursuing every opportunity for good. She deserves honor and support.
Historical Context
Foot washing was a menial task usually performed by servants. That a widow personally washed saints' feet demonstrates humility and sacrificial service. Hospitality to traveling teachers and believers was essential in the early church (3 John 5-8). The widow's lifetime of good works—often unseen and unappreciated—qualifies her for the church's sustained care in old age.
Reflection
- Why does Paul emphasize humble, practical service (like foot-washing) over spectacular deeds?
- How does a lifetime of faithful good works demonstrate genuine faith?
- What modern equivalents to 'foot-washing' demonstrate humble, Christ-like service?
Cross-References
- Good: 1 Timothy 6:18, Matthew 5:16, Acts 9:36, 2 Timothy 3:17, Titus 2:7, 3:1
- Holy: Romans 12:13
- Parallel theme: Luke 7:44