Give these instructions to the believersThis phrase emphasizes the role of Timothy as a leader and teacher within the early Christian community. The instructions refer to the guidelines Paul provides throughout the letter, particularly concerning the conduct of church members. In the historical context, the early church faced challenges such as false teachings and moral laxity, necessitating clear guidance. The term "believers" underscores the communal identity of Christians, who are called to live according to the teachings of Christ. This aligns with other scriptural exhortations for leaders to instruct the faithful, such as in
2 Timothy 4:2, where Timothy is urged to "preach the word" and "be prepared in season and out of season."
so that they will be above reproach
Being "above reproach" means living in a manner that is blameless and free from legitimate criticism. This reflects the high ethical standards expected of Christians, as seen in other Pauline writings likeTitus 1:6-7, where church leaders are also called to be blameless. The cultural context of the time involved a society with diverse moral standards, and Christians were to stand out as examples of integrity. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of holiness, as seen in1 Peter 1:15-16, where believers are called to be holy in all their conduct. The call to be above reproach is not just for leaders but for all believers, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in shaping character and behavior.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and conduct.
2.
TimothyA young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with overseeing the church and ensuring sound doctrine and practice.
3.
EphesusThe city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and challenges related to maintaining Christian conduct amidst pagan influences.
4.
The ChurchThe body of believers in Ephesus, whom Timothy is instructed to guide and teach.
5.
WidowsA specific group mentioned earlier in the chapter, highlighting the need for proper care and conduct within the church community.
Teaching Points
Instruction and AccountabilityPaul emphasizes the importance of clear instructions to ensure that believers live lives that are above reproach. This highlights the role of church leaders in teaching and maintaining accountability within the community.
Character and ConductBeing "above reproach" is a call to maintain a high standard of character and conduct. This involves living in a way that reflects Christ and avoids any legitimate criticism from both within and outside the church.
Community WitnessThe conduct of believers serves as a witness to the surrounding community. By living above reproach, Christians can effectively demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel.
Consistency in LeadershipChurch leaders, like Timothy, are called to model the behavior they teach. Consistency between teaching and personal conduct is crucial for effective ministry.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are encouraged to examine their lives and ensure that their actions align with their faith, seeking to be blameless in their interactions with others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 5:7?
2.How does 1 Timothy 5:7 guide us in caring for our families?
3.What does "above reproach" mean in the context of 1 Timothy 5:7?
4.How can we apply 1 Timothy 5:7 in modern church community life?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize living "above reproach" as in 1 Timothy 5:7?
6.How can we ensure our actions align with 1 Timothy 5:7's teachings daily?
7.What does 1 Timothy 5:7 mean by "command these things" in a modern context?
8.How does 1 Timothy 5:7 relate to the responsibilities of church leaders today?
9.Why is it important to give these commands according to 1 Timothy 5:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 5?
11.What are Timothy's key contributions in the Bible?
12.Can a pastor be restored after a moral failure?
13.Why does 1 Timothy 5:14 instruct younger widows to remarry, seemingly contradicting Paul's advice to remain single in other passages like 1 Corinthians 7:8?
14.How do preaching and teaching differ in purpose and method?What Does 1 Timothy 5:7 Mean
GivePaul’s verb is active and urgent. Timothy is not to merely suggest; he is to deliver God-given directives with clarity and confidence (1 Timothy 4:11;Titus 2:15). A shepherd who loves the flock feeds them with what God has already spoken, knowing that the authority rests in the Word itself (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
these instructionsThe immediate context is Paul’s teaching about honoring widows and caring for family members (1 Timothy 5:3-6). Yet the phrase embraces all of Paul’s counsel in this letter:
• Guard the gospel (1 Timothy 1:18-19).
• Pray for all people (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
• Appoint qualified leaders (1 Timothy 3:1-13).
• Live godly lives marked by contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
By pointing back to everything he has just written, Paul reminds Timothy that doctrine and daily practice always go together (James 1:22-25).
to the believersThe charge is family business. God’s household (1 Timothy 3:15) is expected to live differently from the surrounding culture. Paul singles out “believers” because they have the indwelling Spirit, new hearts, and shared accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25;Galatians 6:10). The call is not limited to elders; every follower of Christ receives it.
so that they will be above reproachThe goal is blameless character, not merely outward compliance. “Above reproach” means no handle for accusation (Philippians 2:15;1 Timothy 3:2). When God’s people obey His clear instructions:
• The gospel’s credibility is protected (Titus 2:10).
• Outsiders have no legitimate ground for slander (1 Peter 2:12).
• The church enjoys unity and health (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Obedience is the God-designed pathway to a life that silences critics and magnifies Christ.
summaryPaul urges Timothy to deliver God’s specific, practical teachings without hesitation, aiming for a congregation whose conduct leaves no room for blame. By embracing and obeying these instructions, believers honor the Lord, safeguard the gospel’s witness, and walk in the blamelessness He desires for His people.
(7)
And these things give in charge.--That is to say, the duties of widows, as set forth in
1Timothy 5:5, together with his (St. Paul's) estimate of the gay and frivolous character painted in
1Timothy 5:6.
That they may be blameless.--That, whether seeking support from the public alms of the Christian community or not, the widows of the congregation should struggle after an irreproachable self-denying life, and show before men publiclywhose servants they indeed were. In these words there seems a hint that the former life of many of these women-converts to Christianity had been very different to the life loved of Christ, and that in their new profession as Christians there was urgent need of watchfulness on their part not to give any occasion to slanderous tongues.
Verse 7. -
These things also command for
and these things give in charge, A.V.;
without reproach for
blameless, A.V.
These things, etc. The apostle had been giving Timothy his own instructions concerning widows and their maintenance by their own relations. He now adds the direction that he should give these things in charge to the Ephesian Church, lest they should be guilty and blameworthy by acting in a different spirit. He probably was aware of a disposition existing in some quarters to throw the burden of maintaining their widows upon the Church.
Without reproach (
ἀνεπίληπτοι); above,
1 Timothy 3:2, note. If they did not so they would be liable to the terrible reproach mentioned in ver. 8, that, Christians as they called themselves, they were in their conduct worse than unbelievers.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Give these instructions [to the believers],παράγγελλε(parangelle)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3853:To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.they will beὦσιν(ōsin)Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.above reproach.ἀνεπίλημπτοι(anepilēmptoi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 423:Irreproachable, never caught doing wrong. Not arrested, i.e. inculpable.
Links
1 Timothy 5:7 NIV1 Timothy 5:7 NLT1 Timothy 5:7 ESV1 Timothy 5:7 NASB1 Timothy 5:7 KJV
1 Timothy 5:7 BibleApps.com1 Timothy 5:7 Biblia Paralela1 Timothy 5:7 Chinese Bible1 Timothy 5:7 French Bible1 Timothy 5:7 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:7 Also command these things that they may (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)