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1 Timothy 5:9
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9 Let [katalego] not [me] a widow [chera] be taken into the number [katalego] under [elasson] threescore [hexekonta] years old, [etos] having been [ginomai] the wife [gune] of one [heis] man, [aner] KJV-Interlinear
9 Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, NASB
Paul now introduces a new topic, and this is the topic of older and mature women and the requirements for their inclusion in the ministry. The ministry of women does not include teaching of scripture to the general congregation. That duty was cleared up earlier in our study of this book, being reserved for the older and mature male.
And this is not a list of requirements for which women (widows) may be included in consideration for support.
Paul earlier stated very clearly, that any widow (no age restriction) who is without means of support, is eligible for support from the church. The church is a broad expression which includes you as an individual, or an organization, such as a local church, charity, or any organization that provides aid or support or resources for women (or anyone who is in need). Compassion dictates that Christians do not exclude anyone from support, when they are in need.
But now Paul begins by distinguishing older women, typically widows (but not a rigid mandate), who have reached the age of sixty years.
This is set because the passions of youth have generally faded, the children are grown up and gone, and the woman who has lost her husband, still possesses a lifetime of wisdom and knowledge, with which she can use to help others in their life struggles.
An older woman (widow) would have the time, maturity, character, reputation, and compassion for serving others, whereas the younger women may still be inclined to remarry and devote their lives to their families.
Nothing is wrong with either situation, for both situations have their good attributes. And, the sixty year age limit is not a hard and fasts limit, either. The important characteristic is not age, but maturity, and specifically spiritual maturity.
Paul will get into the various personality attributes that must be a part of the woman’s life.
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