5:9,10
We now get details on when a woman can be put on the list of widows. First she had to be over sixty. Verse 11 gives the reason for this, being very practical. She also had to be of good repute. She had to have been faithful to her husband, and well known for good deeds. Notice the strict line that is taken with people. This is something we seem to lack in the church today, we are so wary of being accused of being “uncaring”. Of course we should avoid being “uncaring”, but we should also be very practical and realistic.
5:11,12
The reason for young widows not being put on the list is again very practical, they are likely to want to get married again! Note that Paul considers, in this context, women under sixty to be young! Notice also that he recognises the natural desire to be married, and does not simply say that they should resist such desires. Instead, he says it is better for them not to have made a vow that they cannot keep. The Law also said it was better not to have made a vow in the first place, than to make one and then break it.
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