1 Timothy 5:1

Instructions for the Church

1 ¹Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, ²younger men as brothers,

1 Timothy 5:1 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 1. Rebuke not an elder
By whom is meant, not an elder1 Timothy 5:2

The elder women as mothers
When they offend in any point, they are to be reasoned, and argued, and pleaded with, as children should with their mothers; see ( Hosea 2:2 ) and are to be considered as mothers in Israel, and to be treated with great tenderness and respect. The younger as sisters;
using the freedom as a brother may with a sister; and considering them as sisters in Christ, and in a way becoming the relation, tell them their faults freely and privately, but with all purity:
in such manner as to preserve chastity in looks, in words, and actions.

1 Timothy 5:1 In-Context

1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers,

2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

3 Honor widows who are truly widows.

4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,

Cross References

• 1. 5:1 [Lev. 19:32]
• 2. 5:1 Titus 2:6