The Orthodox Study Bible: I Timothy 5: 8-Taking care of family

The Orthodox Study Bible, New Testament and Psalms, (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy,Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

I Timothy 5 New American Standard Version (NASB)

Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, 2 the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. 3 Honor widows who are widows indeed; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to [a]make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. 6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 [b]Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:4 Lit give back recompenses 1 Timothy 5:7 Or Keep commanding
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This Orthodox bible text explains in notes that 5: 3-16 contains, in context, specific advice for the care of widows. (491). If a family is not taking care of widows, then the Church should provide that care. (491).

Courson writes that it is up to the children (adults children in context, my add) to take care of parents and grandparents. (1391). So, Courson here is theologically taking this section of scripture and applying it theologically to all family in one's care.

Courson reasons the principal here 'applies down the line'. (1391). This is reasonable, theologically. It would apply to widows, but not only, even while acknowledging the context from the Orthodox text.

Alan G. Nute writes

Failure to make provision for relatives, and especially for his immediate family is equivalent to a denial of the faith. (1481).

Like Courson, Nute takes a broader approach to applying this section of Scripture and applying 5: 8. A widow without means should receive assistance from her family, or if not, the Church. (1481).
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I homecared for my Mother here at our condominium, with assistance from Fraser Health from 2001-2018; I assist my Father where I can, typically with research.

I reason that where I can spiritually, intellectually and financially, I should assist my parents and relatives (and people in need). Of course I have finite resources, I am beginning to build savings and a career, having been a student for many years.

I have limited space here where I live in a small, but newly renovated and clean condominium, this is really a one person or couple's condominium, but I biblically and theologically view care for widows and family members in need as being obedient to God and the gospel message. This may mean providing less for self and providing more for others at times.

COURSON, JON (2005) Application Commentary, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.

NUTE, ALAN G. (1986) in 'Titus', The International Bible Commentary, F.F. Bruce, General Editor, Grand Rapids, Zondervan/Marshall Pickering.

The Orthodox Study Bible, New Testament and Psalms, (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy,Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

The new General Electric dishwasher, installed this afternoon. I am pleased to wash items by hand, but I needed this new appliance to fill the hole as the old appliance died years ago and was taken to recycling today by the installers.