1 Timothy 5:12

their first faith: If Paul was concerned about a second marriage to non-Christians, this phrase might refer to their Christian faith (see 5:14). They would give up this faith by entering a marriage with a pagan (worshiper of false gods). This would probably separate them from Christ. It is also possible that Paul and the church recognized a special category of “sacred widowhood” (see 5:5; compare Acts 9:36–37). These widows entered this category by making a vow.

Younger widows who could still have children needed a different approach. Paul worried that false teachers were leading them into error.

A widow without wealth or family was alone in a world that did not support her. The Christian community was expected to care for such widows among its members (see Deuteronomy 10:17–19; Isaiah 1:17; compare Acts 6:1–6; James 1:27). Some suggest this passage implies a religious order of widows in the first-century AD church at Ephesus. However, there is no obvious evidence of such an order, only of a ministry to help community members without financial means.

Proper behavior in God's spiritual household involves everyone, including:

• the old and young (5:1–2),

• widows (5:3–16),

• old people (5:17–25), and

• slaves (6:1–2a).

Showing respect within the household goes beyond social boundaries.