Note 11 at 1 Tim. 5:4: Paul's use of the phrase, "widows indeed" is saying that not all widows qualify for this financial assistance from the church. Paul goes on in the next few verses to put some stipulations on who qualifies for this widow's assistance (see note 9 at v. 3).

First, to be a "widow indeed" specified a widow who had no other form of support. In verse four, Paul makes it clear that any widow who had children or grandchildren (nephews-see note 12 at this v. p. 1296) who were capable of providing for her, should let them do so, and the church should not take on that responsibility (see note 14 at this v. p. 1296).

Second, in verses five and six, the widows whom Paul believed the church should take care of financially, were godly widows who were truly seeking and trusting God (see note 16 at v. 5 and 17 at v. 6, p. 1296).

Third, Paul said in verse nine that the church should not support widows who are younger than 60 (see note 25 at v. 9, p. 1297).

In verse 10, Paul gives more qualifications for being a "widow indeed" which are just an amplification of what he said before about a widow being a godly woman.

Note 12 at 1 Tim. 5:4: The English word "nephews" is a little misleading. The Greek word "EKGONON" means "a descendant, i.e. (specifically) grandchild" (Strong). Therefore, Paul is admonishing children or grandchildren to take care of the widows in their families.

The NIV translates this verse, "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God."

Note 13 at 1 Tim. 5:4: Paul said that widows for whom the church is to be responsible for, are those who have no family to help them. If widows have children or grandchildren (nephews-see note 12 at this v.) they are to take the responsibility of financially supporting them. Paul is establishing a principle even for our times. Family members are to take care of their own.

Paul expounds on this in verse eight (see notes 20-22 at v. 8, p. 1297).

Note 14 at 1 Tim. 5:4: The word "requite" means, "to make repayment or return for" (NAHD). This implies that the children and grandchildren have a debt to their parents that should be paid in a time of need (see note 8 at v. 3, p. 1295). This is speaking specifically of financial assistance, but would certainly extend to other forms of kindness and love.

Jesus made this same point in Mark 7:9-12 when He spoke of taking care of parents. Jesus even dealt with this issue while hanging on the cross when he told His apostle, John, to take care of His mother (Jn. 19:25-27). One of the ten commandments is to honor y our father and mother (Ex. 20:12). This is a well established command in scripture. Charity has to begin at home.