Note 24 at 1 Tim. 5:9: The phrase "the number" specifies a select group of women to whom the church became financially responsible (see note 10 at v. 3, p. 1295). This does not mean that Christians are not supposed to show benevolence to others who do not meet these requirements. We should help those in need even if they do not meet all the requirements Paul imposes here. Those for whom the church assumes total liability must reach a higher standard.

Note 25 at 1 Tim. 5:9: This is an interesting requirement for widows who are to be supported by the church. They have to be at least 60 years old! Paul gives an explanation for this in verses 11 through 12 (see note 30 at v.11, p. 1298 and notes 31-32 at v. 12, p. 1298). In these verses he says that the younger widows will marry and forsake their first faith. He goes on to say in verse 13, that younger widows also tend to be idle, tattlers, and busybodies. These are strong words that may offend many younger widows today.

Note 26 at 1 Tim. 5:9: The requirement for the widows to have "been the wife of one man" probably refers to her having been faithful to her husband. This is the way the NIV translates this verse: "No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband. . . ." See reference "f" on the word "man" at this verse.