ACC ~ 1 Timothy 5 v3

THE WIDOW’S VIRTUE. AMBROSE: So, then, a widow is not only marked off by bodily abstinence but is distinguished by virtue. It is not I who give this command but the apostle. I am not the only person to do them honor, but the teacher of the Gentiles did so first, when he said, “Honor widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow has children or nephews, let her first learn to govern her own house and to take care of her parents.” Thus we encourage every inclination of affection in a widow to love her children and to do her duty to her parents. So when discharging her duty to her parents she is teaching her children and is rewarded herself by her own compliance with duty, in that what she performs for others benefits herself. CONCERNING WIDOWS 2.7.

INCAPABLE OF SELF-SUPPORT. JEROME: [Paul] is training a church still untaught in Christ and making provision for people of all stations but especially for the poor, the charge of whom has been committed to himself and Barnabas. Thus he wishes only those to be supported by the exertions of the church who cannot labor with their own hands and who are widows indeed, approved by their years and by their lives. LETTERS 79.7.

THE TRUE WIDOW. CHRYSOSTOM: In order to be a virgin, it is not enough merely to avoid sex. Many other things are necessary: blamelessness and perseverance. Similarly the loss of a husband does not constitute a true widow, but rather patience, with chastity and distance from all men. Such widows he justly bids us honor, and indeed support. For they need support, being left desolate and having no husband to stand up for them. HOMILIES ON 1 TIMOTHY 13.

WIDOWS IN DEED AS WELL AS IN WORD. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Paul’s intention is precisely not to give honor to women who have given only a promise of widowhood but rather to give honor to those who have clearly fulfilled the promise by their action. COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY.

CHURCHLY ASSISTANCE. THEODORET OF CYR: Those faithful widows who have no other support must have churchly assistance. INTERPRETATION OF THE FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY.

1 Tim