10 And well reported of for good works: if she have nourished her children, if she have lodged the strangers, if she have [a]washed the Saints’ feet, if she have ministered unto them which were in adversity, if she were continually given unto every good work.

11 [b]But [c]refuse the younger widows: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry.

12 Having damnation, because they have broken the first faith.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 5:10 This is spoken in respect of the manner of those countries.
  2. 1 Timothy 5:11 The first reason why younger widows are not to be admitted to this ministry, to wit, because for the lightness of their age, they will at length shake off the burden that Christ hath laid upon them, and think rather upon marrying again: and so will forsake the ministry whereunto they had bound themselves.
  3. 1 Timothy 5:11 Take them not into the college of widows.

10 and is well known for her good deeds,(A) such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,(B) washing the feet(C) of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble(D) and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.

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