In the biblical context, widows hold a significant place, both in the Old and New Testaments. The character of a true widow is often highlighted through her faith, devotion, and the community's responsibility towards her.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses the plight and protection of widows, emphasizing God's care for them. In Deuteronomy 10:18, it is stated, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This verse underscores God's justice and provision for widows, reflecting His compassionate nature.

Widows in the Old Testament are often depicted as vulnerable and in need of protection. The law provided specific instructions to ensure their well-being. For instance, in Exodus 22:22-23, God commands, "You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry." This commandment highlights the seriousness with which God views the treatment of widows.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the character of a true widow is further elaborated, particularly in the pastoral epistles. The Apostle Paul provides guidance on the care of widows within the church community. In 1 Timothy 5:3-5, Paul writes, "Honor the widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show godliness to their own household and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers."

This passage delineates the characteristics of a true widow: one who is truly in need, left without family support, and who places her hope in God. Her devotion is evident through her continuous prayers and petitions, reflecting a life of faith and dependence on God.

Role and Responsibility of the Church

The early church recognized the importance of caring for widows, as seen in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles appointed deacons to ensure the fair distribution of food to widows. This act demonstrates the church's commitment to social justice and care for the vulnerable.

James 1:27 further emphasizes the responsibility of believers towards widows: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse highlights that true religion involves active compassion and care for those in need, including widows.

Examples of Widows in Scripture

Several widows in the Bible exemplify the character of true widows through their faith and actions. The widow of Zarephath, who provided for Elijah during a famine (1 Kings 17:8-16), demonstrated remarkable faith and obedience. Similarly, the widow who gave two small coins in the temple (Mark 12:41-44) is praised by Jesus for her sacrificial giving, as she "out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

These examples illustrate the virtues of faith, generosity, and reliance on God, which are central to the character of true widows in the biblical narrative.Luke 2:37
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 5:5,10
Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... True."Yet a state of widowhood, after such a ... Those of this character when they find
themselves destitute ... manner of those, whom he terms widows indeed"they ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

Concerning Widows.
... What Character the Widows Ought to Be Of, and How They Ought to Be Supported by
the Bishop. III. But the true widows are those which have had only one husband ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i concerning widows.htm

The Disputes of the Faithful to be Settled by the Decisions of the ...
... is firm on account of their character, and true on account of ... But as to those of
a different character, do not ye ... whether he be a lover of the widows, a lover ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec vi the disputes of the.htm

False Brethren and False Principles in the Church: Spirit and ...
... same organic conformation, so the true children of ... The superficial character of much
of the evangelism ... who robbed orphans and defrauded widows, who permitted ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii false brethren and.htm

Paul, the Teacher of Prayer
... Here is Paul's description of such widows: ... We have it in a reference to the character
of Christ's ... directory and authentative as to the elements of true praying ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xii paul the teacher of.htm

Women Adorned with Good Work
... In the second passage we read of widows who were placed upon a ... in the pursuits of
earth is honoured as one of the true elements of character and worth ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xvii women adorned with good.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... Thou art the true and perfect ... observes, p. 242) his utter ignorance of Calvin's
character, whose only ... faith from France and other lands, the widows and orphans ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

Christianity a Light.
... visit the fatherless and widows in 1:19. ... or his nature or life is the same as the
life or character of Christ ... The life of a true Christian is one of great beauty ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i christianity a light.htm

The Jewish Christian Theology --I. James and the Gospel of Law.
... the one laying the true foundation in character, the other ... obedience as the necessary
evidence of true faith ... piety that visits the orphans and widows, and keeps ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 69 the jewish christian.htm

Post-Nicene Mothers
... to marriage; the sixty-fold applies to widows, for the ... parties agree in the praise
of her moral character. True, there is a hint somewhere that her kindness to ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/v post-nicene mothers.htm

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