Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, widows hold a significant place within the community of believers, and the Scriptures provide clear guidance on the responsibility of the Church to care for them. The care for widows is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of God's compassion and justice.Old Testament Context The Old Testament lays the foundation for the treatment of widows, emphasizing God's concern for their welfare. 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 highlights God's direct involvement in ensuring justice and provision for widows, setting a precedent for His people to follow. The Law of Moses includes specific instructions to protect and provide for widows. For instance, in Deuteronomy 24:19-21, the Israelites are commanded to leave behind gleanings in the field for the alien, the fatherless, and the widow. This provision underscores the community's responsibility to support those who are vulnerable and without a provider. New Testament Instructions The New Testament continues this theme, with the early Church taking an active role in the care of widows. In Acts 6:1-6, the early Church appointed deacons to ensure that the daily distribution of food was not neglected, particularly for the widows. This passage illustrates the Church's organizational response to meet the needs of its most vulnerable members. The Apostle Paul provides detailed instructions regarding the care of widows in 1 Timothy 5:3-16. He writes, "Honor the widows who are truly widows" (1 Timothy 5:3). Paul distinguishes between widows who have family to support them and those who are truly destitute, emphasizing that the Church should prioritize those without any means of support. He further instructs, "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" (1 Timothy 5:4). This directive places the primary responsibility on the family, but it also establishes the Church's role in supporting those who are truly in need. Theological Implications The care for widows is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is described as a "father to the fatherless, a defender of widows" (Psalm 68:5). This divine attribute calls the Church to mirror God's compassion and justice. The Church's ministry to widows is not only an act of charity but also a demonstration of the Gospel in action, reflecting the love and care of Christ for His people. Practical Application In practical terms, the Church is called to identify and support widows who are in genuine need. This may involve financial assistance, emotional support, and integration into the community of believers. The Church should also encourage families to fulfill their biblical duty to care for their widowed relatives, thereby strengthening the family unit and the Church community as a whole. In summary, the biblical mandate for the Church to relieve widows is clear and compelling. It is an expression of God's heart for justice and mercy, and it serves as a tangible demonstration of the love of Christ within the body of believers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 6:1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Timothy 5:9 Library Appendix (Referred to in Note 1) The Seven Deacons 1 Timothy v. 8 Matt. xxiii. 14 1 Timothy iv. 14-Nov Acts VI Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... The Women of the Apostolic Age Resources What does the Bible say about how widows are to be treated? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about orphans and widows? | GotQuestions.org What is pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Widows were Clothed in Mourning After the Decease of Husbands Widows were Frequently Oppressed and Persecuted Widows were Released from all Obligation to Former Husbands Widows were Under the Special Protection of God Widows: A Type of Zion in Affliction Widows: Allowed to Marry Again Widows: Blessings on Those Who Relieve Widows: Curse for Perverting Judgment of Widows: Exhorted to Trust in God Widows: God: Establishes the Border of Widows: God: Surely Hears the Cry of Widows: God: Will Witness Against Oppressors of Widows: Increase of, Threatened As a Punishment Widows: Intermarrying With, of Kings Considered Treason Widows: Laws Respecting: Bound to Perform Their Vows Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to be Oppressed Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to Intermarry With Priests Widows: Laws Respecting: Raiment of, not to be Taken in Pledge by Creditors Widows: Laws Respecting: To be Allowed to Glean in Fields and Vineyards Widows: Laws Respecting: To Have a Share of the Triennial Tithe Widows: Laws Respecting: To Share in Public Rejoicings Widows: Laws Respecting: when Daughters of Priests and Childless to Partake of The Widows: Laws Respecting: when Left Childless, to be Married by Their Husband's Widows: Not to be Deplored By, Considered a Great Calamity Widows: Often Devoted Themselves Entirely to God's Service Widows: Reproach Connected With Widows: Saints: Disappoint Not Widows: should be Allowed to Share in Our Blessings Widows: should be Honored, If Widows Indeed Widows: should be Relieved by the Church Widows: should be Relieved by Their Friends Widows: should be Visited in Affliction Widows: should not Be: Afflicted Widows: should not Be: Deprived of Raiment in Pledge Widows: should not Be: Oppressed Widows: should not Be: Treated With Violence Widows: Specially Taken Care of by the Church Widows: The Wicked: do No Good To Widows: The Wicked: Make a Prey of Widows: The Wicked: Reject the Cause of Widows: The Wicked: Send, Away Empty Widows: The Wicked: Take Pledges From Widows: Though Poor, May be Liberal Widows: when Young, Exposed to May Temptations Widows: Woe to Those Who Oppress Related Terms |
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