1 Tim. 5:9-10 - Making a List - Dealing with Widows

9 No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband,
10 and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress - as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works.

Caring for Older Widows

Vs. 9-10: - “No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband, and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress - as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works.

"put on the list unless" - The list is of those who qualify for assistance from the church.

a) “at least 60 years old” - The age limit, 60 years, means only senior citizens need apply. (In that time, 60 might likely have been truly senior.)

b) “wife of one husband” - Based on the earlier part of the letter (1 Tim. 3:3, 12) I think this means a woman who has not been divorced and re-married. This does not apply to a woman who might have been widowed and married again. Again, I believe monogamy is a probably a command, but am not absolutely sure about that. We do know that God did not (does not, still?) approve of divorce. (See Mal. 2:16; Matt. 19:7, 8.) I realize that we modern day evangelicals are sure the standard for marriage is one man-one woman. Again I am not sure about that, since so many of the Biblical saints had more than one wife. That is not an endorsement. For example God hated divorce, but the Jews insisted - so God gave them rules for divorce. It seems that it may be the same for polygamy - God does not approve, but people do it anyway. Paul is encouraging one-man-one-wife. However, polyandry would reduce the number of widows that would need help. (Sarcasm alert!)

c) reputation for goods works (exhibited all kinds of good works), including - raising children, practicing hospitality, washed the feet of saints, helped those in distress.

I do not know if the these characteristics are inclusive, or an 'for example' type. I don't know any person who has a reputation for all of these things. What is indicated is that the widow should be a stable and faithful believer. Don't think this list applies only to women. As a minimum, all believers should be stable and faithful.