Hi Brod Rushmore, Greetings! I’m Omar S. Agustin, member of the Chruch of Christ in Angeles City, Philippines, In 1 Timothy 5:16 please explain, can we use the church treasury for none christian which is widow whatever age? Is this text applicable only for the member of the Lord’s Church? Please explain 2 Cor. 9:13-14, the phrase “unto them and unto all” In Him, Omar S. Agustin
First Timothy 5:16 is addressed to Christians who have widowed parents; the verse is not addressed to the widowed parents. “If any believing man or woman has widows” (NKJV). The purpose of the verse is to prompt Christians to take financial responsibility for their own widowed parents so that the church does not have to undertake that responsibility: “let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened.” The implication is and further it is plainly stated that the church will take financial responsibility for widows who have no other financial resources to which they can appeal for their support: “that it may relieve those who are really widows.” While the verse acknowledges that the one addressed are Christians who have widowed parents, nothing in the verse says anything about whether the widowed parents are Christians.
First Timothy 5:16 is similar in intention to verses 9-14 of this passage in that alternatives are addressed for the sustenance of widows so that the financial resources of the church do not have to be expended on widows unnecessarily. The church will arise benevolently toward widows if it needs to rescue them, but other alternatives ought to be sought first. First Timothy 5:8 heads this passage of responsible and financial sustenance of one’s family, and biblically, one’s family extends backward as well as forward. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Second Corinthians 9:13 also discusses benevolence. However, the verse mentions benevolence toward Christians and non-Christians: “liberal sharing with them and all men.” Second Corinthians 9:13 mirrors Galatians 6:10, which reads: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” While we have preference for brethren (Romans 12:10), according to opportunity and available resources, the church has an obligation to extend benevolence first to fellow Christians who need it, and then to non-Christians as well.
