Q. 100. 1 Tim. 5:9-169Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 11But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15For some are already turned aside after Satan. 16If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. (1 Timothy 5:9‑16). The difficulty is, if widows over 60 only, should be taken into the number of those relieved by the assembly, and thus exclude all others under that age being relieved. Does not ver. 16 suppose relationship and means? J. H.
A. We think the whole passage is strictly literal. The widows who were under 60, were not to be kept by the church and natural relationships are meant in ver. 16.
With reference to Q. 121 a correspondent asks whether it is possible to distinguish between the blood, cross, and death of Christ, and we would say that while it is impossible to separate them, we think Scripture fully bears out the distinction drawn in the answer. With a view of showing this forcibly and distinctly, we add the principal passages in which the words respectively occur.
Blood.
Matt. 26:2020Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. (Matthew 26:20).-This is my blood of the new testament. Mark 14:2424And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. (Mark 14:24); Luke 22:2020Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:20); 1 Cor. 11:2525After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:25).
Eph. 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7).-Redemption through his blood. Col. 1:1414In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:14); 1 Peter 1:1919But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:19); Rev. 5:99And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9).
Cross.
Death.