THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL TO TIMOTHY - Chapter 5 - Verse 10

Verse 10. Well reported of for good works. Of good character or reputation. See Barnes "1 Ti 3:7".

If she have brought up children. Either her own or others. The idea is, if she has done this in a proper manner.

If she have lodged strangers. If she has been characterized by hospitality—a virtue greatly commended in the Scriptures. Comp. See Barnes "1 Ti 3:2"

If she have washed the saints' feet. It is not certain whether this is to be understood literally, or whether it merely denotes that she had performed offices of a humble and self-denying kind—such as would be shown by washing the feet of others. It was one of the rites of hospitality in the East to wash the feet of the guest, Ge 18:4, and Paul might have spoken of this as having been literally performed. There is not the slightest evidence that he refers to it as a religious rite, or ordinance, any more than he does to the act of bringing up children as a religious rite. See Barnes "Joh 13:1"

and following.

If she have relieved the afflicted. If it has been her character that she was ready to furnish relief to those who were in distress.

If she have diligently followed every good work. This is one of the characteristics of true piety. A sincere Christian will, like God, be the friend of all that is good, and will be ready to promote every good object according to his ability. He will not merely be the friend of one good cause, to the neglect of others, but he will endeavour to promote every good object, and though from peculiar circumstances, and peculiar dealings of Providence, he may have been particularly interested in some one object of charity, yet every good object will find a response in his heart, and he will be ready to promote it by his influence, his property, and his prayers.

{b} "lodged" Ac 16:15