8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house,
8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
8 Anyone who neglects to care for family members in need repudiates the faith. That's worse than refusing to believe in the first place.
8 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.
8 But those who won't care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
12 If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him; If we turn our backs on him, he'll turn his back on us;
12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
12 If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
(Read 2 Timothy 2:8-13)
Let suffering saints remember, and look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of their faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. We must not think it strange if the best men meet with the worst treatment; but this is cheering, that the word of God is not bound. Here we see the real and true cause of the apostle's suffering trouble in, or for, the sake of the gospel. If we are dead to this world, its pleasures, profits, and honours, we shall be for ever with Christ in a better world. He is faithful to his threatenings, and faithful to his promises. This truth makes sure the unbeliever's condemnation, and the believer's salvation.
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
5 They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people.
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
(Read 2 Timothy 3:1-9)
Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on account of persecution from without, still more on account of corruptions within. Men love to gratify their own lusts, more than to please God and do their duty. When every man is eager for what he can get, and anxious to keep what he has, this makes men dangerous to one another. When men do not fear God, they will not regard man. When children are disobedient to their parents, that makes the times perilous. Men are unholy and without the fear of God, because unthankful for the mercies of God. We abuse God's gifts, if we make them the food and fuel of our lusts. Times are perilous also, when parents are without natural affection to children. And when men have no rule over their own spirits, but despise that which is good and to be honoured. God is to be loved above all; but a carnal mind, full of enmity against him, prefers any thing before him, especially carnal pleasure. A form of godliness is very different from the power; from such as are found to be hypocrites, real Christians must withdraw. Such persons have been found within the outward church, in every place, and at all times. There ever have been artful men, who, by pretences and flatteries, creep into the favour and confidence of those who are too easy of belief, ignorant, and fanciful. All must be ever learning to know the Lord; but these follow every new notion, yet never seek the truth as it is in Jesus. Like the Egyptian magicians, these were men of corrupt minds, prejudiced against the truth, and found to be quite without faith. Yet though the spirit of error may be let loose for a time, Satan can deceive the nations and the churches no further, and no longer, than God will permit.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:8
Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:3-8
(Read 1 Timothy 5:3-8)
Honour widows that are widows indeed, relieve them, and maintain them. It is the duty of children, if their parents are in need, and they are able to relieve them, to do it to the utmost of their power. Widowhood is a desolate state; but let widows trust in the Lord, and continue in prayer. All who live in pleasure, are dead while they live, spiritually dead, dead in trespasses and sins. Alas, what numbers there are of this description among nominal Christians, even to the latest period of life! If any men or women do not maintain their poor relations, they in effect deny the faith. If they spend upon their lusts and pleasures, what should maintain their families, they have denied the faith, and are worse than infidels. If professors of the gospel give way to any corrupt principle or conduct, they are worse than those who do not profess to believe the doctrines of grace.