1 Timothy 5 Footnotes

5:12 Paul’s harsh words against widows who remarry initially appear inconsistent with his command for younger widows to remarry (v. 14) and his teaching elsewhere (Rm 7:1-3; 1Co 7:39). However, the text probably referred to a widow who remarried an unbeliever (2Co 6:14), abandoning her faith under the spouse’s influence. “Original pledge” (lit “first faith”) refers to the widow’s former faith in Christ.

5:23 This does not contradict biblical warnings about the danger of alcoholic beverages (Pr 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:4-5). Paul urged moderation (1Tm 3:3) but did not require total abstinence. Many first-century water sources were contaminated. Drinking wine helped prevent stomach ailments caused by parasites and other contaminants. Biblical wine was natural wine diluted with water, resulting in a low alcoholic content. Timothy could consume such wine in moderation without seriously risking intoxication.