Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame.
Summary: Paul’s instruction to Timothy and the believers is really a command
At first glance, this verse might be understood as a ‘passing comment’ on Paul’s part. Actually, it is much more.
Keep in mind that Paul’s letter is written to Timothy in his role as ‘overseer of overseers.’* Paul has been commanded by the Lord Jesus to teach and command these things himself (Acts 26:16–18). He is sharing this burden with Timothy.
Most English translations of the Bible use the word “command” instead of “give… instructions.” It is not that “give… instructions” is wrong; it has more to do with the Greek “parangéllō” being a strong word.† “Parangéllō” is generally translated as the verb, “command.” It can be understood as “transmitting a message” with authority, and that is exactly what Paul is doing to Timothy!
Perhaps we should review what “these instructions” are.
Paul has paused his instructions for Timothy personally and has turned his attention to instructions to the church as a whole. The question is the same one faced by the early church: How does the church treat the most needy (widows) fairly? (Acts 6:1-6)
In addition to the fairness question, Paul has noticed something else — people tend to take advantage of the church, and in doing that, they risk falling into sin.
For example, Paul says that the “widow who lives for pleasure is dead” (1 Timothy 5:6).
Why?
Why is such a person dead “even while she lives”?
God’s priorities are simple. Love God above all else and our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). When we defy these two simple rules, the consequences are stark. We are not talking about a physical death, but an eternal one. This is why Jesus tells his disciples the parable of the wheat and the weeds (a.k.a. — “tares,” Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)—explaining the consequences of turning against God:
“… at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 13:40-43)
Application: Choose life, love God.
Food for Thought: Some people argue that God’s Grace covers everything. If that is true, why does Paul use such frightening language?
*See “1 Timothy 4:11 – Context Matters”
†”G3853 – parangellō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NIV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 15 Jun, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3853/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
Some people argue that God’s Grace covers everything. If that is true, why does Paul use such frightening language?
I think Paul is doing a very good job of identifying the attitude that one can “use God’s grace as they see fit” in self-indulgence rather than growing in their relationship with God under His grace. At the core of it, Paul is speaking about receiving God’s provision deceitfully. When the word “deceit” comes into the picture there is no humility or honestly before God, so Paul wants believers to understand that this attitude is counter to the character of Christ that followers of Him should pursue. Giving this as a command affords the opportunity for us to examine our lives against that truth and allow the Holy spirit to convict us of any trespass. Opening our heart to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, having Him measure our attitudes and actions against the truth, repenting if there is trespass, continuing if there is not, is the “blameless” Paul is speaking about. Hearing the truth and ignoring it, that is not blameless. It is a very important aspect of our life in Christ, and is deserving of such a stern command.
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Thank you, Chris.
I appreciate the distinction you are drawing between innocent trespass and intentional sin.
While God’s grace can be misused by insincere motives for a false license to sin, His grace is still sufficient and necessary for a relationship with a holy God. Some people argue that God’s grace is not sufficient, and to me that is a much scarier proposition. The idea of operating outside of His grace is terrifying. I am not good enough without Him.
Ephesians 2: 8 – 9: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
2 Corinthians 12: 7b – 10: Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Thank you, Rich!
God’s Grace is indeed sufficient.
Some people argue that God’s Grace covers everything. If that is true, why does Paul use such frightening language?
Romans 3:10-12, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understands, There is none that seeks after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Ephesians 2:5, Made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Believers have no righteousness of their own and all humbly come before the throne of God cloaked in the righteousness of Christ, while all who Blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Matthew 12:32, Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Luke 12:10, And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
Thank you, Ron.
That is an important clarification.