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/>.
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