Fathers

1 Timothy 5

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Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

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What the Fathers say

1 Timothy 5:9

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

He had said, "Let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents." He had also said, "She that liveth in pleasure is dead whilst she liveth." He had said, "If she provides not for her own she is worse than an infidel." Having mentioned the qualities which not to have would render a woman unworthy to be reckoned among the widows, he now mentions what she ought to have besides. What then? are we to receive her for her years? What merit is there in that? It is not her own doing that she is threescore years old. …

Homily on 1 Timothy 14 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since above the apostle said that a pleasure-loving woman who does not care for her own household is unworthy to be numbered among the widows, he now teaches us what she must have. In the first place the apostle sets a definite age for her, and indicates the reason for this afterward. However, he does not approve a sixty-year-old woman simply on the basis of age alone, for even such a woman may prove to be unworthy. Then the apostle requires of her a single marriage, as a sign of her dignified honesty and love of chastity.

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗

Oecumenius

Let a widow be counted as not less than sixty years old, the wife of one man, well attested for good works, if she has brought up children, if she has hosted strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has comforted the afflicted, if she has devoted herself to every good work. Here, Paul also considers age along with other factors, and previously he states the reason, saying that even if the age were sixty years old, without the other conditions being met, it should not be counted. …

Commentary On 1 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

It is not that old age alone makes the widow. Rather the virtues of the widow may become the duties of old age. For she certainly is the more prone to virtue who represses the heat of youth and the impetuous ardor of youthful age, coveting neither the tenderness of a husband nor the abundant delights of children. She rises above one who, now worn out in body, cold in age, of ripe years, can neither grow warm with pleasures nor hope for offspring.

Concerning Widows 2.9 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Above, he taught that widows in the Church must be provided for; here he shows which ones are to be provided for: first, he shows which ones are to be chosen; second, which ones are to be avoided, at but the younger widows. In regard to the first he does three things: first, he shows that they must be chosen according to age; second, by reason of their chastity; third, from having performed good works, at having testimony for her good works. According to age, they must be no less than sixty years of age. …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗

Bonaventure

To that which is objected: Let a widow be chosen not less than sixty years old: it must be said that this is not understood with respect to the vow of continence, but with respect to the ministry that was to be rendered to the Saints, who also were to be sustained from ecclesiastical goods. Hence in the Gloss: "Let a widow be chosen not less than sixty years old, who is to be nourished by the sustenance of the Church." Hence what he adds: Avoid younger widows: is understood in the same sense. …

Disputed Questions on Evangelical Perfection, Question 3 ↗