1 Timothy 5:10 – “and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is part of Paul’s continued instructions about which widows should be enrolled for support and possibly service in the church. After stating in the previous verse that the widow must be over sixty and faithful to her husband, Paul adds more qualifications here. He describes the kind of life that shows genuine faith-one marked by good works and consistent love for others.
The list Paul gives includes specific, practical ways a woman may have served: raising children well, opening her home to others, humbly serving fellow believers, helping people in distress, and being devoted to doing good. These are not dramatic or high-profile actions-they’re everyday acts of love and faithfulness. And yet, Paul says these things matter. They’re evidence of a heart that belongs to God.
This verse teaches that a godly life is proven in how a person lives day by day-especially in how they treat others.
Historical Context
In the early church, the care of widows was a serious concern. Widows who were truly in need and without family support could be enrolled in an official list to receive help from the church-and possibly serve in prayer, teaching, or acts of mercy.
Paul wanted the church to make wise choices about who would be supported in this way. So he lays out qualifications that are based not only on a widow’s current need, but on the kind of life she has lived. This was not about perfection-it was about a consistent pattern of service, hospitality, and care for others.
These qualifications reflect the values of the early church, where love in action-not just words-was considered a sign of genuine faith.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us that faith is meant to be lived out in real, practical ways. Good deeds do not earn salvation, but they are the natural outflow of a heart transformed by God. Paul’s list reflects the fruit of a life that’s been shaped by the Spirit.
It also shows us that the ordinary work of women-raising children, keeping a home, helping the hurting-is deeply meaningful in God’s eyes. These acts, often unnoticed by the world, are remembered and honored by God.
Paul is helping the church see that spiritual maturity is not just about knowledge or public leadership-it’s also about quiet, steady faithfulness.
Literary Analysis
The verse is written as a flowing list, filled with examples of visible, practical goodness. Paul uses phrases like “well known for her good deeds” and “devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds” to emphasize consistency. The variety in the list-caring for children, practicing hospitality, serving others, helping those in distress-shows that godly service takes many forms.
The phrase “washing the feet of the Lord’s people” reflects deep humility and service. It echoes the example of Jesus, who literally washed His disciples’ feet (John 13). This is more than just a task-it’s a symbol of selfless love and lowly service.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 25:34–40 – Jesus honors those who served the least, saying, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
- Proverbs 31:20–31 – A godly woman is described as generous, wise, and busy doing good for others.
- Titus 2:3–5 – Older women are called to be examples in good behavior and to teach younger women.
- John 13:14–15 – Jesus washes His disciples’ feet and tells them to follow His example.
- James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse shows that living for God isn’t just about what we say-it’s about what we do. Christians today are called to live out their faith in real, visible ways. That might look like raising children in love and truth, opening your home to others, helping people who are struggling, or serving in quiet ways that nobody else sees.
It also teaches us to value the faithful lives of older believers, especially women who have quietly served for years. Their devotion should be honored, not overlooked.
This passage challenges us to think less about big, showy acts of faith, and more about steady, daily obedience. God sees and values the simple, faithful acts of love.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is practical, not distant. He doesn’t just love with words-He loves through action. He cares for the broken, the lonely, the outcast. And He calls His people to do the same.
This verse reflects His heart. The kind of good works listed here are the kind that reflect God’s character-serving others, comforting the hurting, showing hospitality. These are the ways God loves us, and the ways He invites us to love others.
God takes notice of the things the world often misses. He values a life lived in quiet, humble faithfulness far more than a life that seeks the spotlight.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the perfect picture of humble, servant-hearted love. He didn’t come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). He washed His disciples’ feet, welcomed outcasts, and helped those in trouble. Everything Paul describes in this verse can be seen in the life of Jesus.
By following Jesus, we are called to serve others in the same way. The good works listed here aren’t just good ideas-they are a reflection of Christ’s life in us. When we care for children, welcome others, help the hurting, and devote ourselves to doing good, we are showing the world who Jesus is.
In the end, these actions aren’t about building our own reputation-they’re about pointing people to Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Which of the good works listed in this verse do you see in your own life? Which ones could you grow in?
- How can we as a church better honor and support those who have lived faithfully for many years?
- What does it look like to serve others with humility, like Jesus washing His disciples’ feet?
- Are you devoting yourself to “all kinds of good deeds,” or have distractions pulled you away from that kind of life?
- Who is someone in your life that quietly serves with faithfulness and love? How can you encourage or learn from them?