1Ti 5:9-12 | Abbott | STEP | Taken into the number; selected, chosen. This expression is usually understood to refer to some office in the church, held by aged widows, the nature of which we can only infer from the circumstances of the case. Perhaps Phebe ( , ) was one of this class.— Having been the wife of one man; having, been faithful and true during her married life. The expression cannot be intended to censure a second marriage, inasmuch as such a marriage is recommended in .

1 Timothy 5:9-12

Taken into the number; selected, chosen. This expression is usually understood to refer to some office in the church, held by aged widows, the nature of which we can only infer from the circumstances of the case. Perhaps Phebe (Rom. 16:1, 2) was one of this class.—Having been the wife of one man; having, been faithful and true during her married life. The expression cannot be intended to censure a second marriage, inasmuch as such a marriage is recommended in v. 14.

Washed the saints' feet; been hospitable and kind to them,—washing the feet being the token and symbol of hospitality.

Refuse; that is, in respect to the appointment or election referred to above. (v. 9.)

We are not sufficiently acquainted with the usage in the early church, to which the apostle refers in this passage, (9-12,) to account for the apparent severity of this language. It seems to imply that being received into the number referred to above, (v. 9,) they came under some obligation to remain single, and in devote themselves for life to the service of the church. But what circumstances there were to render it necessary or desirable to impose such an obligation, does not appear.