1. Give proper recognition (1-8)

All believers are dear family members, to be treated with respect and purity. Widows are a special case, as in that society they were in great need. Their immediate family should care for them. Caring for relatives is the practical expression of faith, and to fail to do so is worse than being an unbeliever. Widows who are alone put their hope in God, praying and asking God for help, and he answers their practical needs through his church. These special women should be recognized and cared for.

2. Who may be put on the list of widows? (9-16)

A public list should be kept of those who are recognized as widows in need. Each should be over sixty, have been faithful to her own husband, and well known as devoted to good deeds. Younger widows were an exception. Paul's counsel was for them to remarry, as the best way to care for them, protecting them and the church from Satan.