Cheryl Schatz

Mark,
You asked:

Also please show me exegetically why the emphasis of this passage is on widow elders ministry?

The requirements for being on the “list” from 1 Timothy 5 are:
1. wife of one husband
2. good works
3. practiced hospitality (compare all with Titus 1:6)
4. brought up children (raised them physically and spiritually)
5. devoted to prayer
6. beyond reproach
7. devoted to Christ (pledge)

The Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament calls this the “office of widow”.

Now I would like to challenge you to show that these are now widows in service to Jesus and the Church but merely on the “roll” for feeding.

Also please respond to the issue that Paul raises of wanting to marry after making a pledge to Christ brings condemnation. How is it that a woman must pledge celibacy merely in order to be fed? Can you answer this?