Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

5:1-6:2a How Specific Groups in the Church Should Be Shaped by the Gospel. Earlier Paul had addressed specific groups in the church (2:1-3:13), and this section returns to doing so, though the groups are different. "Honor" (5:3, 17; 6:1) serves as the connecting point for the three groups mentioned (widows, elders, masters). There is a progression in the thought, with the call increasing from "honor" (5:3) to "double honor" (5:17) to "all honor" (6:1). Each paragraph explains what "gospel living" looks like in relation to that group.

5:1-2 Respectful Dealing with Church Members by Age and Gender. The church is conceived of as family (see 3:4-5, 15). Though the term "honor" does not appear in 5:1-2, it applies here as surely as it does in vv. 3, 17; 6:1. Verse 1 of ch. 5 does not prohibit the correcting of an older man but speaks to the manner (respectfully) in which this should be done.