Morphed Into the Ladies Aid?

141 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 1Ti 5:9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, (1 Tim 5:9) The “number.” That's all we know. Paul and Timothy's audience knew exactly what Paul was referring to, but about all we can do is make educated guesses. To say that this number referred to only those widows who would receive financial assistance from the church doesn't make sense in light of the preceding verses to provide for those widows of all ages who are experiencing deficiencies in support. Something more must be meant. I would agree with those commentators who refer to “the number,” as a special class of church worker who may or may not have received financial assistance from the church. I would liken “the number,” to our modern day Ladies Aid who take on all sorts of projects to bolster the ministry of the church. I believe “the Number” has morphed into these wonderful ladies of the church who prepare meals for the funeral, make quilts and blankets, organize food drives, or any other good work one could think of under the umbrella of the church. I think the best example we can give is found in Acts 9:36-41. This is the account given of Tabitha who was also known as Dorcas. She is described as a woman full of good works and charitable deeds. I speculate that Dorcas was a member of “the Number,” because when she died, the disciples called for Peter and when he arrived, the widows (the number?) were there to greet him showing him the the coats and garments that Dorcas had made “while she was with them.” Peter then knelt, prayed and commanded Tabitha (Dorcas ) to arise. She opened her eyes and Peter then presented her alive to the saints and the widows. (Why mention the widows separately if they were not part of a special group like “the number?) So how does this apply to the church today? Well for one thing it gives a great deal of legitimacy to the elderly ladies who serve their church with acts of compassion through the ministry of the ladies Aid Society or anything else you choose to call this ministry. Got such a group in your church? How about giving them a nod of appreciation and a simple thank you for their service. These ladies know more than most, that there is no retirement in the kingdom of God!