"Honour widows that are widows indeed." [1278] Be the friend of orphans; for God is "the Father of the fatherless, and the Judge of the widows." [1279] Do nothing without the bishops; for they are priests, and thou a servant of the priests. They baptize, offer sacrifice, [1280] ordain, and lay on hands; but thou ministerest to them, as the holy Stephen did at Jerusalem to James and the presbyters. Do not neglect the sacred meetings [1281] [of the saints]; inquire after every one by name. "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example to the believers, both in word and conduct." [1282]

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Footnotes:

[1278] 1 Timothy 5:3.

[1279] Psalm 68:5.

[1280] The term hierourgeo, which we have translated as above, is one whose signification is disputed. It occurs once in the New Testament (Romans 15:16) where it is translated in our English version simply "ministering." Etymologically, it means "to act as a priest," and we have in our translation followed Hesychius (Cent. iv.), who explains it as meaning "to offer sacrifice." [The whole passage in the Epistle to the Romans, where this word occurs may be compared (original Greek) with Malachi 1:11, Hebrews 5:1, etc.]

[1281] Specifically, assemblies for the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

[1282] 1 Timothy 4:12.