1 Timotius 3:10

3:10 And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.

1 Timotius 5:9

5:9 No widow should be put on the list ¹  unless ²  she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband, ³ 

1 Timotius 5:11

5:11 But do not accept younger widows on the list, ⁴  because their passions may lead them away from Christ ⁵  and they will desire to marry,

[5:9]  ¹ sn This list was an official enrollment, apparently with a formal pledge to continue as a widow and serve the Lord in that way (cf. v. 12). It was either (1) the list of “true widows” who were given support by the church or (2) a smaller group of older women among the supported widows who were qualified for special service (perhaps to orphans, other widows, the sick, etc.). Most commentators understand it to be the former, since a special group is not indicated clearly. See G. W. Knight, Pastoral Epistles, 222-23 for discussion.

[5:9]  ² tn Grk “let a widow be enrolled if she has reached not less than sixty years.”

[5:9]  ³ tn Or “a woman married only once,” “was devoted solely to her husband” (see the note on “wife” in 1 Tim 3:2; also 1 Tim 3:12; Titus 1:6).

[5:11]  ⁴ tn Grk “refuse younger widows.”

[5:11]  ⁵ tn With a single verb and object, this clause means “pursue sensuous desires in opposition to Christ.”