The Apostle Paul
1 Timothy 5:4BSB·traditional attribution

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

John Calvin Reformed @genevareformer

CHAPTER 5 1 Timothy 5:1-4 1. Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 1. Seniorem ne aspere objurges sed hortare ut patrem, juniores ut fratres; 2. The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 2. Mulieres natu grandiores, ut matres; juniores, ut sorores, cum omni castitate. 3. Honour widows that are widows indeed. 3.

Commenting on 1 Timothy 5:1-25

Matthew Henry Presbyterian @wholebiblehenry

Directions are here given concerning the taking of widows into the number of those who were employed by the church and had maintenance from the church: Honour widows that are widows indeed. Honour them, that is, maintain them, admit them into office.

Commenting on 1 Timothy 5:3-16

John Gill Reformed Baptist @doctorgill

But if any widow have children or nephews,.... Such are not widows indeed; they are not desolate, or alone, or without persons to take care of them; their children or nephews should, and not suffer the church to be burdened with them.