5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have {c} washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
(c) This is spoken with regard to the manner of those countries.
5:10 Well reported of. Good character was a requisite.
For good works. The good works are named.
If she have brought up children. Either her own, or orphans or neglected children.
If she have lodged strangers. The duty of hospitality is often urged. Often, in that age, saints were made homeless by persecution.
If she have washed the saints' feet. A duty of hospitality, not a church ordinance.
If she have relieved the afflicted. A ministering angel.
5:10 If she hath washed the feet of the saints - Has been ready to do the meanest offices for them.
5:9-16 Every one brought into any office in the church, should be free from just censure; and many are proper objects of charity, yet ought not to be employed in public services. Those who would find mercy when they are in distress, must show mercy when they are in prosperity; and those who show most readiness for every good work, are most likely to be faithful in whatever is trusted to them. Those who are idle, very seldom are only idle, they make mischief among neighbours, and sow discord among brethren. All believers are required to relieve those belonging to their families who are destitute, that the church may not be prevented from relieving such as are entirely destitute and friendless.
