An exegetical study of 1 Timothy 5:8 and its implication for the Christian family

Abstract

Biblical and African culture seems to agree on the fact that, the father is the head and the provider for the family. However, it has been observed in recent years that the changing economic role of women has greatly crushed the role of fathers. The women's upsurge in financial power reduces the important of paternal financial role in many families, specifically among Christian families. Many Christian fathers had abandoned their role for their wives, as a result, there are increasing rates of divorce and remarriage, defiant and laziness, also unfaithfulness among Christian couples cannot be over emphasized. The biblical injunction which described whoever does not provide for his own…. seems to be confusingly gender based, some interpret that passage to mean both genders while some think otherwise, consequently, it remains contentious in our contemporary world. Hence interpretation of the 1 Timothy 5:8, in relation to the Christian families, become necessary. Historical critical method, with the exegesis of the pericope was employed. It has been discovered that some men imbibe the colonial way of life and abandoned their family under duress, out of inferiority complex they bow for the western way of life and dodge their responsibilities this which usually led to violence in the family some demand for gender compliment. The load of responsibilities shifted on some women has increased the burden and sudden death of some mothers. However, some men withstand and uphold both the Biblical and African traditional belief and culture, these are the few that were able to take care and provide for their family as a man and father. It is recommended that Christian fathers should boldly take up their responsibility not minding the level of their income and should keep the family bond together. While the spouse support.