Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,
Third, she had to have established a reputation for good works. Paul cited five typical examples of good works. (1) She had reared her children responsibly, assuming she had children. This evidenced good works in the home. (2) She had been hospitable. This demonstrated good works in her community. (3) She had humbly served her Christian brothers and sisters. "Washed the saints’ feet" seems to be a figure of speech for humble service in the church family. (4) She had helped people in special need, an example of good works toward the needy. (5) She had "devoted herself" to good works. Good works had been important to her presumably as an expression of her faith in Christ.