“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever — the harshest condemnation: failure in familial economic support constitutes arneomai (denial) of faith itself, rendering the negligent one worse than non-Christians (apistou). Faith's authenticity proves itself through material responsibility.
Church Fathers on 1 Timothy 5:8
Many consider that their own virtue is sufficient for their salvation, and if they duly regulate their own life, that nothing further is wanting to save them. But in this they greatly err, which is proved by the example of him who buried his one talent, for he brought it back not diminished but entire, and just as it had been delivered to him. It is shown also by the blessed Paul, who says here, “If any one provide not for his own.” The provision of which he speaks is…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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