But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety at home, and so repay their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
All Commentaries on 1 Timothy 5:4 Go To 1 Timothy 5
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Observe the discretion of Paul, how often he urges us to attend to human considerations. For he does not here lay down any great and lofty motive but one that is easy to be understood: “to requite their parents.” Why? For bringing them up and educating them. It is as if he should say, you have received from them great care. They are departed. You cannot compensate them. For you did not bring them forth or nourish them. Compensate them in their descendants. Repay the debt through the children.