Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | 1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 3:2 Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, |
Bible Question: Can/Should a pastor whose wife left and then divorced him remain in the ministry? |
Bible Answer: Hi To add even more balance and not to start a war, let me ask a question why do we also assume God provision for things that God does not desire? God never intended a man to alone Genesis 2:18 “Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." God’s intention for man was to reproduce. Genesis 1:28 “And God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, …” We also know that single men of the time lived with the father until their marriage yet Tim says he should manage his household well. Genesis 2:24 “For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” Even the Prodigal son returned to his fathers home after his adventure. 1 Tim mentions children which cannot happen without marriage. Then we say there is provision for divorce in 1 Tim Yet God clearly states in Malachi 2:13-17 "For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with wrong," says the LORD of hosts. "So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously." You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, "How have we wearied Him?" In that you say, "Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and He delights in them," or, "Where is the God of justice?" Why would God place provision there when it is something he hates? I know the first thing anyone will say is well Paul was single but, I say who among us is Paul? Also notice his service to the Lord was different than a Pastor but rather as an Apostle. Then you say well he said if your single stay single. Yes but he was stating that as result of the conditions (heavy persecution would soon be on the scene) of the time rather than the norm. Let’s take facts. Above Reproach – until recently divorce has always been a disgrace. Husband of one wife – one women man Temperate – Again major reason for divorce tempers. Prudent – the most frequent single element missing in divorced relationships. Respectable – again at this time divorce was a disgrace. Hospitable – hard for unmarried son living at home. Able to teach – able teach compromise within marriage. Uncontentious – main reason for divorce contention. Head of household – married Father – married I think the facts remain God’s desire for man was to get married stay married and have lot of kids. Sin entered the picture and changed this. But don’t try to tell me God then included provisions to live with sin’s turmoil. He provided His son to remove the sin in our lives. Also I’m not saying a divorced or unmarried person doesn’t have use to God and can not be used of God. I’m just saying they should not become Pastors. Unless the marriage and divorce occurred before their salvation. If I offended please receive what I said in love not condemnation. Nor to I hold myself above or better than any. This is just how I read the Bible. I think these truths are found through out scripture and I do not believe we should assume God precepts had provisions within them to violate them. I pray peace over this issue. EdB |