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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:
The husband of but one wife??? Does this mean that he can never be married? Or does it mean one wife at a time? What if he is divorced for the Biblical reason (adultery)? Can anyone point me to scriptures to figure this out? Thanks, Rocky |
Bible Answer: Brother Rocky: I believe that you have quoted the main scripture which would list the qualifications of an elder. Since the work of an elder includes leading God's people by example, feeding them and protecting them; this person must be above reproach. "He must be of good report of them which are without" v.7 "The husband of one wife" includes the idea of a "one woman" man meaning that he have eyes only for his wife. I do not believe that an elder must be married, but if he is than his married life should be stable and an example to others. I will leave the question of divorce and remarriage for someone else to answer. I would think that the circumstances of each case would be considered. Robert |