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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:
I'd like to focus on the phrase "husband of one wife" which is repeated in Titus 1:6. These passages are used as standards, by many, to which men must suitably measure up in order to be eligible for the office of elder. This "husband of one wife" measure is the only item in the list that appears to be very objective, while all the rest are very subjective; i.e., "how hospitable?" "how well able to teach?" etc. The Greek from which these phrases were translated might be, with impunity, rendered "one woman man." I would like to submit for deliberation, very humbly, the suggestion that perhaps this was not intended to be objective but subjective like the other attributes. Perhaps, together, they represent an ideal. Thus, a "one woman man" might be a man who has never in his life loved more than one single woman. The standard would be much higher than the common interpretation. Perhaps in our day we are blinded to other posibilities because divorce and remarriage are such common issues. If you are the member of a tradition that uses these passages to select elders, I'd like to hear your thoughts -- either for or against -- on my suggestion. (By the way, there is precedence in scripture for setting up ideals for the purpose of making the best possible choice among a variety of candidates: Proverbs 31.) [Disclaimer: I am not trying to stir debate. I am not being dogmatic. I am not being speculative. I am not representing a specific theological view point. I am not being critical of a specific theological view point.] |
Bible Answer: It's been my experience here in America that we're seeing less and less christian men who qualify for this office. Of course, one of the most important qualifications is the desire for that office. As the ideal conditions encouraging the growth of Christianity continue to deteriate, I think it's important all the more to stick to the pattern that God has set out for us to follow. His commands, both by imperative statements and by the examples as demonstrated by NT christians paint a picture of Perfect Success in the first century. There in the first century, they had every imaginable kind of sin, especially as displayed in the Books of I and II Corinthians. So we would be well advised if we want to ensure the church as intact, living and viable through the next generation, we need to resolve to teach our kids and our grandkids an awesome level respect for God's Word. We CANNOT possibly exceed or even come close to the level of Perfection we see in our NT Bible but we need to give it our best shot. I would suggest we just stick to the simple qualifications for church leadership as cited in the NT. That's the safest and most logical way to be certain we're true to God. Adding or attempts to improve will just get us into trouble, as afterwards who gets to say when we stop. It's a long and slippery slope you're suggesting, one with very, very dangerous consequences. Blessings to you. Country Girl |