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NASB | Titus 1:6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Titus 1:6 namely, a man of unquestionable integrity, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of being immoral or rebellious. |
Bible Question: Tit 1:6 An elder must be blameless. He must be the husband of one wife ... etc. Does this mean the husband of only one wife? What if Biblically divorced for justifiable reasons? Does being a Christian before or after divorce make a difference? Does this mean a man wanting to be a preacher cannot remarry after being widowed and still be a preacher? Does this mean that a divorced preacher should be defrocked? |
Bible Answer: You have ask a multiple part question so let me break it down as I offer my answer. First husband of one wife. Ther are basically two different views of this one that it means only one wife for a lifetime and that if you have ever been divorced that you are disqualified from being a pastor. The other view is that if you look at the culture that Paul was writting into having many wives at the same time was very popular and the cultural norm and Paul was speaking out against this. I will not offer my personal view on this here but rather challenge you to seek out your answer in prayer and study. Again on the second part of your question there are two major views one is that it makes no difference at all if you are divorced you can not be a pastor, the other is that whatever you did before you where a Christan God wiped away aat the moment of your salvation and you became as scripture says a new creation. Here I will offer my view I adhere to the latter view that God wipes the slate clean. As far as remarriage after the death of a spouse I know of no place in the Bible that prohibits this. In certain cases Paul even encourages it. No there is no mandate that a pastor can not remarry if his wife dies. Now for your last question if a serving pastor is divorced while in the ministry yes he should step down from his position. For the family was created before the church and actually takes priority over the church and if your family is falling apart your ability to minister is effectually destroyed and you could bring great harm and divison to the church. I would encourage you to study the scripture for your final answer to thes questions they are very emotionally debated within the church today I hope I have been able to offer a little help to you. In The Love Of Christ,tgc |