Bible Questions Answered:
“What is the interpretation of -the husband of one wife?”
Hailey/ Toronto, Canada Ontario
Bible Answer:
Qualifications of Bishop or Pastor and that of Deacon, much the same.
I Timothy 3:1-13 KJV (Office of Bishop or Pastor.)
1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
(Pastors-”not,” called to celibacy, Peter was a married man, (Matthew 8:14).
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
(Office of Deacon.)
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
(Deacons-”not,” called to celibacy).
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle mentions Phoebe, a deaconess.
Romans 16:1 NLT (Deaconess)
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea.
2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
Titus 1:6-9 KJV (Bishop or Pastor.)
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
(Pastors-”not,” called to celibacy, Peter was a married man, (Matthew 8:14).
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayer
Paul the author, was referring to one, or “all,” of these possible conditions.
* A male single person, cannot be a Pastor or Deacon in a church. (Probably due to his lack of experience in a family way.)
* A deacon, cannot have anything to do with the evils of “polygamy!'
* A deacon, must, based on spiritual standards of morality, be faithful to his wife!
* A deacon, is someone who should be married only once, (Not given to bigamy.)
When a pastor or deacon is desired within the church, he must be blameless! That is of impeccable spiritual character.
I Timothy 3:10 KJV “... being found blameless.” Titus 1:6,7 KJV “be blameless,” be blameless.“
Bishop or Pastor:
Preach or teach the Good News of the gospel.
Acts 6:1,2,4 KJV
1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
I Timothy 5:17 KJV
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.
Deacons:
Business affairs of the church, care of its members, including the poor.
Acts 6:3 KJV
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Salvation Prayer
