Quote:
Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa
The way it reads, Paul was making his pick among those who had already had wife, and children. Not exactly newly weds. The whole overseer of a family unit was a litmus test for the candidate.
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I am not suggesting newlyweds. What if a man has had a long marriage with out the fruit of the womb. To me your approach of interpretation also makes it necessary to have children to be in the ministry regardless. Generally speaking I think Paul's command for the deacon's and bishop's criteria fits most of all. I still don't think that marriage is meant to be a proving ground, when he in other places recommends us to not marry.
I certainly believe that people with marriage trouble should not be thinking about church government positions. I just don't see the common sense in disqualifying people from church offices because of choices to abstain from the flesh. I think Paul would think we could read between the lines in some areas. IMO
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