Quote:
Originally Posted by good samaritan
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.
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My approach? Brother, what can I say, this is how the scripture reads. It admonishes those who would choose the eldership of bishop or deacon that the test of leadership be observed in their home. Husband of one wife? Children must give respect? I mean seriously, no hypothetical is even warranted here. This is as plain as
Acts 2:38. This isn't my interpretation, this is plain old fashion wording. Husband one wife, means he has to be a faithful man, and be able to take care of situations in the home, and have his children (young) respectful. Thus saith Paul, not EB.
Quote:
Originally Posted by good samaritan
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.
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Marriage isn't a proving ground? Then why even place it on the list to the Evangelist Timothy? Again, these aren't suggestions, because if they were then you could flip flop and modify the entire list according to your feelings?
1 Corinthians 7 isn't dealing with the criteria of minister as in
1st Timothy 3.
Again, if Paul is willy nilly throwing things out there, then we have no criteria in
1st Timothy 3 at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by good samaritan
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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Reading between the lines is what makes a Mormon, and Moses Berg's Children of God. Paul wasn't writing for people to read between the lines. The Apostle Peter had some strong words about people reading between the lines of Paul's works
2 Peter 3:15-16 .
Here is the big indicator that Paul meant a married man, a faithful man, who ruled his house well as a litmus test.
1 Timothy 3:5
For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how will he care for God’s church?
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