1 Timothy 3:12
12 Let [esto] the deacons [diakonos] be [esto] the husbands [aner] of one [mia] wife, [gune] ruling [proistemi] their children [teknon] and [kai] their own [idios] houses [oikos] well. [kalos] KJV-Interlinear
12 Let deacons be husbands of
only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. NASB
Repeating from verse
two, the deacon, whether male or female, if they are married, must have only
one spouse.
Marriage is never a
mandatory state for anyone, however when married, then only one spouse is all that
is allowed.This may not apply to most
of you, but there are certainly many religions or cults, that embrace the
plurality of wives (typically) because that most probably is the only way that
they can get followers.
Islam promises
virgins.Mormonism promotes
polygamy.And this is just to name a
couple of contemporary beliefs.
And even though Paul has
switched back to the requirements of the male, this is a general statement
which applies to both genders. This we get from the context of this chapter.
This requirement
emphasizes moral conduct, not necessarily marital status.
It even applies to
single men and women with respect to their relationships, thus preventing as
morally inappropriate, the flirting or relationship hopping, or other similar
activities that are deemed inappropriate between two people. Dating for sensuous variety only, is inappropriate,
for example.
Likwise, if the Christian has children and a household,
then they are expected to run their family environment
with some semblance of responsibility and order.
No responsible parent
can run off to their own entertainment, and forget the
children.If you have responsibilities,
then you are to place them first, and certainly before
your own preferences.The needs of the children
and family and household always come before your needs or wants.
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