
blayney1
We are addressing proposed amendments to the Policy and Procedures document with which our congregation is governed.
The policy issue we are debating at this point hinges on the interpretation of the scripture verses describing the qualifications for Elders and Deacons (1st Tim 3:2 and Titus 1:6).
Both scripture verses say the same thing – ‘the husband of one wife’ but, we have not found evidence to support the interpretation that an Elder or Deacon must be married! The common interpretation among the commentaries we have checked suggest that what these verses mean is an Elder or Deacon should have one wife IF he is married.
The same common interpretation would apply to the other qualification regarding children – ‘having his children in submission’. – IF he has children.
My question is - What is the correct interpretation of the verses?
The policy issue we are debating at this point hinges on the interpretation of the scripture verses describing the qualifications for Elders and Deacons (1st Tim 3:2 and Titus 1:6).
Both scripture verses say the same thing – ‘the husband of one wife’ but, we have not found evidence to support the interpretation that an Elder or Deacon must be married! The common interpretation among the commentaries we have checked suggest that what these verses mean is an Elder or Deacon should have one wife IF he is married.
The same common interpretation would apply to the other qualification regarding children – ‘having his children in submission’. – IF he has children.
My question is - What is the correct interpretation of the verses?