Continued From #180
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293) 1Tim 3:2b . . the husband of one wife
That directive is a bit ambiguous. Some feel it says a pastor can have only
one wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says he can be
married only once in his lifetime; viz: not a widower or a divorced man.
I tend to think it means one wife at a time. If so; then this passage, and
Titus 1:5-6 have the distinction of being the only places in the entire Bible
prohibiting polygamy.
However; the stipulation is very narrow. It specifically regulates the home
life of a church's big shots, so it would be wrong to use those passages to
justify forcing monogamy upon the rank and file. However, if polygamy
conflicts with the laws of one's state of residence, then of course the State
has the final say in that regard. (cf. Rom 13:1-5)
294) 1Tim 3:2c . . temperate
The koiné Greek word for "temperate" can be either nephaleos (nay-fal'-eh
os); or nephalios (nay-fal'-ee-os) and means: sober. This kind of sobriety
has nothing to do with alcohol rather it relates to an even-keeled
personality: not overly silly, not overly excitable and not overly serious:
right in the middle; viz: well-balanced.
295) 1Tim 3:2d . . prudent
The koiné word for "prudent" is sophron (so'-frone) which means: having a
sound mind; viz: rational, reasonable, and sensible as opposed to emotional
and reactive.
296) 1Tim 3:2e . . respectable
The koiné Greek word for "respectable" is kosmios (kos'-mee-os) which
means: orderly, viz: decorous.
Webster's defines decorous as marked by propriety; viz: correct; and
exhibiting good taste in conduct, language, or appearance. A decorous
person is-- among other things --neat, tidy, well-mannered, well-groomed,
and polite. They bathe often too.
297) 1Tim 3:2f . . hospitable
The koiné word for "hospitable" is philoxenos (fil-ox'-en-os) which means:
fond of guests. In other words, pastors shouldn't be hermit types, or
friendless loners who prefers solitude. Not that there's anything wrong with
hermits and loners; it's just that pastors are supposed to be shepherds,
which requires them to associate with their flock. A man who doesn't mingle
easily and comfortably really should consider another line of work.
298) 1Tim 3:2g . . able to teach
Just because somebody has a head full of knowledge and wisdom doesn't
mean they are able to teach it to others. Teaching is a skill that requires an
aptitude; in point of fact, teaching the Christ's sheep requires a supernatural
aptitude; viz: a gift.
†. Rom 12:6-7 . . Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is
given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion
of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on
teaching
299) 1Tim 3:3a . . not addicted to wine
Pastors aren't prohibited alcohol; just too much alcohol.
†. 1Tim 5:23 . . No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for
the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
A "little" wine can lead to a lot for someone with a predilection to over
imbibe. For pastors like that, it's best to avoid wine altogether rather than
risk becoming a candidate for AA.
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293) 1Tim 3:2b . . the husband of one wife
That directive is a bit ambiguous. Some feel it says a pastor can have only
one wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says he can be
married only once in his lifetime; viz: not a widower or a divorced man.
I tend to think it means one wife at a time. If so; then this passage, and
Titus 1:5-6 have the distinction of being the only places in the entire Bible
prohibiting polygamy.
However; the stipulation is very narrow. It specifically regulates the home
life of a church's big shots, so it would be wrong to use those passages to
justify forcing monogamy upon the rank and file. However, if polygamy
conflicts with the laws of one's state of residence, then of course the State
has the final say in that regard. (cf. Rom 13:1-5)
294) 1Tim 3:2c . . temperate
The koiné Greek word for "temperate" can be either nephaleos (nay-fal'-eh
os); or nephalios (nay-fal'-ee-os) and means: sober. This kind of sobriety
has nothing to do with alcohol rather it relates to an even-keeled
personality: not overly silly, not overly excitable and not overly serious:
right in the middle; viz: well-balanced.
295) 1Tim 3:2d . . prudent
The koiné word for "prudent" is sophron (so'-frone) which means: having a
sound mind; viz: rational, reasonable, and sensible as opposed to emotional
and reactive.
296) 1Tim 3:2e . . respectable
The koiné Greek word for "respectable" is kosmios (kos'-mee-os) which
means: orderly, viz: decorous.
Webster's defines decorous as marked by propriety; viz: correct; and
exhibiting good taste in conduct, language, or appearance. A decorous
person is-- among other things --neat, tidy, well-mannered, well-groomed,
and polite. They bathe often too.
297) 1Tim 3:2f . . hospitable
The koiné word for "hospitable" is philoxenos (fil-ox'-en-os) which means:
fond of guests. In other words, pastors shouldn't be hermit types, or
friendless loners who prefers solitude. Not that there's anything wrong with
hermits and loners; it's just that pastors are supposed to be shepherds,
which requires them to associate with their flock. A man who doesn't mingle
easily and comfortably really should consider another line of work.
298) 1Tim 3:2g . . able to teach
Just because somebody has a head full of knowledge and wisdom doesn't
mean they are able to teach it to others. Teaching is a skill that requires an
aptitude; in point of fact, teaching the Christ's sheep requires a supernatural
aptitude; viz: a gift.
†. Rom 12:6-7 . . Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is
given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion
of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on
teaching
299) 1Tim 3:3a . . not addicted to wine
Pastors aren't prohibited alcohol; just too much alcohol.
†. 1Tim 5:23 . . No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for
the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
A "little" wine can lead to a lot for someone with a predilection to over
imbibe. For pastors like that, it's best to avoid wine altogether rather than
risk becoming a candidate for AA.
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