The Requirements Of A Bishop: Husband Of One Wife
Chapter II
In this study we will be looking at an oddly controversial part of the requirements for a bishop. It is only controversial because of implications made to the word of God. One supposing that the term "husband of one wife" means only one wife at a time. Trying to say the bishop can not be guilty of polygamy. But that is not true to be the husband of one wife means what is says, and says what it means. Comparing scripture with scripture we can see plainly how being married only once is a standard not only for a bishop but also for a woman to be considered a widow indeed.
Compare the following:
1 Timothy 3:2 KJV A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1 Timothy 5:9 KJV Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
One notable person to teach that "husband of one wife" mean only one at a time is Peter Ruckman. The short of it is that Ruckman runs to the Greek to explain away what the King James Bible says in its plainness. Showing how he does not truly believe the word of God is perfect in the KJB, but he needs a better rendering. And many people adamantly defend that teaching. Teaching others the same because Ruckman said it. I show this in the following video study link...
(mind you this is not the main video study for this posting.)
Peter Ruckman Runs To The Greek Over Three Wives
This is why it is important to study to show OURSELVES approved. And we should not just teach what another had taught because it sounded good. But, if the thing taught is vain according to the word of God then you should shun it.
2 Timothy 2:15-16 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (16) But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
With this please just allow the word of God to define itself and speak for itself. If you think you are wise stop thinking...
1 Corinthians 3:18 KJV Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
The bigger point to be understood in this second requirement for a bishop is that it is a very high standard. And if you are one that does not meet this requirement it does not mean you can not preach or teach the word of God. But it means you can not be a bishop or deacon. But by all means all who are born again should be preaching the gospel and the word of God.
Refer to this study to understand this matter on how we are all to be preachers.
A Preacher Is A Prophet & A Prophet Is A Preacher
A Bishop is to be the husband of one wife as an example of the type of relationship between Christ and the church. Being an example of the believers, caring for their wife and as Christ does for us, not casting her away. Truly being one flesh with her and when caring for her showing he cares for himself.
Ephesians 5:25-32 KJV
(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
(26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
(27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
(28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
(29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
(30) For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
(31) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
(32) This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Now may you with patience open your KJB and see all of what is said and talked about in this video Bible study. Lets allow the word of God to teach what is sound doctrine concerning this matter.
