Special Qualities of Elders The key is at

Special Qualities of Elders • • The key is at the beginning Blameless – Above reproach ἀνεπίλημπτον – “anepilambano” Why start with this?

Above Reproach • Affording nothing an adversary can take hold of. • Free from reproach • Well thought of (The Message) • Sense of perfection – Strive for, not attain • Not loopholes for his life. • Lives what he teaches

Husband of one wife • I Timothy 3: 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife • 12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife • Titus 1: 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, • 5: 9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband,

Meaning? • • μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα – mia gunaikos andra Mia – one Gunaikos – woman Andra – man, husband Emphatic – stress on one wife “One-woman man” “one wife husband” “husband of one wife”

Four possible meanings • • Elders must be married Elders must not be polygamists Elders must be married only once Elders must be in a marriage relationship that is above reproach.

Being examples to the flock. I Peter 5: 3 • Falls in the list that the church leader must be exemplary. • Expresses faithful monogamous marriage • Prevents polygamy, concubinage, homosexuality or any questionable relationship. • He is above reproach in his domestic relationships. • Faithful to his one wife - NEB

Relevant Comments • Most men would be married • Polygamy was abhorrent to Jews and Romans – No need for this • Spouse dies – • 1. I Cor. 7: 39 But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. • 7: 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned; • 7: 26 Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are.

Many Painful Marriage Questions • These are not answered directly • They must be answered from the whole of scripture. • The spirit of love must prevail • The spirit of forgiveness must be prominent.

σώφρονα - sophrona • • Prudent Temperate Self-control Good judgment, discreet, able to be objective, face problems without being disagreeable. Keeping the main thing No soap boxing Sensible Tempers pride, authoritarianism, and selfjustification