I have a question about a man being considered for the office of deacon in the church of Christ. Should not the Bible be the sole authority when it comes to qualifications for appointing deacons? 1 Timothy 3:12. A man who has been married three times (all wives living) in now in his third marriage. He claims both his divorces were scriptural. The elders contend that the marriage he has now is a good marriage and that the couple does everything they ask them to do and the first two marriages do not matter. Therefore, they appointed the man a deacon based what he told them about his marriages. The eldership said it was their decision and they gave no scriptural. Thanks, Mary E. Dillard
First Timothy 3:12 reads, “Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well” (NKJV). This verse requires two things respecting a wife: (1) the candidate for appointment is not a single man, and (2) he is not a polygamist. This verse does not address one or previous wives, living or dead. Other passages of Scripture that concern the death of a spouse or marriage, divorce and remarriage need to be consulted to review a candidate’s eligibility for appointment. For more information, see the following references to previous articles within Gospel Gazette Online that touch on these matters.
The question poses two conflicting circumstances: (1) previous marriages do not matter, and (2) the elders were satisfied with information respecting the man’s previous marriages. In does matter from a biblical perspective if one’s previous marriages and divorces preceding a current marriage were according to Scripture (Matthew 19:9). If the elders subscribe to biblical teachings on marriage, divorce and remarriage, and if they are satisfied upon consideration of information available to them, then they have the responsibility ultimately to act in accordance with Scripture and on behalf of the congregation over which they have been appointed (Hebrews 13:17).
