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To: aimhigh

It seems we have a different interpretation of the verses you quoted.

The word bishop means overseer. Paul was the bishop of many different local churches as they were getting started, and he was NOT married.

II Corinthians 11:28 says, “Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”

I Corinthians 7:7,8 says, “For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.”

So when comparing Scripture with Scripture, the above verses are not saying that a bishop or pastor HAS to be married, but IF he is married, then those things must be true of him (husband of one wife, children in subjection, etc.). THAT is how I understand these verses.

I Corinthians 7:32-35 says, “But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.”


22 posted on 08/29/2009 5:16:01 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind
Nice try. Paul was not an elder, he was an apostle.

The context of the passages in Timothy and Titus are clearly about appointing elders and deacons. You can scramble verses all you want, but it doesn't change the meaning of the passages in Timothy and Titus. They were given as clear qualifications.

The passages you chose have nothing to do with the position of being an elder (pastor). Searching for verses to neutralize other scripture is a dangerous game. By the time you are done, nothing means anything, thereby leaving you to play God.

24 posted on 08/29/2009 7:11:12 PM PDT by aimhigh
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