[A.A. Cunningham]

It is not in the text,

It is implied. Is it your assertion that Scripture is always absolutely explicit?

nor in the context.

Based upon your interpretation. St. Jerome for one, who was a lot brighter than you are, disagrees.

[LiteKeeper]

"Widower" is a specific...please show how it is implied in this passage. And while you are at it, there is a parallel passage in Titus that says the same thing. Please explain. I don't see it.

BTW, in 1 Tim 3, it goes on to discuss the qualifications for deacons...does that refer to widowers also?