Deacon Qualifications

[webdog]

1 Corinthians 7:15 (KJV) But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such [cases]: but God hath called us to peace. {to peace: Gr. in peace}
A brother or sister is not in bondage in such implies that even an unbelieving wife can divorce.

How would this apply to Paul prior to his conversion on the road to Damascus? What if his wife came to The Way while he was still a pharissee?
It's also very possible that after his conversion he just up and left her. The other apostles did just that, dropping everything and leaving their families to follow Christ.
It's also possible that he feared to return to his wife if she was not a convert for the fear she would turn him in to the religious leaders to be stoned.
I guess there could be any number of possibilities. I never really thought about this too much before. Thank you all for brain exercise this morning

 

[EdSutton]

The problem is that Paul didn't say, "...husband of one wife."

he said: "....one woman man."

Now what does that do to the discussion?

Well aside from turning the meaning with modern day 'spin' of "διακονοι εστωσαν μιας γυναικος ανδρες" on its ear, not a lot.

After all, its all about 'committment', really. Why worry about what happens when we are not 'bound' by law, or a piece of paper? We are really very 'committed'; that's why we signed a Pre-nup!

Oh yeah! And Paul said 'let not one depart', as well.

At least, I guess it would rule out some "alternative lifestyles", as some sins are euphemistically called, these days.

Gimme' a break!

Ed