Most commentators agree that Paul is probably not
requiring marriage or prohibiting polygamy, but they are divided over whether
he is prohibiting remarriage or simply promoting faithfulness in marriage. On
the strength of the parallel with 1 Tim 5:9, Bernard (1906, 53) insists that
remarriage after death or divorce is forbidden to those who would be episkopoi
or diakonoi. Baugh (2002, 501–502) presents the case that while Greeks
and Romans did not practice polygamy, they very frequently took concubines and
mistresses and it is that practice that Paul is alluding to. Knight (1992,
158–59) and Towner (2006, 250–51) also prefer the interpretation that Paul is
promoting marital and sexual faithfulness, not referring to remarriage. (Douglas
Mangum and E. Tod Twist, 1 Timothy [Lexham Research Commentaries Bellingham,
Wash.: Lexham Press, 2013], Logos ed.)
To Support this Blog:
Email for Amazon Gift
card: ScripturalMormonism@gmail.com
Email for Logos.com Gift
Card: IrishLDS87@gmail.com
