The following characteristics, other than those regarding marital or parental status, are characteristics that any faithful Christian should strive to possess.
If any be blameless,— This means that the elder is to be above reproach. He is not expected to be perfect but to live his life in such a way as to bring no condemnation upon himself, the church, or the office of the elders.
the husband of one wife,—This limits the office of the Bishop to men only. He is to be married to and devoted to one woman.
having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. — He is to have children who are Christians. His children will be a reflection upon his abilities to shepherd over the flock. This passage does not say how many children he is to have, nor does it answer the questions that some put forward concerning children who do not develop mentally. Genesis 21:7 says that Sarah gave children suck even though Isaac was her only child. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) .
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