There are several reasons given that verse 11 is talking about female deacons. First verse 11 starts with "likewise" which is how Paul introduced the office of deacon a few verses back. Now he is introducing female deacons. Secondly, the word translated "wives" should be translated "women." So it should read, "Likewise, women [deacons] should be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things." Third is the argument in my opening post.
I don't think that it's a good argument for several reasons, but I think the asymmetry between the requirements for elder and deacon is the hardest part of the argument to answer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zenas  Must deacons have a virtuous wife? I don't, not because she's not virtuous, but because I'm not married.  |
I don't think deacons must be married, but that is not in the scope of this thread.