1950 This Means Everlasting Life - A2Z.org

MARRIAGE AMONG THE HEIRS OF LIFE 145
2 God gave Adam only one woman to be his
wife, his helpmate or helper to suit him . This was
the original ' and perfect standard for a married
man . It was recognized and adhered to by the
Christian congregation established by Jesus
Christ. Hence the following requirement of the
older brothers who were appointed to official service
in the congregation and who should be examples
of the believers : "The overseer e.pis'ko .pos
should therefore be irreprehensible, a husband of
one wife, . . . a man presiding over his own
household in a right manner, having children in
subjection with all seriousness ; . . . Let ministerial
servants di .a'ko .noi be husbands of one
wife, presiding in a right manner over children
and their own households ."-1 Timothy 33:2-4,12,
NW.
s No taking of a vow of celibacy and to lead a
single life was required of those appointed to the
services of overseer and ministerial servant. The
only requirement was that, if married, they
should have but one wife. Although married and
with his mother-in-law still living, Peter Cephas
was chosen to be one of the twelve apostles of the
Lamb Jesus Christ . Also Paul claimed the right
to lead about a wife in the course of his service
as apostle, saying : "We have authority to lead
about a sister as a wife, even as the rest of the
apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas, do
we not?" 1 Corinthians 9 :5, NW; AAT; Moff. ;
2, 3. a What original standard for a married man did
the Christian congregation hold? b Were its servants
forbidden to marry?