Why does Les believe the Apostle Paul was married?
Paul stated he gave his voice against believers, showing he voted with the Sanhedrin. In the Jewish Old Testament economy, Sanhedrin members had to be married and have children so they could judge family matters from experience. Therefore, Paul is believed to have been married.
Les explains that in the passage, Paul testifies that he shut up many saints in prison, received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death, he gave his voice against them. Les then asks who the ruling body of Jews was that voted on what to do with these believers, and answers: the Sanhedrin. Les maintains that the man was married because, if he understands the Jewish Old Testament economy, one could not be a member of the Sanhedrin unless married and had children. The purpose was that you cannot judge in the areas of family relationships if you have never had the experience. Les brings it back to I Timothy chapter 3, where Paul carries the same premise into Church leadership, asking how leaders can lead intelligently and from experience if they have never had the responsibility of being a husband and a father. Les also challenges people to consider where they get their reasons for church government or organization.