What does 1 Timothy 3 say about a pastor's family and children?
1 Timothy 3 requires a pastor or bishop to be the husband of one wife and to rule his own house well, having his children in subjection. The same standard applies to deacons. This leadership requirement meant Paul was married and had children, though what happened to them is unknown.
Les teaches from 1 Timothy 3:1-4 that the qualifications for a pastor or bishop include being blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker, and not covetous. The specific family requirement is that he ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection. Les notes the same standard is given for deacons. He also suggests this leadership requirement meant Paul was married and had children; he wonders what happened to Paul's wife and children after his Damascus road conversion, when Paul turned his back on his profitable position as a member of the Sanhedrin and the Pharisees.
One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
See the rest