1 Timothy 3:8-13
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
Likewise means that the deacons are to be held to the same standards as the bishops . The things list here would for the bishops as well.
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
Many misinterpret this to mean never having been married more than once. That is an error. If the Lord wanted to say that he very well could. Which he does concern widows.
1 Timothy 5:9 KJqvjV Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
It could have been stated that bishop and deacons had to be the husbands of one woman. But it was not. The husband of one wife refers to being monogamous, having only one current wife, not two, three, four, or more. There are legitimately acceptable reasons that allow for divorce. Further, it would be prudent not to hold a man to what his life was before his salvation without diligent consideration.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
We must also compare and join this passage with Titus where we are told bishops and deacons are to be chosen from elders (in age) of the assembly.
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