I always saw this scripture as a validation for polygamy.
Think about it. If the writer had to make a point that the elders should only have one wife. It meant that there must have been Christian husbands around with more than one wife and they would have been accepted members of the Christian community, although not ideal candidates for the role congregation elders.
Now I'm not a supporter of polygamy but I felt it was wrong of the watchtower to break up polygamous families of newly recruited members in countries where polygamy is accepted. There is no scriptural justification (that I know of) for it.
DK
Think about it. If the writer had to make a point that the elders should only have one wife. It meant that there must have been Christian husbands around with more than one wife and they would have been accepted members of the Christian community, although not ideal candidates for the role congregation elders.
Now I'm not a supporter of polygamy but I felt it was wrong of the watchtower to break up polygamous families of newly recruited members in countries where polygamy is accepted. There is no scriptural justification (that I know of) for it.
DK