" 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. "
Hello all. Well, you may not be aware, but there was no scriptural command in the 'old testament' or 'hebrew scriptures' that a man had to have only one wife. Polygamy was common in Arab lands and still is. A number of prominent, 'loyal' friends of God in the Old Testament had more than one wife / lover / child bearer. So, the early Christians felt it necessary to clarify this was a no-go.