Note 13 at 1 Tim. 3:12: "Husbands of one wife" is a phrase that literally means "a one-woman man." This is probably not insisting that a man in this office be married, for Paul was not married and as far as we know Timothy wasn't married at this point. The principle is that deacons as well as elders, are to be examples of moral purity regardless of their marital status. See note 7 at 1 Timothy 3:2, page 1279 for more information about being "the husband of one wife."

Note 14 at 1 Tim. 3:12: A deacon is also to preside over his own home and family appropriately. In Greek, this is in the present tense which conveys a continuous or habitual action. Deacons must maintain this requirement. See note 16 at 1 Timothy 3:4, page 1280 for more information about bishops ruling their own households.