AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
I am sure that I have read in the Bible that many men had more than one wife! Yet in the ten commandments it says "Do not commit adultery"
I had assumed that sleeping with one woman while being married to another is adultery - and having two wives if bigamy!!
Can you help explain this to me
Thanks!
Answer Hi Fiona
Thank you for a very interesting question that certainly set me thinking!
First of all, we must remember that while the Bible is, indeed, an accurate record of what happened as YHWH (the “personal” name of Almighty God) revealed more and more of His nature to the children of Israel, it is not given as an example to be followed in every detail. We must also remember that, until the Children of Israel were freed from their slavery in Egypt, and reached Mt. Sinai, there were no Ten Commandments. Thus, for example, When Abram had a child by Sarai’s maid, Hagar (the first specifically recorded surrogate pregnancy!), he was merely following what was an accepted practice of the time and culture.
However, when commands are given they are meant to be obeyed. Certainly, even before the seventh commandment was given, God had made clear His ideal of one man and one woman: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen.2:24). This is very clear. The Biblical definition of marriage is that it is between ONE man and ONE woman.
This means that, no matter how we look at it, and no matter how many examples there are of adultery and polygamy, these men (and their wives??) sinned. But we also have honourable role models, even in the Old Testament. For example, Noah and Job both clearly had only one wife (Gen 6:18; Job 31:9-10).
The Bible also shows us that YHWH is a forgiving God. So we discover that David, the shepherd-psalmist-king, who had an adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, is described as a man after God’s own heart (I Sam 13:14). This is not a contradiction when we remember that David repented of his sin, and received God’s forgiveness.
The bottom line is that, just because something is recorded in the Bible does not make that activity right. But we must also remember that “ALL have sinned, and come short of God’s standard” (Rom 3:23). Jesus even raised the standard – I do not have to actually commit physical adultery – I only have to think about it! (Matt 5:27-28).
I hope that this helps you to better understand the Biblical teaching on both marriage and adultery; and to realise that examples and commands are not always the same thing. However, please feel free to come back to me with a supplementary question.
