Brother Daa,

You wrote:

"You would then say that single men could not be deacons because they
are not the husband of one wife?  If single people can be deacons
then...could not Phoebe rule her household well as a single person, like
Lydia Acts 16:15? You would say that Rom 16:1 does NOT say that Phoebe
was a "deaconess" that is, did not hold the office of deaconess?"

I wrote:

""Phoebe would not meet the qualifications for the office of Deacon in 
1 Timothy 3:8-13. Note Verse 12: (1) she could not be the husband of one
wife, (2) she couldn't be the ruler of her household."

The greek word deacon is used often in scripture. It is translated
servant, minister etc. it is appl9ied to many people, even Christ
Himself. You will note that I wrote, "the office of Deacon in 1 Timothy
3:8-13." I contend 1 Timothy 3:8-13 means what it says. Phoebe, no
exception. I do not know the servant/deacon capacity she held in
Cenchrea. But evidently, she was to be assisted by the folks at Rome. 

As to single persons holding the office of deacon 1 Timothy 3:8-13 seems
to be very clear to me. He must be able to rule his own house well. Note
verse 12:  "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their
children and their own houses well." Do you see an exception clause
there for a single person? I don't.

I reserve the right to be proven wrong.

-- 
By Sovereign Grace,
Willie Overton

   "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh
to me I will in no wise cast out."

		http://www.swva.net/drapervalleybaptist