Polygamy in the new testament

Polygamy, or the practice of having multiple spouses, is a topic that is not explicitly addressed in the New Testament. However, there are some passages and teachings that can be interpreted as related to polygamy.

Here are a few examples:

1. Matthew 19:4-6: In this passage, Jesus is asked about divorce and remarriage. He refers to the creation account in Genesis 1:27, where God created humans male and female, and says that "from the beginning it was not so." This passage can be seen as implying that God's original intention was for one man and one woman to be together, and that polygamy is not in line with this intention.
2. 1 Corinthians 7:2-5: In this passage, Paul writes about the importance of sexual intimacy within marriage. He says that each partner should fulfill their marital duties to each other, and that this is a way of showing love and respect. While this passage does not explicitly address polygamy, it can be seen as emphasizing the importance of monogamy and the exclusive relationship between one man and one woman.
3. Ephesians 5:31: In this passage, Paul quotes from Genesis 2:24, which says that a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. Paul uses this passage to describe the relationship between Christ and the church, saying that just as a man leaves his parents to be united to his wife, so too did Christ leave his Father to be united to the church. This passage can be seen as emphasizing the importance of the exclusive relationship between one man and one woman.

It's worth noting that while the New Testament does not explicitly condemn polygamy, it does not explicitly condone it either. The early Christian church, as recorded in the New Testament, was primarily composed of people who were converts from Judaism, and many of these converts were already married to multiple spouses. However, as the church grew and spread, the practice of polygamy became less common, and the emphasis on monogamy and the exclusive relationship between one man and one woman became more pronounced.

In summary, while the New Testament does not explicitly address polygamy, there are passages and teachings that can be interpreted as related to the practice. The emphasis on monogamy and the exclusive relationship between one man and one woman is a common theme throughout the New Testament, and is seen as a reflection of God's original intention for human relationships.