Titus 1:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

NIV: Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

NASB: but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined,

CSB: but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled,

NLT: Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.

KJV: But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

NKJV: but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,

Verse 8 continues the list of elder qualifications which began in verse 5. Six traits are listed here.

First, an elder is to be "hospitable." Since churches met in homes, an elder must be known for hospitality, which was also a key virtue in the ancient Near East.

Second, an elder must be a "lover of good." An elder could not love "evil" and be fit to lead Christians.

Third, an elder must be "self-controlled." This trait complements verse 7 where elders are not to be "quick-tempered" and also serves as part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

Fourth, an elder must be "upright." The Greek dikaion means "fair or just." Fifth, an elder must be "holy" or set apart (1 Peter 1:15). This command reflected the Torah as well. In the Old Testament, "being holy" meant a focus on being like God, reflecting His nature.

Sixth, an elder was to be "disciplined." A godly elder must be able to stay focused. This is especially important in the situation on Crete. Paul's letter to Titus will continue to speak about the need to teach God's truth, and refute those who opposed it.

Titus 1:5–9 explains the requirements of those who lead a church. Elders and pastors must meet these criteria in order to serve in those roles. Paul lists issues such as moral character, control over their family, and an ability to teach the truth. Paul gives a similar, equally important list in 1 Timothy 3:1–7. Also crucial is the ability to confront and correct those who teach false doctrines.

Chapter 1 introduces the letter from Paul to Titus. Paul describes the requirements for being appointed a church leader, such as an elder or pastor. The text then transitions into a description of how to “rebuke” false teachers. These are the requirements Paul expects Titus to follow when selecting leaders for the local churches of Crete.

Chapter 1 focuses on the character traits of a church leader, contrasted to the immoral culture of Crete. Specific instructions are given for elders, and a means for dealing with false teachers. Chapter 2 explains the ideal traits of church members, especially in their acts towards each other. Chapter 3 will focus on the relationship between Christians and their surrounding culture.

The book of Titus is a letter written by the apostle Paul, to a Christian leader on the island of Crete. This is one of Paul’s three Pastoral Epistles, where he offers instructions to younger believers caring for large groups of others. Paul uses the book of Titus to emphasize the importance of selecting church elders carefully. Many of the topics discussed in Titus are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Though the details of this message are specifically for Titus, and the believers of Crete, they offer insight useful for churches today.