Titus 1:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

NIV: Since an overseer manages God's household, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.

NASB: For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money,

CSB: As an overseer of God's household, he must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not an excessive drinker, not a bully, not greedy for money,

NLT: A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.

KJV: For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

NKJV: For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

Verse 7 calls elders an "overseer" and "God's steward." These local church leaders functioned similarly to leaders in local Jewish synagogues. They directed the people of a local area according to God's principles. This required being "above reproach," which is also stated in verse 6. In addition, five other traits are required.

First is humility, rather than arrogance.

Second, those who became easily angered were not fit to lead others.

Third, an elder could not be known as a "drunkard." Before refrigeration, almost everyone drank a certain amount of alcohol. Drunkenness, however, was unacceptable for a church leader. Those who become drunk are either demonstrating poor judgment, dependence on something other than Christ, or a pleasure-seeking lifestyle. All of these are incompatible with a Christian elder.

Fourth, a church leader could not be "violent." The matching list in 1 Timothy 3:3 adds the idea of gentleness, indicating someone sensitive to the needs of others.

Fifth, an elder was not to be "greedy," or serving in order to make money (1 Peter 5:2).

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.