Titus 1:5-9

Qualifications of Elders and Bishops

⁵ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, [1] and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

⁶ If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. ⁷ 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; ⁸ But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, [2] sober, just, holy, temperate; ⁹ Holding fast the faithful word as [3] he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

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Other Translations of Titus 1:5-9

New International Version

Qualifications of Elders and Bishops

⁵ The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appointOr "ordain" elders in every town, as I directed you.

⁶ An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believeOr "children are trustworthy" and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. ⁷ 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. ⁸ Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

English Standard Version

Qualifications of Elders and Bishops

⁵ This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you--

⁶ if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife,Or a man of one woman and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. ⁷ For an overseer,Or bishop; Greek episkopos 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, ⁸ but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in soundOr healthy; also verse 13 doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

The Message

Qualifications of Elders and Bishops

⁵ I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done. Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions.

⁶ As you select them, ask, "Is this man well-thought-of? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?" ⁷ It's important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God's house, be looked up to - not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. ⁸ He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, ⁹ and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.

New King James Version

Qualifications of Elders and Bishops

⁵ For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you--

⁶ if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. ⁷ For a bishop Literally overseer must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, ⁸ but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, ⁹ holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

New Living Translation

Qualifications of Elders and Bishops

⁵ I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.

⁶ An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don't have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. ⁷ An elder 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. ⁸ 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. ⁹ He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Titus 1:5-9

Commentary on Titus 1:5-9

(Read Titus 1:5-9)

The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and overseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and God's stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to be, as servants of Christ, and able ministers of the letter and practice of the gospel. And here are described the spirit and practice becoming such as should be examples of good works.