Titus 1:6-7
if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "believing children" suggests that their faith isn't just inherited, but actively embraced, reflecting a household where the Gospel's influence is evident in their choices, not just their upbringing. This points to a family environment that's a testament to the candidate's spiritual leadership, free from the scandal of "dissoluteness" or outright defiance.
Paul has just instructed Titus to appoint qualified elders in every town on Crete. To ensure he chooses men who can properly lead and represent the church, Paul lays out specific character and family qualifications for these potential leaders, emphasizing their integrity and the orderliness of their households.
The Bible often talks about leaders needing to be 'blameless.' But what does that really mean? Is it just about avoiding bad press, or is there something deeper?
When the Bible says a leader must be 'blameless' (or 'above reproach'), it's not just about having a clean record or not getting caught doing wrong.
A Reputation Earned
Think of it as having a reputation that's so solid, so consistently good, that there's no reasonable accusation anyone can make against you. It's about a life lived with integrity, where your actions match your words over time. This isn't about perfection – no one is perfect! – but about a life that, when examined, doesn't have significant, damaging flaws that would undermine your ability to lead.
Leading by Example
This blamelessness extends to your whole life, especially your family. If your own household isn't a picture of order and soundness, how can you possibly lead the church effectively? It’s about demonstrating that the principles you preach actually work in the real laboratory of your own home.
Why does Paul care so much about a leader's children? It seems like a very personal detail, but it reveals something crucial about a leader's effectiveness.
The requirement for a leader to have 'faithful children' (or 'believing children') isn't just about checking a box; it speaks volumes about their ability to influence and teach.
The Family as a Training Ground
Your home is the first place you lead. If you can't instill faith, obedience, and good character in your own children, how can you be trusted to guide a whole church community? The children's behavior – not being known for 'riot' (a life of reckless indulgence) or being 'unruly' (disobedient) – shows that the leader has successfully applied spiritual principles in the most intimate sphere of life.
More Than Just Blood Relation
Understand the original words
anegklētos · Greek Adjective
A state of having no grounds for accusation; one whose character is such that no moral fault can be credibly charged. It denotes a life of consistency that brings no reproach upon the name of Christ.
episkopos · Greek Noun
The office of an elder or pastor who is tasked with the spiritual oversight, protection, and guidance of the local congregation. It implies a position of responsibility and watchfulness.
oikonomos · Greek Noun
One entrusted with the management of a household or affairs that belong to another. In a biblical context, it refers to those whom God has entrusted with the care of His church.
asōtia · Greek Noun
The qualifications Paul outlines for elders in Titus 1:6 weren't just abstract ideals; they were practical necessities for building a credible and stable Christian community in a challenging cultural environment like Crete.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Spread of Christianity
On the day of Pentecost, devout Jews from Crete, present in Jerusalem, heard the apostles speak in their own languages. This event marked the dramatic beginnings of the Christian church and the potential for Christianity's spread back to Crete.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's First Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean, establishing churches and appointing leaders. His missionary work laid the groundwork for the Christian communities that Titus would later oversee.
c. AD 62-65— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Epistles
During his imprisonment, Paul wrote letters to his companions like Timothy and Titus, offering guidance on church leadership and doctrine. These letters, including Titus, were written to address specific challenges and ensure the healthy growth of the church.
c. AD 65
Titus Appointed Leader in Crete
Paul left Titus in Crete to establish order, appoint elders, and strengthen the churches on the island. This task was crucial given the reputation of the Cretans for dishonesty and their need for sound leadership.
This passage provides the parallel foundational teaching for the qualifications of a church leader, emphasizing that a leader must manage his own household well for any success in leading the church.
1 Samuel 2:12-17This narrative shows the dire consequences for Israel when Eli the priest allowed his sons to behave wickedly and unchecked, highlighting the critical importance of a leader's family living uprightly.
Proverbs 22:6This proverb directly links a child's upbringing to their future path, underscoring the responsibility of parents (and thus, potential leaders) to instill godly values from a young age.
Matthew 13:23Jesus' parable of the sower describes the 'good soil' as one who 'hears the word and understands it,' offering a spiritual parallel to the idea of 'believing children' who have received and responded to sound teaching.
ellicottTitus 1:6: "If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly."
(6) If any be blameless. —The candidate for the holy office must have naught laid to his charge; he must be of such a character that no one could bring a reasonable accusation against him. Blameless must be his life, spotless his name. As it has been well said, “the office of presbyter must never be allowed to cover or condone damaged reputations.” The husband of one wife.—See Note…
meyerTitus 1:6: "If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly."
Titus 1:6 . Εἴ τις ἐστίν ] This form is not, as Heinrichs and Heydenreich think, selected to express a doubt whether such men could be found among the corrupt Cretans. The meaning is rather: “ only such an one as .” ἀνέγκλητος ] see 1 Timothy 3:10 ; ἀνεπίληπτος is used in 1 Timothy 3:2 . The objection which de Wette raises on the ground that Titus is in the first place to have rega…
The phrase "believing children" suggests that their faith isn't just inherited, but actively embraced, reflecting a household where the Gospel's influence is evident in their choices, not just their upbringing. This points to a family environment that's a testament to the candidate's spiritual leadership, free from the scandal of "dissoluteness" or outright defiance.
Paul has just instructed Titus to appoint qualified elders in every town on Crete. To ensure he chooses men who can properly lead and represent the church, Paul lays out specific character and family qualifications for these potential leaders, emphasizing their integrity and the orderliness of their households.
Paul has just instructed Titus to appoint qualified elders in every town on Crete. To ensure he chooses men who can properly lead and represent the church, Paul lays out specific character and family qualifications for these potential leaders, emphasizing their integrity and the orderliness of their households.
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'Faithful' here implies more than just being Christian in name. It means children who are genuinely brought up in the faith, demonstrating sound doctrine and obedience. It's a testament to the leader's consistent teaching and example within their own family. This demonstrates a capacity for spiritual nurture that is essential for leading others.
Unrestrained behavior, moral looseness, or profligacy. It describes a lifestyle that is characterized by excessive indulgence and a lack of moral or sexual self-control.
anypotaktos · Greek Adjective
One who is rebellious, undisciplined, or unwilling to submit to rightful authority. It implies a stubborn resistance to divine or godly instruction.
authadēs · Greek Adjective
Characterized by self-importance, haughtiness, or a selfish refusal to be guided by others. It is the opposite of the humility required for Christian leadership.
paroinos · Greek Adjective
The state of being given to drinking wine or intoxicating beverages; a lack of sobriety that impairs judgment and testimony.
aischrokerdēs · Greek Adjective
A desire for wealth that is motivated by dishonest means or base impulses. It refers to the pursuit of financial gain at the expense of spiritual integrity.
"if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-t…" — The phrase "believing children" suggests that their faith isn't just inherited, but actively embraced, reflecting a household where the Gospel's influence is evident in their choices, not just their…
