Titus 1:7
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 verse emphasizes that an overseer must be God's steward, which means their character needs to reflect the high standard of the Master they serve. This highlights that their suitability for leadership isn't just about competence, but about a deep, God-honoring integrity, particularly in guarding against arrogance and greed, which would betray their sacred trust.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in Crete. Having just established the standard of being blameless and the importance of sound doctrine, he now details the personal character and conduct required of these leaders. The verse lists negative qualifications—what an overseer must not be—to ensure they are above reproach and effective stewards of God's household.
Paul doesn't just list requirements for leaders; he grounds them in a profound reality. What does it mean to be God's steward?
Paul calls an overseer (bishop) "God's steward." This isn't just a title; it's a calling to manage God's household, the Church.
A Divine Trust
The list of negative traits in Titus 1:7 isn't random. Two stand out as particularly destructive to community and leadership.
Paul explicitly warns against being "arrogant" (self-willed) and "quick-tempered." These aren't minor flaws; they are significant dangers for anyone in a leadership or caregiving role.
The Dangers of Self-Will and Anger
Understand the original words
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.
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.
The instructions for church leaders in Titus 1:7 were given during a critical period when Christianity was rapidly expanding but also facing external persecution and internal challenges. The emphasis on character and integrity was crucial for establishing stable, trustworthy leadership in newly formed churches.
c. AD 48-49
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council in early Christianity convened to address the issue of Gentile inclusion, establishing that converts did not need to adhere to all Jewish laws. This marked a significant step in the separation of Christianity from Judaism and the expansion of the faith to a broader audience.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertook extensive journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches in various cities and regions. These journeys laid the groundwork for the spread of Christianity and the need for organized leadership within these new communities.
c. AD 62-67— this verse
Writing of the Pastoral Epistles
During his later ministry, Paul wrote letters to his close companions, Timothy and Titus, providing them with instructions on church leadership, doctrine, and conduct. These letters, including Titus, address the challenges faced by the early church as it matured and faced internal and external pressures.
c. AD 64
This passage lays out similar qualifications for overseers, emphasizing the need for being above reproach, married to one woman, sober, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and not a drunkard or violent, directly mirroring the qualities Paul lists for Titus.
1 Peter 4:10Peter calls believers to be good stewards of God's grace, reflecting the same idea of faithful management and accountability implied in Titus 1:7 when Paul calls the overseer a 'steward of God'.
Proverbs 16:32This verse highlights that it is better to be patient and self-controlled than to be a mighty warrior, underscoring the spiritual strength found in taming one's anger, a key trait Paul demands in an overseer.
Matthew 6:24Jesus' teaching that one cannot serve both God and money directly connects to Paul's warning against greed ('filthy lucre') for an overseer, showing the inherent conflict of divided loyalties.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2Paul describes apostles and leaders as 'servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God,' reinforcing the profound responsibility and integrity required of those entrusted with God's household, as stated in Titus 1:7.
pooleTitus 1:7: "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;"
For a bishop must be blameless; one that hath an oversight of the church of God, ought to be one whom none can truly tax with any scandalous sin. As the steward of God; as a chief servant in God’s house, intrusted to dispense his mysteries, 1 Corinthians 4:1 , one that should set an example to the under-servants in the house of God. Not se…
vincentTitus 1:7: "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;"
A bishop (τὸν ἐπίσκοπον)See on 1 Timothy 3:1; see on 1 Timothy 5:1. Rend. the bishop. It will be observed that the qualifications of the elders are fixed by those of the bishop. Appoint elders who shall be unaccused, etc. for the bishop must be unaccused, etc. The overseers must have the qualifications of approved presbyters.Steward of…
The verse emphasizes that an overseer must be God's steward, which means their character needs to reflect the high standard of the Master they serve. This highlights that their suitability for leadership isn't just about competence, but about a deep, God-honoring integrity, particularly in guarding against arrogance and greed, which would betray their sacred trust.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in Crete. Having just established the standard of being blameless and the importance of sound doctrine, he now details the personal character and conduct required of these leaders. The verse lists negative qualifications—what an overseer must not be—to ensure they are above reproach and effective stewards of God's household.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in Crete. Having just established the standard of being blameless and the importance of sound doctrine, he now details the personal character and conduct required of these leaders. The verse lists negative qualifications—what an overseer be—to ensure they are above reproach and effective stewards of God's household.
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Beyond personality clashes, Paul addresses character flaws that directly corrupt the integrity of leadership and the church's mission.
The verse also lists negative qualifications related to material gain and physical aggression: "drunkard," "violent," and "greedy for gain." These point to a need for self-control and integrity.
Integrity in Action
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.
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
The Great Fire of Rome led to widespread persecution of Christians, falsely blamed by Emperor Nero. This period of intense pressure highlighted the need for strong, resilient, and morally upright leaders within the church.
"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," — The verse emphasizes that an overseer must be God's steward, which means their character needs to reflect the high standard of the Master they serve. This highlights that their suitability for leader…
