Titus 1:7-8
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, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The core of this passage isn't just a list of negatives; it's about the profound responsibility of leadership. Being God's steward means more than just managing affairs; it means embodying the very character of God to His household, demanding a level of integrity and self-control that reflects His own faithfulness.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in Crete, emphasizing that these leaders must be irreproachable and demonstrate godly character. The passage directly follows the discussion of appointing elders who are "above reproach," and it elaborates on the specific character traits required for this leadership role, setting a high standard for those entrusted with guiding God's people.
The Bible calls leaders in the church 'stewards of God.' What does this deep title really mean for their character and responsibilities?
A Divine Trust
The verse emphasizes that an overseer (or bishop, elder) is a 'steward of God.' This isn't just about managing church affairs; it's about being entrusted with God's own household – the church itself. Think of a household manager, but on a divine scale.
Paul lists specific character flaws that disqualify a leader. Why these particular traits, and what do they reveal about godly leadership?
Guarding the Household
The list of negative traits isn't arbitrary. Each one points to a heart that is not rightly ordered towards God or His people.
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 overseers in Titus 1:7 are deeply practical, addressing character traits that would have been crucial for leading a fledgling church in a Roman world that often valued different virtues.
c. AD 62-67— this verse
Paul writes the Pastoral Epistles
The Apostle Paul, likely during his final years and possibly from prison, writes to his trusted companions Timothy and Titus. These letters offer guidance on church leadership, doctrine, and conduct.
Early Church History (1st Century AD)
Development of Church Leadership Roles
As the church grew, distinct roles like 'overseer' (bishop) and 'elder' (presbyter) became more formalized, though initially often held by the same individuals. These roles required specific character and competency.
Roman Empire (1st Century AD)
Pagan Cultural Influences
The early Christians lived within a Greco-Roman society with its own customs, vices, and social expectations. Leaders needed to be distinct from prevailing pagan lifestyles and attitudes.
This passage lays out similar qualifications for overseers (bishops), emphasizing the need for character and integrity in leadership within God's household.
1 Peter 4:10Peter speaks of using spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God's grace, echoing the idea of responsible administration central to the overseer's role.
Matthew 20:25-27Jesus contrasts the authority of worldly rulers with the servant leadership expected in His kingdom, highlighting that true leadership is about service, not self-will or domination.
Proverbs 14:17This proverb warns that a quick-tempered person is foolish and acts impulsively, directly correlating with the 'not quick-tempered' qualification for an overseer.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2Paul refers to himself and other apostles as 'servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God,' reinforcing the significant responsibility and accountability inherent in being a steward of God.
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 core of this passage isn't just a list of negatives; it's about the profound responsibility of leadership. Being God's steward means more than just managing affairs; it means embodying the very character of God to His household, demanding a level of integrity and self-control that reflects His own faithfulness.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in Crete, emphasizing that these leaders must be irreproachable and demonstrate godly character. The passage directly follows the discussion of appointing elders who are "above reproach," and it elaborates on the specific character traits required for this leadership role, setting a high standard for those entrusted with guiding God's people.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in Crete, emphasizing that these leaders must be irreproachable and demonstrate godly character. The passage directly follows the discussion of appointing elders who are "above reproach," and it elaborates on the specific character traits required for this leadership role, setting a high standard for those entrusted with guiding God's people.
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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.
philoxenos · Greek Adjective
The practice of showing kindness and providing shelter or provision for strangers. It is a fundamental Christian virtue reflecting God’s grace toward the marginalized.
enkratēs · Greek Adjective
Characterized by a temperate, balanced life; one who maintains control over desires and passions. It involves the tempering of the will by the Holy Spirit.
dikaios · Greek Adjective
Conforming to the standard of justice and righteousness in relation to others; living in a way that is legally and morally correct.
hosios · Greek Adjective
Set apart for God’s service; marked by moral purity and devotion to the divine will. It describes a life consecrated to the Lord.
"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, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." — The core of this passage isn't just a list of negatives; it's about the profound responsibility of leadership. Being God's steward means more than just managing affairs; it means embodying the very c…
