The verse emphasizes that an overseer's role is that of a "steward of God," highlighting that their authority and responsibilities are divinely appointed, not self-serving. This divine entrustment means their character must be beyond reproach, not just for outward appearances, but because they are accountable to God for managing His household.
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. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in the churches on Crete. He has just outlined the necessary qualities for church leaders, emphasizing that they must be blameless and able to teach sound doctrine. Now, he delves deeper into the character traits required of an overseer, stressing their role as stewards of God's household.
Imagine being put in charge of someone else's priceless possessions. How would you act? Paul gives us a powerful image for church leaders here.
The verse calls an overseer (or bishop) a 'steward of God.' This isn't just a fancy title; it carries immense weight.
What is a Steward?
A steward was a trusted manager of another person's property, business, or household. They had significant responsibility but ultimately answered to the owner.
The Leader's Role
When Paul applies this to church leadership, it means:
Paul immediately lists negative traits, painting a picture of what a leader should not be. Why start with these specific warnings?
The list that follows ('not arrogant, or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain') isn't just a checklist; it points to attitudes that corrupt leadership.
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The Root of the Problem: Self-Will
The first negative trait, 'arrogant' (or 'self-willed'), is often the root from which the others grow. This isn't just pride; it's an insatiable desire to please oneself, to be inflexible, and to disregard others' opinions or needs.
Cascading Character Flaws
From this self-centeredness, other destructive traits emerge:
These traits demonstrate a leader who is more concerned with their own status and desires than with serving God and 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.
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.
hygiainōn · Greek Adjective
Healthy, life-giving, and true teaching that aligns with the message of the Gospel. It is essential for the spiritual well-being and growth of the believers.
elenchō · Greek Verb
To refute, expose, or correct someone through verbal or formal challenge. It is the act of confronting error with the truth of the word.
The qualifications listed for overseers in Titus 1:7 reflect the challenges of establishing stable, reputable leadership in the nascent Christian church, particularly in regions like Crete with a reputation for being morally compromised.
c. AD 62-67— this verse
Paul Writes Pastoral Epistles
Paul writes 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, providing guidance on church leadership and doctrine. These letters address specific issues within early Christian communities.
c. 63-67 AD
Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry
During his final imprisonment in Rome, Paul continued to minister and write, offering instructions to Timothy and Titus who were leading churches in Ephesus and Crete respectively.
Late 1st Century AD
Development of Church Leadership Structures
The roles of bishops and elders (presbyters) were solidifying within early church governance. The Pastoral Epistles reflect this evolving structure, with terms often used interchangeably.
This passage in Paul's letter to Timothy lays out very similar qualifications for overseers (bishops), emphasizing the need for blamelessness, self-control, and sober conduct, directly paralleling Titus 1:7.
1 Peter 4:10Peter calls believers 'good stewards of God's varied grace,' highlighting the concept of stewardship that Paul applies to church leaders in Titus 1:7, underscoring the responsibility and trust involved.
Proverbs 14:17This proverb warns that 'a quick-tempered person stirs up strife,' directly reflecting the caution against being 'quick-tempered' (orgilon) in Titus 1:7, as such a disposition is destructive to community peace.
Matthew 18:15-17Jesus' teaching on handling disputes emphasizes reconciliation and patience, qualities essential for leaders who are 'not quick-tempered' or 'violent' as instructed in Titus 1:7, and who must guide others with grace.
Luke 16:10-11Jesus' parable about the dishonest steward highlights the importance of faithfulness with earthly possessions, which connects to the 'steward of God' concept in Titus 1:7 and the warning against being 'greedy for gain.'
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's role is that of a "steward of God," highlighting that their authority and responsibilities are divinely appointed, not self-serving. This divine entrustment means their character must be beyond reproach, not just for outward appearances, but because they are accountable to God for managing His household.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in the churches on Crete. He has just outlined the necessary qualities for church leaders, emphasizing that they must be blameless and able to teach sound doctrine. Now, he delves deeper into the character traits required of an overseer, stressing their role as stewards of God's household.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to appoint qualified elders in the churches on Crete. He has just outlined the necessary qualities for church leaders, emphasizing that they must be blameless and able to teach sound doctrine. Now, he delves deeper into the character traits required of an overseer, stressing their role as stewards of God's household.
"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. He must hol…" — The verse emphasizes that an overseer's role is that of a "steward of God," highlighting that their authority and responsibilities are divinely appointed, not self-serving. This divine entrustment me…
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Last reviewed October 2026
