Titus 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 {G1063} a bishop {G1985} must {G1163} be {G1511} blameless {G410}, as {G5613} the steward {G3623} of God {G2316}; not {G3361} selfwilled {G829}, not {G3361} soon angry {G3711}, not {G3361} given to wine {G3943}, no {G3361} striker {G4131}, not {G3361} given to filthy lucre {G146};

For an overseer, as someone entrusted with God’s affairs, must be blameless — he must not be self-willed or quick-tempered, he must not drink excessively, get into fights or be greedy for dishonest gain.

As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.

For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Titus 1:7 lays out crucial character requirements for those appointed to spiritual leadership within the early church, specifically for an "overseer" or "bishop." Paul emphasizes that these leaders are not merely holding a position but are acting as responsible managers of God's household.

Context

The Apostle Paul left his disciple Titus in Crete to "set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city" (Titus 1:5). This letter provides Titus with clear instructions on how to establish sound leadership and doctrine amidst challenging cultural and spiritual conditions in Crete. Verses 6-9 list specific qualifications for these elders, also referred to as bishops or overseers, highlighting that their character is paramount for effective ministry and for safeguarding the integrity of the church. This verse continues the list of negative traits that a leader must avoid, following the positive attributes mentioned previously.

Key Themes

  • Blamelessness and Stewardship: The core expectation is that a leader must be "blameless" (ἀνέγκλητος - anegklētos), meaning beyond reproach or having nothing that can be held against them. This blamelessness is essential because they serve "as the steward of God." A steward (οἰκονόμος - oikonomos) is a manager or administrator of another's property or affairs. Here, it signifies that the church leader manages God's spiritual household, underscoring immense responsibility and accountability to God.
  • Avoiding Self-Will: A bishop must "not be selfwilled" (αὐθάδης - authadēs). This term describes someone who is stubborn, arrogant, and insistent on their own way, unwilling to listen to others or submit to God's will. Such an attitude is antithetical to servant leadership.
  • Temperance and Peacefulness: The leader must be "not soon angry" (ὀργίλος - orgilos), indicating a person who does not have a quick temper or is prone to outbursts. They should also be "not given to wine" (πάροινος - paroinos), implying not habitually addicted or prone to excessive drinking that impairs judgment or conduct. Furthermore, "no striker" (πλήκτης - plēktēs) means not physically violent, but also extends to not being verbally abusive or contentious, promoting peace rather than strife within the community.
  • Integrity in Finances: Finally, the instruction "not given to filthy lucre" (αἰσχροκερδής - aischrokerdēs) emphasizes that leaders must not be greedy for dishonest or shameful gain. Their motivation for service should be pure, not driven by material wealth or exploitation. This aligns with other New Testament warnings against covetousness in leadership, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "bishop" here is from the Greek episkopos (ἐπίσκοπος), meaning "overseer" or "superintendent." In the New Testament, this term is often used interchangeably with "elder" (πρεσβύτερος - presbyteros), indicating the same office of spiritual leadership (e.g., Acts 20:17 and Acts 20:28).
  • "Steward" comes from oikonomos (οἰκονόμος), literally "house manager," emphasizing the responsibility of managing God's "house" or church.
  • The word "selfwilled" (authadēs) is strong, meaning self-pleasing, arrogant, or headstrong, and is only used twice in the New Testament (here and in 2 Peter 2:10, describing false teachers).
  • "Filthy lucre" (aischrokerdēs) highlights the moral corruption associated with greed driven by shameful or dishonest means.

Practical Application

While these qualifications are specifically for church leaders, the principles of character and conduct are applicable to all believers. This verse reminds us that true spiritual authority is rooted in a blameless life and a servant's heart, not in personal ambition or control. It calls for leaders to embody humility, self-control, and integrity, reflecting God's character in their management of His people. For every Christian, it serves as a guide for personal growth and a standard by which to evaluate those in spiritual leadership, encouraging accountability and healthy church environments where leaders genuinely serve as faithful stewards of God's grace and truth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 2:10

    ¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

  • Ephesians 5:18

    And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

  • 1 Peter 5:2

    Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

  • James 1:19

    ¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

  • James 1:20

    For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

  • Luke 12:42

    And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season?
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