For this reason I left you in Crete so that you might set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you, 6 on condition that a man be blameless, married only once, with believing children who are not accused of licentiousness or rebellious. 7 For a bishop as God’s steward must be blameless, not arrogant, not irritable, not a drunkard, not aggressive, not greedy for sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of goodness, temperate, just, holy, and self-controlled, 9 holding fast to the true message as taught so that he will be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents. 10 For there are also many rebels, idle talkers and deceivers, especially the Jewish Christians. 11 It is imperative to silence them, as they are upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what they should not. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, once said, “Cretans have always been liars, vicious beasts, and lazy gluttons.” 13 That testimony is true. Therefore, admonish them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and regulations of people who have repudiated the truth. 15 To the clean all things are clean, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is clean; in fact, both their minds and their consciences are tainted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their deeds they deny him. They are vile and disobedient and unqualified for any good deed.
Paul left Titus in Crete to complete the organization of the Christian Church by appointing presbyters - elders who held authority in the community. This process established a hierarchical structure in which local church leaders were not self-appointed but were chosen under apostolic guidance ensuring that doctrinal integrity and pastoral care were preserved.
Paul explains that a presbyter should have moral integrity, a good reputation within the community (blameless), fidelity to his wife, and a stable family life. His children must embrace the Christian faith and live according to its teachings, avoiding moral corruption or scandalous behavior. This requirement demonstrates the father’s ability to lead his own family in a manner consistent with Christian principles.
The terms ‘bishop’ and ‘presbyter’ appear to be interchangeable as Paul continues his description of the qualities necessary for a bishop, whom he describes as ‘God’s steward.’ The vices listed are disqualifying traits because they would hinder a bishop’s ability to shepherd the flock faithfully and selflessly, compromising his capacity to maintain the trust and respect of the community. Paul contrasts these negative traits with the positive virtues a bishop should embody.
Hospitality was extremely important in the early Christian Church and was considered a fundamental expression of Christian love, fellowship, and community. The bishop must be devout, self-controlled, and committed to goodness, righteousness, and fairness. A bishop must "hold fast" to the authentic teaching received from the apostles and defend the faith against false teaching.
Paul warns Titus that there are false teachers within the community, especially the Jewish Christians (Judaisers), who insist on adherence to the Mosaic Law in addition to the Gospel (Acts 15:1-5). Paul suggests that they are motivated by financial gain rather than genuine spiritual concern. Therefore, they must be silenced because their teachings are causing division within families.
Paul quotes a well-known saying attributed to a Cretan philosopher, to describe the character of the people to whom Titus was ministering. Paul agrees that the saying is true and instructs Titus to sharply reprimand those who fit this description. Sound teaching and moral leadership are needed to address the pervasive cultural challenges that Titus is facing.
Paul advises Titus to avoid following "Jewish myths" and human traditions, which were likely elements of the false teachings spreading in Crete undermining the truth of the Gospel. For the pure in heart and mind, external things, such as food or ritual practices, are "clean" (Mk. 7:14-23) because their purity comes from within, not from adherence to external rules. In contrast, for those who are morally corrupt and lack faith, nothing is clean, regardless of their external observance of ritual purity, because their entire being is corrupt. They profess to know God but their deeds demonstrate a lack of true faith and obedience to God. Paul condemns them as "detestable" because they are incapable of producing the good deeds expected of genuine believers.
Almighty God, grant us the wisdom to discern true leaders in Your Church, those who hold fast to sound doctrine and live lives of holiness, justice, and love. Purify our hearts, that we may be clean in Your sight, and let our deeds reflect our faith in You. Protect us from false teachings and guide us to walk in obedience to Your will. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
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