Titus 1:5–9

Context

The Epistle to Titus is a letter from Paul to his coworker Titus. Together with 1 and 2 Timothy, it is known as one of the "Pastoral Epistles." Scholars debate whether Paul wrote it himself. Paul explains that he left Titus on the island of Crete to "set in order the things that are wanting" and to ordain elders in every city, and he then lists the qualifications for that office.

• Verse 6: family life
• Verses 7–8: character and conduct
• Verse 9: the ability to hold fast to sound doctrine and to correct those who oppose it

The list leads into a warning against false teachers in verses 10–16. Much of its content overlaps with the qualifications for overseers in 1 Timothy 3.

Interpretation

Whether the "elder" (Greek presbyteros) of verse 5 and the "bishop" (episkopos, "overseer") of verse 7 refer to the same person bears directly on how one understands church polity.

• Presbyterian reading: Presbyterians regard the two terms as different names for a single office and take the passage as a basis for presbyterian government, in which a plurality of elders governs the church together. Korean Presbyterian churches apply this office in two forms: the teaching elder (pastor) and the ruling elder (elder).
• Episcopal reading: Anglicans read the passage as reflecting the situation of the early church, and they regard the later establishment of the episcopate as an office distinct from the presbyterate as a legitimate development. The Korean Methodist Church elects bishops from among its pastors for fixed terms.
• Baptist and Congregationalist reading: These churches regard pastor, elder, and overseer as a single office and read the passage as support for a two-office structure consisting of that office and the office of deacon. They also emphasize the autonomy of the local congregation.

Controversies and Issues

• "The husband of one wife": Interpreters differ as to whether the phrase prohibits polygamy, excludes those who have remarried after divorce, or describes a man who is faithful to his spouse. In the debate over the ordination of women, opponents sometimes cite the expression in support of their position, while proponents regard it as reflecting the circumstances of its time.
• "Faithful children": The Greek pista can be rendered either "believing" or "faithful (trustworthy)." Interpreters therefore disagree as to whether the phrase requires that the children be believers or that they be well-behaved.
• "Not given to wine": The phrase is sometimes read as supporting the Korean church's tradition of abstinence from alcohol and sometimes as a call to self-control that warns against excessive drinking.

In the Korean Church

The passage is frequently read alongside 1 Timothy 3 in sermons at ordination and installation services for elders, deacons, and kwonsas (exhorters), as well as in training for church officers.

Related Passages

• 1 Timothy 3:1–7
• Acts 20:17–28
• 1 Peter 5:1–4
• Philippians 1:1