Titus 1:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Titus 1:7
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;
Chapter Context
Titus 1 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, faith, creation. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Cretan culture's negative reputation required special attention to Christian character.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Titus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Titus 1:7
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;
Analysis
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God—ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos, overseer/bishop) is synonymous with πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros, elder) in Titus 1:5-7 and Acts 20:17, 28. Biblical polity knows two offices: elders/overseers and deacons. οἰκονόμος θεοῦ (oikonomos theou, God's steward) stresses accountability; elders manage the Master's household and will give account (Hebrews 13:17).
Five negative qualifications follow: not selfwilled (μὴ αὐθάδη, mē authadē—arrogant, self-pleasing), not soon angry (μὴ ὀργίλον, mē orgilon—quick-tempered), not given to wine (μὴ πάροινον, mē paroinon—addicted to wine), no striker (μὴ πλήκτην, mē plēktēn—physically violent), not given to filthy lucre (μὴ αἰσχροκερδῆ, mē aischrokerdē—greedy for dishonest gain). These vices destroy trust and disqualify from leadership.
Historical Context
Ancient Crete's cultural context included honor-shame dynamics, wine's central role in social life, and widespread financial corruption. Christian leaders had to transcend these cultural patterns. The specification against drunkenness and violence suggests these were particular temptations in Cretan culture (cf. 1:12's "slow bellies").
Reflection
- Do you serve as a faithful steward aware of ultimate accountability to God, or do you treat ministry as personal kingdom-building?
- Which of these five vices—arrogance, anger, alcohol abuse, violence, or greed—represents your greatest temptation?
- How does your church screen potential leaders for these character qualities versus mere giftedness or popularity?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Peter 4:10, 5:2
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:17, 15:18, Isaiah 28:7, Ezekiel 44:21, Luke 12:42, Ephesians 5:18