CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
Titus 1:5. That thou shouldest set in order.—St. Paul means that Titus should completely set right, upon a thorough basis, all the affairs of the Cretan Church. It is the important work of organisation and consolidation that is entrusted to him.
Titus 1:6. Blameless.—Not liable to be arraigned by having been found in a fault. Not accused of riot.—Lit. “not in the category of extravagance.” It is a wasteful squandering of means, from which follows a dissolute, debauched manner of living (Trench).
Titus 1:7. For a bishop must be blameless.—He whose office it is to watch over other souls must himself be beyond reproach or suspicion. As God’s steward in the house he must not be accused of wasting (Luke 16:1-2). Not self-willed.—Properly, one who is so pleased with his own ideas and will that nothing pleases him besides: “Qui nisi quod ipse facit nihil rectum putat” (Terence, quoted by Trench). Not soon angry.—“Not irascible.” Is this a note of difference between Timothy and Titus? The former does not need this word in his shrinking gentleness: the capacity for sharp rebuke lies in Titus (Titus 1:13); perhaps it was necessary to guard against the outburst of the latent fire in his nature.
Titus 1:9. By sound doctrine.—Hygienic, wholesome teaching.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Titus 1:5-9
Qualifications of a Christian Bishop.
I. His domestic life must be irreproachable (Titus 1:5-6).—Titus was left in Crete to establish Church order, and to ordain presbyters, or bishops, over congregations in the different cities. There were many Christians in the island, but Church organisation was very imperfect. The bishop, occupying so prominent a position as overseer, must be blameless in life, and a pattern of consistency and authority in his own family, having his children under thorough Christian control. His governmental power must be evident in his own household.
II. He must possess a high moral character (Titus 1:7-8).—The Church is God’s house, over which the minister is steward. He is to be, not imperious, but temperate, not making his office a means of gain, to be hospitable—a necessary virtue in those early days—to be a lover of all that is good, self-denying, just towards men, and holy towards God.
III. He must be a competent preacher.—
1. Having himself a firm grasp of truth. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught” (Titus 1:9). Whoever may be on the quicksands of doubt and error, the minister must know and keep his ground. Hesitation in the pulpit means confusion in the pew.
2. Able to present the truth with convincing power. “That he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9). Not only has the Church to be edified and encouraged, but unbelievers must be reproved, convinced of the error of their ways and brought to Christ. The great function of preaching is to persuade men, and to do this effectively the preacher must himself be sound in doctrine, and fully persuaded of the supreme claims of the truth.
Lessons.—
1. Church government is an important duty.
2. Governors of the Church should possess both grace and gifts.
3. Preaching occupies a prominent place in building up and extending the Church.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
Titus 1:5. Church Order.
I. Ministers have special work as well as general.
II. The work of the best men needs revision by others.
III. Every Church should have a leader or overseer.
Titus 1:6. Church Officers.
I. Character is the primary qualification for office in the Church.
II. Domestic and social relationships are helps rather than hindrances to Christian service.
III. Good family government is a guarantee for efficient Church government.
Titus 1:7. The Negative Side of a Good Man’s Character.
I. He must be without reproach.
II. Must not seek his own pleasure.
III. Must control his temper.
IV. Must be abstinent.
V. Must not be covetous.
Titus 1:8. The Positive Side of a Good Man’s Character.
I. He must be willing to share the bounties of God’s providence with Others.
II. Must be a lover of all that is good.
III. Must be prudent.
IV. Devout.
V. Must hold all his passions under control.
Lessons.—
1. We see the twofold nature of goodness.
2. The unselfishness of goodness.
3. The dependence of a good life on a right spirit.
Titus 1:9. Characteristics of a Successful Preacher.
I. Personal conviction of the truth.
II. Aptness to teach others.
III. Power of persuasion and conviction.—F. W.