Titus 1:5-9

The Appointment of Elders. Paul renews in writing instructions delivered orally to Titus during his recent visit to Crete. As in Asia (1 Timothy 3:1 ff.), the safeguard against error is a wisely constituted ministry, faithful in conserving the true doctrine. For the elders-' qualifications cf. 1 Timothy 3:1 *. The lists are essentially identical, the chief difference being the addition here of just, holy, etc., and the omission of not a novice.

6. blameless: 1 Timothy 3:10 *. husband, etc.: 1 Timothy 3:2 *. children, etc.: the reason is given in 1 Timothy 3:4 f.

Titus 1:7. bishop: 1 Timothy 3:1 *. Moffatt regards Titus 1:7 as a gloss, breaking the connexion between Titus 1:6 and Titus 1:10. The sequence of Titus 1:9 and Titus 1:10, however is excellent. Equally needless is Clemen's and Hesse's view that Titus 1:7 are interpolated.

Titus 1:9. the teaching: i.e. apostolic doctrines. sound doctrine: 1 Timothy 1:10 *. gainsayers: i.e. the false teachers.