Titus 1:6-9

If any be blameless As to his conduct, shunning the appearance of evil, and walking in all the ordinances and commandments of God; the husband of one wife See on 1 Timothy 3:2; having faithful, or believing children As τεκνα πιστα may be properly rendered; that is, not infidels, but such as embrace the Christian faith; not accused of riot Ασωτιαστυ of luxury, or intemperance; or unruly Ανυποτακτα, refractory or disobedient. The apostle required that the children of the person who was to be ordained an elder should be believers in Christ, and of a sober, exemplary behaviour, because the infidelity and vices of children never fail to reflect some blame on their parents. And the children of ministers ought certainly, from that consideration, as well as in order to the salvation of their own souls, carefully to avoid every irregularity, and even impropriety of conduct. For a bishop Or elder, as he is called, Titus 1:5; must be blameless In order to his being useful; as the steward of God One intrusted by God with the care of immortal souls, and with the dispensation of the mysteries of the gospel; not self- willed Αυθαδη, literally, pleasing himself; but all men for their good to edification; not soon angry Or easily provoked: as οργιλον means; not given to wine, &c. See on 1 Timothy 3:2; sober Or prudent: as σωφρονα may be properly rendered. It implies, especially, the proper government of our angry passions; so that on all occasions we behave with prudence; temperate In the use of every sensual pleasure; one who has so the command of himself that he keeps all his appetites under due restraint. Holding fast the faithful word That is, the word of the truth of the gospel. There is a great beauty, says Macknight, in the word αντεχομενον, as here used. It signifies the holding fast the true doctrine, in opposition to those who would wrest it from us; as he hath been taught Κατα την διδαχην, according to the teaching, namely, of the apostles; that by sound, or salutary doctrine, he may be able both to exhort Believers to zeal and diligence in the performance of their duty; and to convince gainsayers Those that oppose the truth, of their errors and sins.