Titus 1:6

6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.

Titus 1:6 Meaning and Commentary

Titus 1:6

If any be blameless
In his outward life and conversation, not chargeable with any notorious crime; (See Gill on 1 Timothy 3:2),

the husband of one wife; (See Gill on 1 Timothy 3:2):

having faithful children;
legitimate ones, born in lawful wedlock, in the same sense as such are called godly and holy, in ( Malachi 2:15 ) ( 1 Corinthians 7:14 ) for by faithful children cannot be meant converted ones, or true believers in Christ; for it is not in the power of men to make their children such; and their not being so can never be an objection to their being elders, if otherwise qualified; at most the phrase can only intend, that they should be brought up in the faith, in the principles, doctrines, and ways of Christianity, or in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Not accused of riot;
or chargeable with sins of uncleanness and intemperance, with rioting and drunkenness, chambering and wantonness; or with such crimes as Eli's sons were guilty of, from which they were not restrained by their father, and therefore the priesthood was removed from the family: "or unruly" not subject, but disobedient to their parents; (See Gill on 1 Timothy 3:4). (See Gill on 1 Timothy 3:5).

Titus 1:6 In-Context

4 I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.

5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.

6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.

7 An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.

8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or must have only one wife, or must be married only once; Greek reads must be the husband of one wife.