Titus 1:6

6 1if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife,[a] and his children are believers and not open to the charge of 2debauchery or insubordination.

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 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you--
6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
7 For an overseer,as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

Related Articles

Cross References 2

  • 1. For ver. 6-8, see 1 Timothy 3:2-4
  • 2. See Ephesians 5:18

Footnotes 1

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.