Tit 1:7 | JFB | STEP | 7. For ... must-- The emphasis is on "must." The reason why I said "blameless," is the very idea of a "bishop" (an overseer of the flock; he here substitutes for "presbyter" the term which expresses his duties) involves the necessity for such blamelessness, if he is to have influence over the flock. steward of God-- The greater the master is, the greater the virtues required in His servant [Bengel], ( ); the Church is God's house, over which the minister is set as a steward ( ; , ). Note: ministers are not merely Church officers, but God's stewards; Church government is of divine appointment. not self-willed-- literally, "self-pleasing"; unaccommodating to others; harsh, the opposite of "a lover of hospitality" ( ); so Nabal ( ); self-loving and imperious; such a spirit would incapacitate him for leading a willing flock, instead of driving. not given to wine-- (See on ; ). not given to filthy lucre-- not making the Gospel a means of gain ( , ). In opposition to those "teaching for filthy lucre's sake" ( ; ; ).

‏ Titus 1:7

7. For ... must--The emphasis is on "must." The reason why I said "blameless," is the very idea of a "bishop" (an overseer of the flock; he here substitutes for "presbyter" the term which expresses his duties) involves the necessity for such blamelessness, if he is to have influence over the flock.

steward of God--The greater the master is, the greater the virtues required in His servant [Bengel], (1Ti 3:15); the Church is God's house, over which the minister is set as a steward (He 3:2-6; 1Pe 4:10, 17). Note: ministers are not merely Church officers, but God's stewards; Church government is of divine appointment.

not self-willed--literally, "self-pleasing"; unaccommodating to others; harsh, the opposite of "a lover of hospitality" (Tit 1:6); so Nabal (1Sa 25:1-44); self-loving and imperious; such a spirit would incapacitate him for leading a willing flock, instead of driving.

not given to wine--(See on 1Ti 3:3; 1Ti 3:8).

not given to filthy lucre--not making the Gospel a means of gain (1Ti 3:3, 8). In opposition to those "teaching for filthy lucre's sake" (Tit 1:11; 1Ti 6:5; 1Pe 5:2).