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"For a bishop must be blameless..."

Text: Titus 1:7

INTERCHANGEABLE TERMS

The terminology used in New Testament times was more general than specific. We have such a case in the following text.

“For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God,
not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine,
not violent, not greedy for money.”
Titus 1:7

1. The context

a) Paul had instructed Titus to appoint “elders” (Titus 1:5).

b) The term “bishop” was employed here instead of “elder”.

c) These two terms were used interchangeably.

2. The translation – “a bishop”

a) It is better translated “the bishop”.

b) The Greek text has a definite article attached and thus is correct to translate it as “the bishop”.

c) The article harks back to the first mention of “elders”. (This is grammatically called an anaphoric article.)

3. The terms

a) The term “elder” gives to the leader a great deal of respectability.

b) The term “bishop” refers to one aspect of his ministry. He oversees work!

4. An emphasis on “blamelessness”

a) The word “blameless” is listed again.

b) It was used in the previous verse.

c) It is highlighted for emphasis the quality of being “faultless” (not sinlessness).

d) The good bishop would thus be one who:-

i) Does his work more carefully.

ii) He will not neglect his ministry.

iii) One cannot find fault with his work.

e) The good elder would thus be one who:-

i) Runs his household well.

ii) He will not be found wanting with reference to his family life.