Titus 1:5, commentary and pictures

Paul left Titus in Crete to complete the organizing work there by setting right what was lacking and appointing elders in every city under Paul's direction. That setting in order meant proclaiming God's word in its purity so believers would become sound in the faith against deceivers, while correcting wrongs and restoring those who had strayed. The elders to be appointed were to be men of experience, blameless stewards of God who hold fast the faithful word to teach sound doctrine and refute error, faithful in marriage and with faithful, well-ordered children. A man's home reveals his fitness for the church, for piety at home and well-trained children will be carried into the church, while neglect at home and a self-sufficient, unyielding, ruling spirit disqualify him and bring trouble upon the church. Ministers must therefore consider candidates carefully with much prayer and not ordain men hastily, and today they are to carry on the same work by training younger workers and putting things in order by the Holy Spirit as the end draws near.

Titus Left in Crete

Paul's charge belongs to his work in Crete, where the gospel was preached to the islanders. He trained young men for ministry by taking them with him on his missionary journeys so they would gain the experience that would enable them to fill positions of responsibility, then left them with the churches he had established to set in order the things that were wanting and ordain elders in every city, and when separated from them he still kept in touch with their work by letters showing his deep desire for their success. Acting as a servant of God and not a master, he left Titus in Crete to set in order the things that were lacking and ordain elders in every city as he had appointed and directed him.

This organizing work was to provide preaching of the word of eternal life from God and not from any human fountain, so that many would be made sound in the faith. It thus sets forth two classes: one whose work is to present the truth in its purity as contained in God's Word, and another of unconsecrated elements who bring in a spurious religion to counterwork what God said must be done. Setting in order what was lacking includes correcting wrongs and helping restore those who have strayed.

Setting in order the things that are wanting is the work of a qualified pastor over a large church, being apt to teach. It means giving anxious believers definite instruction in what to do and how to seek the Lord in earnest and know a personal Saviour, bringing order to a disorganized people, and creating an interest and keeping things running in a lively, interested manner. It includes putting forces into operation for well-planned, systematic labor in the great city and surrounding towns, so the church becomes a live, healthful church with men able to stand in defense of the truth.

Qualified Elders Appointed

The charge to ordain elders opens the list of qualifications for those placed in charge of the flock, requiring men of experience who have a knowledge of the truth and are sound in the faith. An elder was to be blameless, faithful in marriage, and have faithful, well-behaved children, and a bishop as God's steward was also to be blameless. Those ordained were to meet that standard of blameless stewards of God, holding fast the faithful word so as to exhort by sound doctrine and convince gainsayers. This was set in opposition to the many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision.

The family of a man suggested for office must be considered, because his home influence reveals what his church influence will be. If he has shown piety at home and trained his children to be peaceable, kind, pure, respectful, obedient, reverent and courteous, he will carry that same influence into the church. But if he has felt no burden for the conversion of his children and has failed to train them aright, that same failure will be exerted in the church and bring much trouble upon it. A self-sufficient, unyielding, ruling spirit that will not endure control or contradiction disqualifies a man from office. The leader at Ligonier was judged unfit on this ground, in light of the required blameless character, self-control, and faithful family life.

Appointing elders in every place is a necessary part of organizing the church to put it in order. Ministers must take heed to the qualifications, consider candidates carefully, and pray much for God by His Spirit to designate whom He will accept. They are not to hurry men into office. Ordaining unqualified men too hastily disregards the Bible's rule and can bring serious trouble to the church.

Setting Things in Order Today

Paul's leaving of Titus in Crete reveals a practice of not forgetting established churches but educating young men for the ministry to carry the work forward. He took men such as Titus with him on missionary journeys so that they gained an experience that enabled them to fill positions of responsibility. He then left them with the churches to set in order the things that were wanting and ordain elders in every city, and when separated from them he still kept in touch with their work, his letters to Timothy and to Titus showing his deep desire for their success. Ministers today are to learn from this not to try to carry all the burdens themselves but to do a noble work by training younger workers and placing burdens on their shoulders.

With the end near, the charge to set in order what remains applies to the church, which is to put things in order and work with God to bring others into the kingdom and save souls. The Lord carries on this work of setting matters in order by the gift of the Holy Spirit, who will put right matters that are going wrong.