The Qualifications
Of Elders
1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9
1
Preliminary Observations
There are some implied qualifications
Each man must be qualified to serve
Each qualification is essential
Each man must be qualified before he is
selected and appointed
Each man must remain qualified
2
Preliminary Observations
These qualifications vary in character
– Absolute & relative
– Moral & practical
– Positive & negative
These qualifications do not demand
perfection
These qualifications are attainable
9
Elders In 1st Cen. Churches
Judea (Acts 11:29-30)
Appointed Quickly
Jerusalem (Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22-23; 16:4; 21:18)
Lystra, Iconium, Antioch (Acts 14:21-23)
Ephesus (Acts 20:17)
Philippi (Phil. 1:1)
Thessalonica (1 Th. 5:12)
Crete (Tit. 1:5)
No Elders
• Corinth
• Crete
Hebrews (Heb. 13:17)
Dispersion (1 Pet. 5:1 & 1:1; Jas. 1:1 & 5:14)
10
The Qualifications
Elders & Christians
Older
Husband of one wife
Rules well his own house
Faithful children
Not a novice
Able to teach
Able to convict the gainsayer
11
The Qualifications
Elders & Mature Christians
Older
Husband of one wife
One who rules well his own house
Faithful children
12
Preliminary Observations
These qualifications are observable and
verifiable
These qualifications are necessary to do the
work of an elder
13
Qualifications Most Discussed
The husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2;
Tit. 1:6)
Having faithful children not accused of
dissipation or insubordination (Tit. 1:6)
Consider Other
Qualifications First
20
Qualifications More Important
Able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2)
Not quarrelsome (1 Tim. 3:3)
Not self-willed (Tit. 1:7)
Not quick-tempered (Tit. 1:7)
21
Qualifications More Important
Sober-minded (Tit. 1:8)
Self-controlled (Tit. 1:8)
Holding fast the faithful word (Tit. 1:9)
– Exhort in sound doctrine
– Refute those who contradict
22
“The Husband Of
One Wife”
(1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:6)
23
Various Interpretations
“Husband Of One Wife”
Married to the Church (Catholic)
Married to one woman, not more
Married only once
– Not widowed and remarried
– Not divorced and remarried
Married and faithful
25
An Elder Must Be Male
Woman can’t be “husband” (1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:6)
No evidence of women elders
NT restrictions preclude women from
eldership
– Women can’t have authority (1 Tim. 2:11-12; 1 Cor.
14:34-35)
– Elders rule (Heb. 13:7, 17) and teach (1 Tim. 3:2;
Tit. 1:9)
30
“Husband Of One Wife”
(1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:6)
Man
Married man
Married man to one woman
– One woman only
– One woman at a time
Married man who is faithful to one woman
31
“Children”
(1 Tim. 3:4; Tit. 1:6)
39
Questions About “Children”
Does an elder have to have children?
Must an elder’s children be his own biological
children?
Must an elder have more than one child?
Must an elder’s children be Christians?
Must all of an elder’s children be Christians?
Must an elder’s children remain faithful after
they leave his house?
40
What Does “Children” Mean?
Gen. 21:7
Gen. 30:1
Lev. 25:41
1 Sam. 30:22
1 Chr. 2:30
1 Chr. 2:32
Isa. 23:4
Mt. 10:21
Mt. 19:29
Mt. 22:24
Mk. 10:29
Lk. 14:26
Lk. 18:29-30
Acts 2:39
One Or More
41
What Does “Children” Mean?
1 Cor. 7:14
2 Cor. 12:14
Eph. 6:4
Col. 3:21
1 Th. 2:7
1 Th. 2:11
1 Tim. 5:4
1 Tim. 5:10
1 Tim. 5:14
Tit. 2:4
1 Tim. 3:4
Tit. 1:6
One Or More
42
What Does “Children” Mean?
Gen. 21:7: She also said, "Who would have
said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse
children? For I have borne him a son in his
old age.”
Gen. 30:1: 1 Now when Rachel saw that she
bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her
sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children,
or else I die!”
 More Than One
 One Or More
43
What Does “Children” Mean?
Lev. 25:41: 41 And then he shall depart from
you—he and his children with him—and shall
return to his own family. He shall return to the
possession of his fathers.
 More Than One
 One Or More
44
What Does “Children” Mean?
Lk. 14:26: "If anyone comes to Me and does
not hate his father and mother, wife and
children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his
own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
 More Than One
 One Or More
52
What Does “Children” Mean?
1 Tim. 5:14: Therefore I desire that the
younger widows marry, bear children,
manage the house, give no opportunity to the
adversary to speak reproachfully.
Tit. 2:4: that they admonish the young
women to love their husbands, to love their
children,
 More Than One
 One Or More
59
What Does “Children” Mean?
1 Tim. 3:4: one who rules his own house
well, having his children in submission with
all reverence….
Tit. 1:6: if a man is blameless, the husband
of one wife, having faithful children not
accused of dissipation or insubordination.
 More Than One
 One Or More
60
What Does “Children” Mean?
Widow Indeed
1 Tim. 5:10: well
reported for good
works: if she has
brought up
children….
Elders
1 Tim. 3:4: one who
rules his own house
well, having his
children in
submission….
 More than one
 More than one
 One or more
 One or more
Bill Walton
61
“Children”
Parallel Expressions
Dt. 25:5
Mk. 12:19
Mt. 22:24
“If brothers dwell
together, and one
of them dies and
has no son….”
“Teacher, Moses
wrote 
for us that if
a man’s brother
dies 
and leaves 
a
wife
,
but leaves
no 
child {teknon}
…. (ESV)
“saying
, ‘Teacher,
Moses said
, “If a
man dies 
having
no children
{tekna} ….” (ESV)
(ESV)
63
“Children”:
Parallel Expressions
Lk. 20:28: “…if a man’s brother dies…and he
dies without children {ateknos: adj. sing.}
Lk. 20:29: “…the first took a wife, and died
without children” {ateknos: adj. sing.}
Lk. 20:30: “And the second took her as a wife,
and he died childless.” {ateknos: adj. sing.}
Lk. 20:31: “…and they left no children, and
died” {tekna: noun. plur.}
65
Objection:
Primary Meaning
Carrol Sutton: “Since the primary, ordinary
meaning of CHILDREN is more than one and this
primary meaning is not forbidden either by the
context or some other Scriptural statement or
principle, we have no right to adopt a secondary, abnormal meaning such as ‘class’ or
‘categorical’ usage. To arbitrarily place a
secondary, abnormal meaning on CHILDREN…is
without justification either grammatically or
Scripturally.” (“An Elder’s Children In Titus 1:6 – Singular Or
Plural? (No. 2)” The Instructor, Dec. 1990, 27:12:2)
66
How Many “Children”?
If
More Than One To Qualify
Tit. 1:6: if a man is blameless, the husband of
one wife, having faithful children not accused of
dissipation or insubordination.
Then
More Than One To Disqualify
69
How Many “Children”?
Tit. 1:6: …having faithful children not accused
of dissipation or insubordination.
Tommy Hagewood: “If it takes more than one
faithful child for a man to qualify it would take
more than one riotous or unruly child to
disqualify him. I know of no one who takes such
a view. Surely a word used once in a verse cannot
be given two different meanings. Obviously the
word children in Titus 1:6 means one or more.”
(“Can A Man With Only One Child Be An Elder?” Locust Light, Mar. 15,
1992, 24:6:1)
70
Objection:
Does “Elders” Mean “Elder”?
“Elders” (plural) in first-century churches (Acts
11:30; 14:23; 15:2, 4, 6, 22-23; 16:4; 20:17, 28;
21:18; 1 Th. 5:12; Tit. 1:5; Heb. 13:7, 17; Jas.
5:14; 1 Pet. 5:1)
– Plural nouns: “men,” “brethren,” “overseers,”
“examples”
– Plural verbs: “take heed,” “shepherd,” “serving as
overseers,” “being lords”
– Plural pronouns: “they,” them,” “you,” “yourselves,”
“those,” “their”
73
Objection:
Does “Elders” Mean “Elder”?
Marshall Patton: “While there are instances in
which the elders could be understood to have either
the singular or plural meaning, it does not follow that
one elder could serve as such over one church. The
reason is simple. An elder is a part of a whole,
namely, ‘the presbytery’ (presbuterion, 1 Tim
4:14), or which is the same, the eldership. One elder
over one church destroys this eldership concept.
It is wrong to argue for that which militates against
truth revealed elsewhere.” (“Titus,” Truth Commentaries,
265)
Bill Walton
74
“The Eldership”
(presbyterion)
BDAG: “an administrative group concerned
with the interests of a specific community,
council of elders a. of the highest Judean
council in Jerusalem…. b. as a council in
connection with adminstration of Christian
congregations, including all the πρεσβύτεροι (s.
πρεσβύτερος 2b), presbytery.” (861)
75
Objection:
“Better Qualified”
3 better than 2; 4 than 3; 15 than 10; etc.
1 different (and perhaps more difficult)
experience than 2+
All boys different experience
All girls different experience
What Is Required? And Why?
77
“Faithful Children”
(Tit. 1:6)
80
“Faithful”
(pistos)
Vine: “a verbal adjective, akin to peitho...is
used in two senses, (a) Passive, faithful, to be
trusted, reliable.... (b) Active, signifying
believing, trusting, relying....
“With regard to believers, they are spoken of
sometimes in the Active sense, sometimes in the
Passive, i.e., sometimes as believers, sometimes
as faithful....” (Emphasis added, #4103, p. 402)
83
Faithful Children
To God
Faithful
To father
In character
84
Pistos = Believing
Not unbelieving but believing (Jn. 20:27)
Those of the circumcision who believed (Acts
10:45)
Timothy’s mother was a believing Jewish
woman (Acts 16:1)
“What part has a believer…?” (2 Cor. 6:15)
“The faithful in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 1:1)
85
Pistos = Believing
“Those who believe” (1 Tim. 4:3, 10, 12)
“ If any woman who is a believer” (1 Tim. 5:16)
“Believing” masters (1 Tim. 6:2)
Lydia was “faithful” to the Lord (Acts 16:15) ?
Abraham was “faithful” (Gal. 3:9) ?
86
Pistos = Believing
Women/wives to be “faithful” in all things (1
Tim. 3:11) ?
“Faithful” men (2 Tim. 2:2) ?
Be “faithful” unto death (Rev. 2:10) ?
Antipas was a “faithful” martyr (Rev. 2:13) ?
Called, chosen, and “faithful” (Rev. 17:14) ?
87
English Versions & Tit. 1:6
Believers = Christians
Faithful
Marshall
ESV
NAB
YLT
Berry
Phillips
NCV
KJV
ASV
Good News
NIRV
NKJV
NASB
Goodspeed
NLT
NET
RSV
CEV
NRSV
HCSB
NEB
GW
TNIV
LEB
NIV
GNT
WNT
21:6
88
Commentaries & Tit. 1:6
Believers = Christians
Faithful
Hendriksen
(BNTC)
Knight (NIGTC)
Hiebert (EBC)
(Wuest) WSGNT
Litfin (BKC)
Wemp (KJVBC)
(Henry) (MH)
Assertion
Without
Argumentation
Guthrie (NBC) ?
Guthrie (TNTC)
WEONT
Lipscomb (GAC)
Campbell (OUT)
MacArthur (MSB)
JFB
Barclay (DSBS)
Nute (NLBC)
Larson (HNTC)
Knowles (BG)
Lea & Griffin
(NAC)
Arichea & Hatton
(HPLT)
Patton (TC)
Barnes (BN)
Wiersbe (BEC)
Robertson
(WPNT)
MacArthur
(MNTC)
Gill
Clarke
Vincent (WSNT)
Stibbs (NBCR)
Exception
Zerr (BC)
23:7
89
Sam Dawson On Pistos
“[W]here the word ‘faithful’ is used AFTER THE
CHURCH WAS ESTABLISHED (Ac. 16. 1, 15; I
Cor. 4.17, II Cor. 6.15, Eph. 1.1, 6.21; Col. 1.2, 7;
4.7, 9) it is used exclusively of Christians, and
particularly in the books we’re now studying, I & II
Timothy and Titus, it is used exclusively of
Christians (I Tim. 1.12, 4.3, 4.10, 4.12, 5.16, 6.2,
II Tim. 2.13, Tit. 1.6). It appears to be conclusive
that in the very books where Paul is delineating the
94
Sam Dawson On Pistos
qualifications of elders, he is using the word
‘faithful,’ to mean one who is trustworthy,
reliable, or dependable BECAUSE HE IS A
CHRISTIAN.” (“Qualifications And Work Of Elders, Part IV,
Olsen Park Gospel Themes, Aug. 1, 1982, 4:4:24)
95
John MacArthur On Pistos
“[I]t is significant that, except for this sometimes
disputed text (Titus 1:6), it [pistos] always is used
of people whom the context clearly identifies
as believers (see, e.g., Matt. 25:21, 23; Acts
16:15; 1 Cor. 4:2, 17; Eph. 6:21; Col. 1:7; 4:7; Rev.
2:10, 13; 17:14). Unbelievers are never referred
to as faithful. That fact alone argues strongly for
the rendering here of children who believe, that
is, who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
96
John MacArthur On Pistos
Even if the idea were that of faithfulness to
parents, the use of pistos in those other passages
would argue for its referring to the faithfulness of
believing children. In an elder’s home, especially,
a child who is old enough to be saved, but is not,
can hardly be considered faithful. He would be
unfaithful in by far the most important way.”
(Comments on Titus 1:6)
97
When Was Paul Faithful?
1 Tim. 1:12-13
12
And I thank Christ
Jesus our Lord who has
enabled me, because He
counted me faithful, putting
me into the ministry, 13
although I was formerly a
blasphemer, a persecutor,
and an insolent man; but I
obtained mercy because I
did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Acts 9:15-16
15
But the Lord said to
him [Ananias], “Go, for he
[Saul] is a chosen vessel of
Mine to bear My name
before Gentiles, kings, and
the children of Israel. 16 For I
will show him how many
things he must suffer for My
name’s sake.”
98
When Was Paul Faithful?
Acts 26:15–18: 15 So I said, ‘Who are You,
Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are
persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for
I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make
you a minister and a witness both of the things
which you have seen and of the things which I will
yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the
Jewish people,
as well
asConversion
from the Gentiles, to
Before
His
whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in
order to turn them from darkness to light….
99
BDAG & 1 Tim. 1:12
“a. …consider someone trustworthy…1 Ti
1:12…. faithful, reliable, trustworthy in someth….
When Paul explains in 1 Cor 7:25 that the Lord
graciously granted him the privilege of being
πιστός, and uses this as a basis for his claim to be
heard w. respect, πιστός can hardly mean
‘believing’…; the apostle rather feels that in a
special sense he has been called and
commissioned because of the confidence God has
in him….” (820-821)
100
Faithfulness Before
Conversion
Marshall Patton: “It was because of
Paul’s faithfulness that he was put into this
ministry. His trustworthiness, evidenced by
his loyalty, zeal, and honesty prior to his
conversion, gave every reason to believe
he would be the same after his conversion,
and more so, if possible.” (“1 Timothy,” Truth
Commentaries, 22)
Bill Walton
101
Believing Children
Demonstrate Ability To Rule
Karl Diestelkamp: “If my children do not
follow the Lord after I have brought them up
and finished my training of them, can it still
be said that I have ruled well my own
house, my children are not unruly and I
am blameless in the manner of their
upbringing?” (“Qualifications Of Elders (2), Guardian of Truth,
October 22, 1981, 25:42:658)
105
Mixing Apples & Oranges
1 Tim. 3:4-5
4
one who rules his
own house well,
having his children in
submission with all
reverence 5 (for if a man
does not know how to
rule his own house,
how will he take care of
the church of God?);
Tit. 1:6
6
if a man is
blameless, the husband
of one wife, having
faithful children not
accused of dissipation
or insubordination.
No Explanation
109
Passages Joined
If This...
Jas. 1:27
Christian Visit
1 Tim. 5:16
Church Relieve
Therefore
Church Relieve
What About This...
Orphans
&
Widows
Widows
Orphans
&
Widows
Acts 2:38
Alien Sinner
Rev. 2:16
Erring Christian
Therefore
Erring Christian
Repent
&
Be Baptized
Repent
Repent
&
Be Baptized
110
Passages Joined
If This...
1 Tim. 3:4-5
Children in submission
Take care of church of God
Tit. 1:6
Faithful (believing) children
Therefore
Faithful (believing) children
Take care of church of God
What About This...
Acts 2:38
Alien Sinner
Rev. 2:16
Erring Christian
Therefore
Erring Christian
Repent
&
Be Baptized
Repent
Repent
&
Be Baptized
111
OT Leaders With Bad Kids
Jacob (Gen. 49:3-7)
Solomon (1 Ki. 14:21-24)
Aaron (Lev. 10:1-3)
Jehoshaphat (2 Ki. 8:1618)
Eli (1 Sam. 2:12-17, 22-25;
3:13)
Jotham (2 Ki. 16:1-4)
Samuel (1 Sam. 8:1-5)
Hezekiah (2 Ki. 21:1-16)
David (2 Sam. 13; 15; 1 Ki.
Josiah (2 Ki. 23:31-32)
1)
112
Orville Wright
“...but if we all
worked on the
assumption that what
is accepted as true is
really true, there
would be little hope
of advance.”
(Letter, June 7, 1903)
113
Pistos = Reliable
Servants may be “faithful” (10x)
(Mt. 24:45; 25:21,
23; Lk. 16:10-12; 19:17)
God is “faithful” (8x)
(1 Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 2 Cor. 1:18; 1
Th. 5:24; Heb. 10:23; 11:11; 1 Jn. 1:9)
Mercies of David are “sure”
Stewards are “faithful” (2x)
(Acts 13:34)
(Lk. 12:42; 1 Cor. 4:2)
Timothy was a “faithful” son in the Lord
(1 Cor.
4:17)
114
Pistos = Reliable
Tychicus was a “faithful” minister (2x)
(Eph.
6:21; Col. 4:7)
“Faithful” brethren at Colossae
(Col. 1:2)
Epiphras was a “faithful” minister
(Col. 1:7)
Onesimus was a “faithful” and beloved
brother (Col. 4:9)
Lord is “faithful”
(2 Th. 3:3)
115
Pistos = Reliable
Sayings may be “faithful” (7x)
(1 Tim. 1:15; 3:1;
4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; Tit. 3:8; Rev. 21:5; 22:6)
Word of God is “faithful”
Christ is “faithful”
(Tit. 1:9)
(2 Tim. 2:13)
Christ is a merciful and “faithful” high priest
(2x) (Heb. 2:17; 3:1-2)
Moses was “faithful” in all his house
(Heb. 3:5)
116
Pistos = Reliable
Paul was “trustworthy” (2x)
(1 Cor. 7:25; 1 Tim.
1:12)
God is “faithful” Creator
(1 Pet. 4:19)
Silvanus was a “faithful” brother
(1 Pet. 5:12)
“You do faithfully whatever you do”
(3 Jn. 5)
Jesus is the “faithful” witness (2x)
(Rev. 1:5; 3:14)
Jesus was “Faithful and True”
(Rev. 19:11)
117
Pistos = Reliable
Lydia was “faithful” to the Lord (Acts 16:15) ?
“Faithful” Abraham (Gal. 3:9) ?
Women/wives to be “faithful” in all things (1
Tim. 3:11) ?
“Faithful” men (2 Tim. 2:2) ?
Be “faithful” unto death (Rev. 2:10) ?
Antipas was a “faithful” martyr (Rev. 2:13) ?
Called, chosen, and “faithful” (Rev. 17:14) ?
118
1 Tim. 3:11
11
Likewise, their wives must be reverent,
not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all
things.
 Believers
 Reliable (Christians)
119
2 Tim. 2:2
2
And the things that you have heard from
me among many witnesses, commit these
to faithful men who will be able to teach
others also.
 Believers
 Reliable (Christians)
Context indicates Christians
“Faithful” indicates reliable/trustworthy
120
What Does Pistos Mean?
Believing (Christians)
– 15/66 = 23%
–
8/66 = 12%
Reliable
– 51/66 = 77%
Minus Tit. 1:6
– 58/66 = 88%
121
Pistos
Applied To Christians
Timothy
Silvanus
(1 Cor. 4:17)
Tychicus
(Eph.
6:21; Col.
Indicated
By
4:7) Context
Brethren (Col. 1:2)
Epiphras
Onesimus
(Col. 1:7)
(1 Pet. 5:12)
Lydia
(Acts 16:15)
Application
Doesn’t
Wives (1Change
Tim. 3:11)
Meaning
Men (2 Tim. 2:2)
Smyrna
(Rev. 2:10)
(Col. 4:9)
Antipas
(Rev. 2:13)
Pistos is applied to
CHILDREN
Paul
1:12)
(1 Cor. 7:25; 1 Tim.
in
Tit. 1:6
Called & chosen
(Rev.
17:14)
122
J. W. McGarvey On
The Meaning Of Words
A. Ascertain the primary meaning of the word.
This done:
1. By Lexicons.
2. Common usage.
B. Adopt primary meaning unless forbidden. It
may be forbidden in two ways.
1. By the context.
2. By some other scripture statement.
123
J. W. McGarvey On
The Meaning Of Words
C. Ascertain its secondary or divided meaning
and how divided from the primary. This
ascertained in the same way as the primary.
D. Try each meaning until one is found that will
suit.
E. If two meanings suit equally as well—decide
by Old Testament or New Testament usage.
(J. W. McGarvey, Sacred Didactics, 8)
124
English Versions & Tit. 1:6
Believers = Christians
Faithful
Marshall
ESV
NAB
YLT
Berry
Phillips
NCV
KJV
ASV
Good News
NIRV
NKJV
NASB
Goodspeed
NLT
NET
RSV
CEV
NRSV
HCSB
NEB
GW
TNIV
LEB
NIV
GNT
WNT
21:6
125
NET Bible On
“Faithful Children”
“8 tn Or ‘believing children.’ The phrase
could be translated ‘believing children,’ but
the parallel with 1 Tim 3:4 (‘keeping his
children in control’) argues for the sense
given in the translation.” (Emphasis added)
128
NIGTC On
“Faithful Children”
“Should πιστά in this clause be understood as
‘faithful’ or as ‘believing’? The range of usage
shows that either meaning is a possibility: The
word can clearly mean ‘faithful,’ as it does several
times in the PE, including once with a noun, as
here (2 Tim. 2:2: πιστοὶ ἀνθρώποι). It can also
mean ‘believing’ and does on several occasions
in the PE, again including once with a noun (1 Tim.
6:2: πιστοὶ … δεσπόται). The context here and the
129
NIGTC Bible On
“Faithful Children”
parallel in 1 Tim. 3:4-5, however, provide some
important indicators: The qualifying statement
here, ‘not accused of dissipation or rebellion,’
emphasizes behavior and seems to explain
what it means for τέκνα to be πιστά. Likewise 1
Tim. 3:4 speaks of the overseer ‘keeping his
children under control with all dignity.’ In both
cases the overseer is evaluated on the basis of his
control of his children and their conduct. It is likely,
130
NIGTC Bible On
“Faithful Children”
therefore, that τέκνα ἔχων πιστά here is virtually
equivalent to τέκνα ἔχοντα ἐν ὑποταγῇ in 1
Tim. 3:4. If that is so, then πιστά here means
‘faithful’ in the sense of ‘submissive’ or
‘obedient,’ …. This proposed understanding of the
passage goes contrary to a consistent pattern in
recent English translations (RSV, NEB, TEV:
‘believers’; similarly NASB, NIV), but the
considerations cited above seem compelling.”
(“The Pastoral Epistles,” 290)
131
Pistos In The KJV
1 Tim. 4:3: “them which believe”
1 Tim. 4:10: “them which believe”
1 Tim. 4:12: “an example of the believers”
1 Tim. 5:16: “If any man or woman that
believeth”
1 Tim. 6:2: “They that have believing masters”
Tit. 1:6: “Having faithful children”
Bill Walton
132
Pistos In The Pastorals
Passages
Christ counted Paul faithful (1
Tim. 1:12)
Believing Reliable

A faithful saying (1 Tim. 3:1)


Wives must be faithful in all
things (1 Tim. 3:11)

A faithful saying (1 Tim. 1:15)
133
Pistos In The Pastorals
Passages
Those who believe (1 Tim. 4:3)
Believing Reliable


A faithful saying (1 Tim. 4:9)
Those who believe (1 Tim.
4:10)

The believers (1 Tim. 4:12)

134
Pistos In The Pastorals
Passages
Believing Reliable
Any believing man or woman
(1 Tim. 5:16)

Those who have believing
masters (1 Tim. 6:2)

Commit these to faithful men
(2 Tim. 2:2)

A faithful saying (2 Tim. 2:11)

135
Pistos In The Pastorals
Passages
Believing Reliable
He remains faithful (2 Tim.
2:13)

Faithful children (Tit. 1:6)


The faithful word (Tit. 1:9)
A faithful saying (Tit. 3:8)
TOTALS
5x
10x
136
Pistos Is
Defined By Its Opposite
“Having faithful children not….”
Paul Does Not Say:
Not unbelievers
Not ungodly sinners
Paul Says:
Not accused of
dissipation or
insubordination
Not enemies of God
Etc.
Contrasted with Christians
(1 Pet. 4:1-4; 1 Tim. 1:8-10; Tit. 1:10)
137
Defined By Its Opposite
1 Tim. 2:9: 9 in like manner also, that the
women adorn themselves in modest apparel,
with propriety and moderation, not with braided
hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,
1 Tim. 3:8: 8 Likewise deacons must be
reverent, not double-tongued, not given to
much wine, not greedy for money,
138
Defined By Its Opposite
1 Tim. 3:11: 11 Likewise, their wives must be
reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in
all things.
Tit. 1:6: 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of
one wife, having faithful children not accused of
dissipation or insubordination.
139
Defined By Its Opposite
Tit. 1:7: 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as
a steward of God, not self-willed, not quicktempered, not given to wine, not violent, not
greedy for money,
Tit. 2:3: 3 the older women likewise, that they
be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not
given to much wine, teachers of good things—
140
Defined By Its Opposite
Tit. 2:9–10: 9 Exhort bondservants to be
obedient to their own masters, to be well
pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not
pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they
may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all
things.
141
The Differences
Timothy
Titus
Unique qualifications for elders
Desire office
Temperate
Gentle
Not quarrelsome
Unique qualifications for elders
Sensible
Just
Holy
Self-controlled
Lover of good
Not quick-tempered
Not self-willed
Qualifications for deacons
Qualifications for women/wives
Jeffrey Hamilton
142
Identical Qualifications
1 Timothy 3
Titus 1
Husband of one wife (1)
Sober-minded (2)
Hospitable (2)
Not given to wine (3)
Not violent (3)
Husband of one wife (6)
Sober-minded (8)
Hospitable (8)
Not given to wine (7)
Not violent (7)
143
Similar Qualifications
1 Timothy 3
Blameless (1)
Temperate (2)
Able to teach (2)
Titus 1
Blameless (6, 7)
Self-controlled (8)
Holding fast faithful word
to exhort & convict (9)
Not greedy for money (3)
Not covetous (3)
Not greedy for money (7)
Gentle (3)
Not quick-tempered (7)
Not quarrelsome (3)
144
Similar Qualifications
1 Timothy 3
Rules house well (4)
Children in submission
with reverence (4-5)
Titus 1
Faithful children (6)
Not accused of
dissipation or
insubordination (7)
145
Unique Qualifications
1 Timothy 3
Desires the position (1)
Of good behavior (2)
Not a novice (6)
Good testimony among
those outside (7)
Titus 1
Not self-willed (7)
Lover of good (8)
Just (8)
Holy (8)
Same Abilities & Character
146
Harmonizing
Timothy & Titus
1. Each list is different & adequate
Possible?
Yes
a. Different qualifications in• different
churches
• Probable? Maybe
• Certain? No
2. Each list is different & supplementary
• Provable? No
a. Prior knowledge apart from Paul’s letters
3. Each list is different but essentially
equivalent
a. Describe the same abilities and character
147
Prior Knowledge
Elders were appointed before Paul wrote 1
Timothy and Titus (Acts 11:30; 14:23)
– Qualifications known through inspired men before
inspired letters
Timothy had a spiritual gift (2 Tim. 1:6)
– The nature of the gift is unknown
– No evidence Titus had spiritual gifts
148
Prior Knowledge
Timothy & Titus traveled with Paul (Acts 16:13; Gal. 2:1-3; Tit. 1:5)
Timothy & Titus spent time in churches with
elders
– Timothy in Ephesus (Acts 20:4-5, 13-15, 17ff; 21:1; 1
Tim. 1:3) & Thessalonica (1 Th. 3:1-2, 6; 5:12)
– Titus in Jerusalem (Gal. 2:1-3)
149
Prior Knowledge
Timothy & Titus had received some oral
instruction from Paul (2 Tim. 1:13; Tit. 1:5)
Paul’s letters to be shared (Col. 4:16; 1 Th.
5:27)
– But Titus written after 1 Timothy
Letters were written to remind readers of oral
teaching (2 Pet. 1:12-15)
Letters for benefit of churches
150
Questions
If qualifications were known, why did Paul
write? (cf. 1 Tim. 3:14-15)
Why did he write two different qualification
lists?
Why would Paul instruct or remind Titus and
not Timothy or vice versa?
Did Timothy know something that Titus did
not know?
151
Questions
Since there were elders at Ephesus, why did
Paul need to inform Timothy about the other
qualifications and not “believing children”?
152
1 Timothy:
Paul’s Reason For Writing
1 Tim. 3:14–15: 14 These things I write to you,
though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I
am delayed, I write so that you may know
how you ought to conduct yourself in the
house of God, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
If Timothy Already Knew,
Why Did Paul Write?
153
Parallel Passages
1 Tim. 3:4-5
4
one who rules his
own house well, having
his children in
submission with all
reverence 5 (for if a
man does not know how
to rule his own house,
how will he take care of
the church of God?);
Tit. 1:6
6
if a man is
blameless, the husband
of one wife, having
faithful children not
accused of dissipation
or insubordination.
Both Saying The
Same Thing
154
Which Is Parallel?
Tit. 1:6
believing children
not accused of dissipation
or insubordination
1 Tim. 3:4
children in submission
with all reverence
Tit. 1:6
faithful children
not accused of dissipation
or insubordination
Bill Walton
155
OT Leaders With Bad Kids
Jacob (Gen. 49:3-7)
Solomon (1 Ki. 14:21-24)
Aaron (Lev. 10:1-3)
Jehoshaphat (2 Ki. 8:1618)
Eli (1 Sam. 2:12-17, 22-25;
3:13)
Jotham (2 Ki. 16:1-4)
Samuel (1 Sam. 8:1-5)
Hezekiah (2 Ki. 21:1-16)
David (2 Sam. 13; 15; 1 Ki.
Josiah (2 Ki. 23:31-32)
1)
156
A. Ralph Johnson
“‘Faithful,’ rather than ‘believing,’ resolves a number
of questions. Must he have more than one child that
believes? Must they all be believers? What if a man
has another child after he becomes an elder? What if
one of two children dies after they have become
believers? What if a man has several children--must
they all grow up and become believers before a man
can serve? What if, after leaving home, one falls away
from the faith? A man can control the behavior of
children in his home but how can he be held
accountable for the free choice of his children to
believe?” (Elders And Deacons, 31)
157
Faithful Children
Some Or All?
Acts 10:45
1 Tim. 4:12
Eph. 1:1
1 Tim. 6:1-2
Col. 1:2
2 Tim. 2:2
1 Tim. 4:3
Rev. 17:14
1 Tim. 4:10
Does “faithful” ever apply to some and not
all of the group under consideration?
158
Ezekiel 18
20
The soul who sins shall die. The son shall
not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father
bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of
the righteous shall be upon himself, and the
wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
 Righteous Father (5-9)
 Wicked Son (10-13)
 Righteous Grandson (14-18)
159
Mixing Apples & Oranges
1 Tim. 3:4-5
4
one who rules his
own house well,
having his children in
submission with all
reverence 5 (for if a man
does not know how to
rule his own house,
how will he take care of
the church of God?);
Tit. 1:6
6
if a man is
blameless, the husband
of one wife, having
faithful children not
accused of dissipation
or insubordination.
No Explanation
161
When Unqualified Men
Are Appointed
The church does something it should not do
The men serve when they should not serve
Unqualified elders will likely not help and
probably harm the church
Unqualified elders are placed in a situation that
may cause them to lose their souls (cf. 1 Tim.
3:5-7)
165