1:5 {6} For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
(6) The first admonition: to ordain elders in every church.
Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee. Paul had then been in Crete, attended by Titus, and had left him there to set the churches in order.
In Crete.
The things that are wanting. Not only in organization, but in instruction and practice.
Ordain. Appoint (Revised Version). The mode of appointing is not here indicated.
Elders. See notes on 1Ti 3:1-6.
In every city. A plurality were to be appointed wherever there were churches.
1:5 The things which are wanting - Which I had not time to settle myself. Ordain elders - Appoint the most faithful, zealous men to watch over the rest. Their character follows, Tit 1:6 -
9. These were the elders, or bishops, that Paul approved of; - men that had living faith, a pure conscience, a blameless life.
1:5-9 The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and overseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and God's stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to be, as servants of Christ, and able ministers of the letter and practice of the gospel. And here are described the spirit and practice becoming such as should be examples of good works.
