Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
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], (I Timothy 3:15); the Church is God's house, over which the minister is set as a steward (Hebrews 3:2-6; I Peter 4:10, I Peter 4:17). 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" (Titus 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 I Timothy 3:3; I Timothy 3:8).
not given to filthy lucre—not making the Gospel a means of gain (I Timothy 3:3, I Timothy 3:8). In opposition to those "teaching for filthy lucre's sake" (Titus 1:11; I Timothy 6:5; I Peter 5:2).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Titus 1:7:
1 Timothy 3:1
1 Timothy 3:3
Titus 1:5
Titus 2:2
1 Peter 5:2
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