Study Desk

The reason I left you in Crete^(q) was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint^[a] elders^(r) in every town, as I directed you.

An elder must be blameless,^(s) faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe^[b] and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.

Since an overseer^(t) manages God's household,^(u) he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.^(v)

Rather, he must be hospitable,^(w) one who loves what is good,^(x) who is self-controlled,^(y) upright, holy and disciplined.

He must hold firmly^(z) to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine^(aa) and refute those who oppose it.