Introduction

Review

  • We are seeking a balanced approach to this topic.

“Manages his own household well”

  • I Timothy 3:4-5
  • Dignity or reverence here could be referring to either the father or the children.
  • Titus 1:6
    • Does faithful here mean that the children are faithful to the earthly father or that they are Christians?
    • The word behind it (pistos) can be translated either “believers” of “faithful.” Context is key to determining the precise meaning.
    • Faithful to their earthly father:
      • Strengths:
        • Context seems to favor the more specific contrast.
        • Harmony: If I Timothy 3:4-5 is a parallel.
      • Weaknesses
        • The number of translations going with “believe” is greater.
        • Is I Timothy 3:4-5 an exact parallel, or supplemental information?
  • What about children who are grown and gone?
    • What about Proverbs 22:6?
      • Proverbs are general truths that have exceptions.
  • Must a man have a plurality of children?

“holding fast the faithful word”

  • Titus 1:9
  • An elder must be able to refute error.

“not pugnacious” (violent, striker, bully)

“gentle” (patient)

“peaceable” (not contentious, not quarrelsome)

“free from the love of money” (not covetous)

“not fond of sordid gain” (not greedy for gain, not greedy of filthy lucre)

“not a new convert” (novice, recent convert)

“good reputation with those outside” (well thought of by outsiders)