Titus 1:6

Titus 1:6

This verse moves into the qualifications for elders: “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.” The criteria address personal character (blamelessness), family life (husband of one wife, faithful children), and home management (not accused of riot or unruly). In first-century culture, a leader’s family life often signaled the leader’s moral and practical competence. The phrase “husband of one wife” has been debated; many understand it as fidelity in marriage, not necessarily prohibiting all remarriage in all contexts. The requirement of “faithful children” emphasizes the importance of the elder’s influence over his household and the ability to manage domestic affairs well—an indicator of reliability in leadership. The overall aim is to ensure leaders exemplify the gospel’s transformative power in daily life.

The passage reflects a holistic standard for leadership: doctrine must align with character and household integrity. It demonstrates that God judges leadership by how it functions in the intimate spheres of life, not merely public speaking or public success. It also shows the interconnectedness of family life and church life, underscoring that the gospel should permeate all areas of a leader’s life. The “blameless” criterion is about credibility, not sinlessness, inviting humility and accountability.

Assess your own life against these standards. If you lead in any capacity—church, family, work—consider whether your home life models the gospel and whether your character invites trust. For those selecting leaders, look beyond talent to character, faithfulness in marriage, and family harmony as practical evidence of spiritual maturity. If your own family has struggles, seek support, accountability, and time for spiritual leadership to grow.

Cross-References: 1 Timothy 3:2-5; 1 Peter 5:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:7; 1 Timothy 3:4-5