Appointing Elders on Crete

(1 Timothy 3:1–7; 1 Peter 5:1–4)

5 The reason I left you in Crete [was] that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 [An elder must] be blameless, [the] husband of but one wife,[fn] having children who are believers [and who are] not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.

7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. 8 Instead, [he must be] hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, [and] disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage [others] by sound teaching and refute those who contradict [it].