Paul left Crete in the capable hands of Titus, a young disciple he called his true son in their common faith. Titus was to straighten out what was in disarray, appoint blameless elders who would be authority figures within the church body.

Blameless is a word used of several people in the Bible, not the least of which was Abraham and Job. Don't mistake the use of that word to conclude they never committed sin or made mistakes. I think we'd have to agree that it is through such that we learn and mature. Paul advised Titus to choose men who were blameless, not sinless.

Paul also stated that an elder was someone whose life was above reproach. Being of strong character is the only way one can effectively use discipline as a means to enforce the authority placed in his hands. But one elder is not enough to service a congregation any more than one pastor can effectively shepherd a large congregation. Everyone, even the elder, must be accountable to someone else of equal authority or trouble is on the way.

Because elders settled so many conflicts among the people, Paul used the word "pastor," or shepherd to refer to the elder in Ephesians 4:11. Leaders in the church were either apostles or elders while deacons were ordained to wait on tables and serve widows and orphans.

Paul warned Titus that some people would become a problem in the church. People probably challenged elders on a regular basis. They were not selected to be perfect, but were the final appeal in times of dispute. After meeting together, looking to God's word for assistance, they discussed the issue and made a final decision.

May we learn a lesson from Paul and Titus and seek to be blameless in our walk before the Lord. We should welcome accountability for what we do and don't do - using God's word as our standard of living. That being said, we should never criticize someone else for failing to follow the guidelines of the early church when we ourselves fail to obey God's word on a regular basis.

Resources:
A failure to express gratitude makes one unworthy of grace. (2000)
The only way to truly discern good counsel is to know the Great Counselor. (2001)
A pastor is a shepherd by definition but too many view that function as optional. (2002)
It's possible to look ahead so far you trip over your own feet. (2003)

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Jr. 49:23-50:46 Ti. 1:1-16 Ps. 97:1-98:9 Pr. 26:13-16 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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