The bishop's positive qualifications.
I. BUT A LOVER OF HOSPITALITY.
1. This trait was specially suitable to a time when Christians, travelling from one place to another, were in the habit of receiving kindly entertainment from brethren.
2. This habit may bring blessing to our houses. Some have thereby "entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2).
3. It recommends the gospel to find its ministers ready at all times to feed the hungry, opening heart and house to the poor and needy (Luke 14:13).
4. Yet the hospitality is not to be that of luxury or sensuality.
II. A LOVER OF GOOD. It points to a heart in sympathy with everything good and noble and of good report, as opposed to the corrupt tendencies at work in Cretan society.
III. SORER.
1. The word points to the stir-restraint which controls the passions, in accordance with the dictates of conscience, reason, and the gospel of Christ. It is opposed to the irascibility already condemned in ministers (Titus 1:7).
2. It points to sobriety of intellect; for the minister must not be led away by false enthusiasm, or entangled with spiritual fanaticism. He is to follow quietly the even tenor of his way, under the guidance of truth.
IV. JUST.
1. There must be the full recognition of the rights of others.
2. There must be such a management of pastoral duty that poor and rich, ignorant and learned, will be treated with the most impartial fairness. There must he "no respect of persons."
3. There must be no casting of stumbling-blocks in the way of others.
4. There must be sincerity, uprightness, and faithfulness in admonitions and counsels.
V. HOLY. The minister must he true in his relations to God.
1. He rejoices to be numbered with the company of the saints.
2. His conduct must flow from a holy heart, as the effect of a new heart.
3. His holiness must rebuke the ungodly, and make his words like ointment poured forth.
4. It implies a separateness of walk, like him "who was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners."
VI. TEMPERATE. This word points to eating and drinking, to lusts of the flesh, to abstinence even from things lawful for the sake of peace and the glory of God.—T.C.