Titus 1

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—" (v5). Paul wasn’t daunted by the reputation of the Cretans (v12) or the pagan idolatry of the society; he told Titus to find and “appoint elders in every town” (v5). No matter what was normal for Cretan culture, Paul insisted that spiritual leaders be “hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined” (v8), because he trusted God’s power to transform people’s hearts and behavior.

“If anyone is above reproach ...” (v6). In every culture and generation, the Spirit’s power can redeem, heal, and shape us into people who honor Jesus.