Albert Barnes Commentary Titus 1:8

"but given to hospitality, as lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;" — Titus 1:8 (ASV)

But a lover of hospitality. (See Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 3:2.)

A lover of good men (marginal reading: "or things"). The Greek (filagayov) means a lover of good, and may apply to anything that is good. It may refer to good men, as included under the general term good; and there is no more essential qualification of a bishop than this. A man who holds the office of a minister of the gospel should love every good object and be ever ready to promote it; and he should love every good man, no matter in what denomination or country he may be found—no matter what his complexion, and no matter what his rank in life. (Compare to Barnes' Notes on Philippians 4:8.)

Sober. (See Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 3:2.)

Just. Upright in his dealings with all. A minister who is not can do little good. (Compare to Barnes' Notes on Philippians 4:8.)

Holy. Pious or devout; faithful in all his duties to God. (See Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 2:8.)

Temperate (Greek: egkrath). This means having power or control over all one's passions. We now apply the term mainly with reference to abstinence from intoxicating liquors. In the Scriptures, however, it includes not only that but also much more. It implies control over all our passions and appetites. (See it explained in Barnes' Notes on Acts 24:25. Compare to Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 7:9; see also Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 9:25 and Galatians 5:23.)