Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Titus 1:8

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

“Rather” introduces the contrasting positive qualifications. An overseer must be: (1) “hospitable” (lit., “lover of strangers”; GK 5811), ready to befriend and lodge traveling or fleeing believers; (2) “one who loves what is good” (GK 5787), an ally and zealous supporter of the good, including people as well as deeds and things; (3) “self-controlled” (GK 5409), in control of his mind and emotions so that he can act rationally and discreetly, a virtue much needed on Crete and one stressed in the Pastorals (cf. 1 Timothy 2:9, 15; 3:2; 2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 2:2, 4–6, 12); (4) “upright” (GK 1465), conforming his conduct to right standards; (5) “holy” (GK 4008), denoting his personal piety, an inner attitude of conforming to what is felt to be pleasing to God and consistent with religious practices; and (6) “disciplined” (GK 1604), having the inner strength that enables him to control his bodily appetites and passions, a virtue listed in Gal 5:23 as one quality of the fruit of the Spirit. These last three characteristics may be viewed as looking toward others, God, and self, respectively.