heathenism had been broken in one of its quasi-strongholds, the Christiane had not utterly escaped contamination. The state of matt.en in this interesting island proves (1) that there may be a true Church where there is no regular ministry. Thus there is no foundation for the theory that the clergy are the Church, or even essential to its ex_is!'8nce, _though they are necessary to its edification. (2) It proves also that a regular m1metry 18 necessary. Therefore the arguments of Darbyites go for nothing. A mini8try was specially ne.eded to check the unruly and vain talkers in Crete, as well as to apply the sanctifying influence of the gospel, as well as a wholesome Christian discipline to the cure of moral di!<Orders. II. THE 800PE OP Trrus's LABOUBS. " For this cause le~ I thee in Crete, that thou might.est set in order the things that were wanting, and ordain elders in every city." The apostle had himself successfully laboured in the island, and the gospel had in con- sequence Rpread among many of its cities. But he had been summoned away from the scene before he could do anything to organize the community or regulate its varied Church life. He therefore sent Titus as his delegate to discharge this duty. 1. Titus was to set in order the things that were wanting. As Cre~ was a most luxurious and corrupt place, as heathenism affected its who!e family and public life, as the Church bad got into disorder through its contiguity to paganism, or was unable to organize itStJ!f strongly in the face of a hostile world, Titus was left behind to fix the order and circumstances of public worship, including the celebration of Christian ordinances, to establish a godly discipline which would purify lamily life, to instruct the Cretans more fully in the doctrines of the gospel which were attacked by design- ing Judaists, and generally to snperintend the development of all matters affecting Christian faith and practice. 2. He was to ordaiu elders in every city. (1) The elders were the pastors or teachers of congregations, and were so callecl on account of their age and gravity of manner. They were also called "bishops" (ver. 2 ; Acts xx. 17, 28), on account of their office as overseers of the flock. It is now universally conceded that these names are but different designations of the same office-bearers. We read in Scripture of" bishops and deacons" (Phil. i. 1), but nevt,r of" bishops and eldera," simply because bishops and deacons represent two different orders, but bishops and elders do not. These bishops were simply the pastors of congregations. (2) There were several elders in each congregation. Titus was" to ordain elders in every city," that is, a plurality of elders for each Church. There was certainly a plurality in several Churches (Acts xiv. 23; xv. 22). (3) These elders were to be ordained or solemnly set apart to their office. (a) The word "ordain" throws no light on the question whether the appointment took place with or without the co-operation of the Chnrch. But the same word iB used in the account of the ordination of -the deacons who were chosen by the Christian people (Acts vi. 3). In another case (Acts xiv. 23) the ordination of elders did not take place without the co-operation of the Church, which selected by a show of bands, as the word signifies, the candidates for ordination. The directions given by the apostle to Titus with regard to the quali- fications of elders imply that the choice lay, not with Titus, who was a complete stranger to Crete, but with the body of the Christian people who were familiarly acquainted with the private work and public gifts of believers. (b) The ordination was the act of Titus, who was the delegate of the apostle. It is not improbable that Zenas and Apollos, who were then in Crete, were associated with him in the act of ordination. It iB now generally admitted that he was not appointed permanent Bishop of Crete, for his stay was designed to be short ( eh. iii. 12). This .whole passage proves ~he importance of Church organization, while it presupposes a certain amount of Christian knowledge and feeling among the members of the Cretan Cburch.-T. C.
Vers. 6, 7.-The character of bishops-their negative qualifications, The ~postl~ first mentions their qualifi.catiuIIB in a moral point of view before he speaks of their duties as teachers. I. BLAMELEBBNEBS. The minister must be one against whom no charge can be broi.ght. His name must be spotless (1 Cor. i. 8; Col. i. 22). The Church must he able to respect him. 1. Because h.e must be an e=mple t.> the belieuera. 2. Becausd I.e. could nol otherwise consistently ch.eck or reprove the blameworthy waya of others. (Ch. i. 13.) Christiau life in Crete was unsound both as to morals and doctrine. 3. OR, J, 1-18.] THE EPISTLE TO Tll'US. 9