This verse enumerates the six virtues that elders must possess. As in the previous case, only those not mentioned in 1 Timothy will be discussed.

For hospitable see 1 Tim 3.2 and elsewhere,

Lover of goodness appears only here in the whole New Testament. It describes someone who not only loves good things but likes to do them as well (so Jerusalem Bible “a friend of all that is good,” Phillips “a genuine lover of what is good,” Contemporary English Version “enjoy doing good things”).

Master of himself is the same word translated “temperate” in 1 Tim 3.2. The word is derived from a verb that means “to behave in a sensible manner”; hence “self-controlled” (Good News Translation), “discreet” (Phillips). A related meaning is being moderate and balanced in one’s behavior; hence “temperate” (Revised English Bible), “self-restrained” (Translator’s New Testament).

Upright is literally “righteous,” here used to refer either to morally and ethically acceptable behavior, or to fairness in dealing with others (so Phillips “fair-minded,” Contemporary English Version “fair”). See further on 1 Tim 1.9, where Revised Standard Version has “just” and Good News Translation has “good people.” Since the ethical aspects are covered by the traits that come immediately before and after upright, it seems best to follow the second alternative, and therefore “fair,” “impartial,” or “unbiased” are all good models.

Holy is used here in an ethical sense, referring to an attitude of complete dedication to everything that is good and acceptable to God. See further on 1 Tim 2.8.

Self-controlled translates a word that is derived from the verb that means “to exercise self-control” or “to have self-discipline,” especially in relation to sinful desires.

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to Titus. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1995. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .