When considering the qualifications for elders, “able to teach” is often recognized as the one qualification uniquely required for the office (1 Tim. 3:2, Tit. 1:9). Certainly, the unique role of elders centers on “the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). But another qualification is often missed or underdeveloped, which is vitally supplemental to the teaching ministry. Titus 1:7-8, after listing several disqualifying characteristics, puts it as the first positive requirement: “He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable (φιλόξενον).” 1 Tim. 3:2 puts them together: “hospitable (φιλόξενον), able to teach.”
Why is “hospitality” uniquely important for elders? Why is it such an important supplemental to the ministry of the word?
Read More...The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is member supported and operates only by your faithful support . Thank you.