The instructions start with the older men. The word for older describes a man of advanced age. There is no information as to the age range included in this category; however, some writings during this period suggest that the minimum age being referred to is sixty years. It is of course very probable that the “elders” are chosen from these men, and that may be the reason why the virtues mentioned here are parallel to those mentioned in chapter 1. In any case, the focus here is on age rather than on the office that these people may be qualified to hold. In some languages there will be specific vocabulary for elderly and respected men such as these. Such terms should be used in this context.

For temperate see 1 Tim 3.2 and 3.11. For serious see 1 Tim 3.8 and 3.11. For sensible see 1 Tim 3.2. For sound see 1 Tim 1.10. However, in this context sound qualifies faith, love, and steadfastness rather than “doctrine.” Another way of expressing the final part of this verse, then, is as follows: “They must persist in believing in Christ, loving others, and in their ability to endure.” For faith, love, and steadfastness, see 1 Tim 6.11 and 2 Tim 3.10, where these three are listed with other virtues.

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 .