What are Titus' instructions regarding elders and good works?

• A. Elders should be charismatic leaders with wealth.
• B. Elders should be political figures.
• C. Elders must be sound in doctrine and have a good reputation; Christians should study and practice good works.
• D. Elders must be novices to show humility.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that church leadership is to be defined by doctrinal clarity and personal integrity, while the Christian life is to be lived out in visible good works. Elders are to be sound in doctrine and have a good, blameless reputation; this equips them to teach, exhort, and refute false ideas without hypocrisy. At the same time, believers are called to study and practice good works as a natural outflow of genuine faith, showing the transforming power of the gospel in daily living. This combination keeps the church grounded in truth while demonstrating that truth through righteous living. Wealth, political maneuvering, or novelty (being a recent convert) aren’t the criteria here; maturity, sound teaching, and a proven pattern of good works are what Titus emphasizes for elders and all Christians.