Titus 1:11

Must be stopped. No public opportunity should be given to the “vain talkers and deceivers” (v. 10). The alert elder is duty bound to protect his congregation from confusion. Compare 1 Tim. 1:4.

Subvert. See on 2 Tim. 2:18.

Whole houses. Compare 2 Tim. 3:6.

Filthy lucre’s sake. Compare 1 Tim. 3:8. The strict qualification here set forth requiring elders and deacons (see on 1 Tim. 3:8; Titus 1:7) to be financially irreproachable is best understood in the context of Paul’s day. Apparently, many would-be religious workers used their church office for private gain, by adapting their teachings to please the wealthy or by using their sacred office to secure personal favors.