Contradict (483) (antilego from anti = over against, opposite, instead of, in place of + lego = speak) (gainsayers in KJV {gainsay = deny, contradict, speak against}) means literally to say against or to speak against and so to contradict (assert the contrary of, take issue with, implying open or flat denial), to speak in opposition to or to oppose (place over against something so as to provide resistance), to gainsay (declare to be untrue or invalid and implies disputing the truth of what another has said), to deny, to refute (to deny the truth or accuracy of). In secular Greek antilego was used to mean "reject a writing as spurious". Continually contradicting an authority = obstinate. Antilego is used 9 times in the NT. The first NT use is in Luke where we read "Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed" (Lk 2:34). The NASB translation of "opposed" is more literal in the KJV which reads "a sign which shall be spoken against (antilego)". The Jewish audience cried out to Pilate that if he released Jesus he would make himself a "king who opposes (antilego) Caesar." (Jn 19:12) In Acts Luke records another group of Jews who saw the crowds assembled to hear Paul and Barnabas and were "were filled with (what filled them controlled them) jealousy, and began contradicting (antilego) the things spoken by Paul and were blaspheming." (Acts 13:45) Paul explaining how he come to Rome as a prisoner, and how the authorities in Jerusalem were willing to release him. "But when the Jews objected (antilego), I was forced to appeal to Caesar; not that I had any accusation against my nation. For this reason therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel. And they said to him, "We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against (antilego) everywhere." (Acts 28:19-22) Paul quoting God's declaration in Isa 65:2 (Septuagint translates Hebrew there with antilego) wrote that "as for Israel He says, “All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient (unbelieving, unyielding, self-willed) and obstinate (antilego = "a continually {present tense} speaking against", fault-finding, contrary, contradicting) people." (see note Romans 10:21) In other words the reason God has temporarily set Israel aside is their stubborn rebelliousness and continual attitude of "speaking against" God and His Messiah! In chapter 2 of Titus Paul writes "Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative (not to continually {present tense} talk back or contradict) (antilego)." The related noun, antilogia, is used by Jude to describe "the rebellion of Korah" (Jude 1:11) These "talkers back" here in Titus are obstinate and are continually (present tense = habit, lifestyle) contradicting, disputing, opposing, speaking against and taking issue with biblical truth. You know who they are...these men are in every church and the overseers need to be men of the Book in order to counter their divisive arguments that seek to discredit the Book! It is interesting that this passage on elders and overseers says nothing directly about their physical prowess, educational attainments, social status, or business acumen but instead places emphasis upon their character. It is not true, as is sometimes suggested, that the same qualities that make a man successful in business also fit him for leadership in the church! How is your church doing? Does your leadership insist on these very specific qualifications or do you select men based upon charisma, popularity, success in the world system? The emphasis must always be on the integrity of the candidate rather than on their spectacular gifts or accomplishments. No intellectual ability or oratorical prowess can make up for a lack of a virtuous and blameless life. In contrast to 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 contains no mention of deacons. William MacDonald writes that One other point should be mentioned. The picture that emerges of a godly elder is not that of a man who arranges for speakers, disburses funds, contracts for building repairs, and that’s all! The true elder is deeply and vitally involved in the spiritual life of the church by his instruction, exhortation, encouragement, rebuke, and correction." (Believer's Bible Commentary) Hiebert sums up this section noting that "In admitting a man to the ministry [as overseer or elder] the primary consideration must ever be the integrity of his character rather than his spectacular gifts...nothing directly is said about the work of the elders. The emphasis is rather upon the character of the men placed in charge of the work. If the church gets such ministers the work will prosper. The church must appoint such men if it is to remain true to its mission and resist the assaults of doctrinal apostasy and open ungodliness. These qualifications outline the ideal toward which each local assembly must look in the selection of its minister. Are we insisting strongly enough on these qualifications for our ministers? Do we refuse men who do not have them? In admitting a man to the ministry the primary consideration must ever be the integrity of his character rather than his spectacular gifts. 'No intellectual power or pulpit brilliancy can atone for the lack of solid Christian virtues and a blameless life.' (Harvey)." (Bolding added. Titus and Philemon. page 37. Moody. 1957). "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/titus_19.htm#Contradict