Chapter Two

Titus as a preacher of sound teaching on Christian morality (1–15).

Titus 2:1. But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine: Titus 2:2. that the older men be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in steadfastness; Titus 2:3. that the older women likewise be reverent in their bearing, not malicious gossips, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of what is good; Titus 2:4. that they encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, Titus 2:5. to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. Titus 2:6. Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; In preaching sound Christian teaching, Titus must address special kinds of instruction to different ages, persons of different gender and condition. “Older men” – this is the designation of old age (πρεσβύτης), and not of an ecclesiastical or priestly rank (πρεσβύτερος). “Be reverent in their bearing” – more precisely: that they conduct themselves as is fitting for the holy, that is, for Christians. “So that the word of God will not be dishonored” (Compare 1 Tim 6:1).

Titus 2:7. In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, in your teaching show integrity, dignity, soundness, Titus 2:8. sound in speech which cannot be criticized, so that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. Titus himself must set an example of a morally good life.

Titus 2:9. Exhort slaves to obey their own masters, to please them in all things, not to talk back, Titus 2:10. not to steal, but to show complete faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of our Savior God in every way. Regarding slaves from the perspective of the apostle Paul, see the commentary on 1 Cor 7:21-22 and Eph 6:5 and following.

Titus 2:11. For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all people, Titus 2:12. teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, Titus 2:13. looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Titus 2:14. who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good deeds. The incentive for all Christians to live a good life should be consciousness that God gave people his sanctifying grace, with which it becomes easy for them to avoid sins. The grace of God, which appeared in Christ, is like the sun (έπεφάνη in Acts 27:20 is used directly of the appearing of the sun or stars) illuminated the world lying in impenetrable darkness and, like the sun, everywhere pours out life, gives a person strength for spiritual development, saves all people, wherever they may be. From this it follows that the Cretans also can and must make use of it for the sanctification of their life. It, like a pedagogue (teaching us), breaks us of an impious life and its pleasures and affirms us in godliness, and yet we ourselves must help it in this work on our side (so that we live). In this pious life the hope of the coming of our great Hope, that is, Jesus Christ, should strengthen us. The apostle calls this hope blessed because Christ, whom the Christians expect, possesses blessedness in the highest degree (compare 1 Tim 6:15). By “appearing” (verse 13) is meant the second coming of Christ (compare 1 Tim 6:14 and 2 Tim 4:1) – “of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” In the Greek text before the words corresponding to these μεγ. Θ. και σωτ. the article τοΰ is placed, and after them the pronoun ήμών. From this it is necessary to conclude that the expression “Great God and Savior Jesus Christ” designates one and the same person, that is, Christ. This passage, therefore, serves as testimony that the apostle Paul recognized Christ as God. “Gave himself for us,” that is, to death for our good, for our salvation (ύπέρ). “A people for his own possession.” This expression recalls a passage from the book of Exodus (Exod 19:5 and following). By reminding us that Christ gave himself so as to free us from sins, Titus will be even more obligated to call Christians to live a holy life: they should not allow the great sacrifice of Christ to be fruitless for them.

Titus 2:15. Say these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority so that no one may disregard you. Titus must employ all means of pastoral exhortation so that the thoughts mentioned above may enter into the consciousness of his flock. In doing this he must speak with all authority, that is, he must not only exhort Christians, but also address them with direct commands.