Bible Commentaries

Titus 2:1-15. Teaching on Christian Behaviour.

(a) Titus 2:1-10. Duty of Different Classes.—In contrast with the errorists' irrefevances, Titus must continually inculcate right conduct. This is defined for (a) old men, (b) old women, (c) young women, (d) younger men, (e) slaves. The strongest argument for truth is the moral life it produces, even in a slave (Titus 2:10; contrast Titus 2:5; Titus 1:16). This fact Titus himself must remember

Titus 2:3. reverent: better, "reverend" (cf. 1 Timothy 2:10).—teachers: i.e. in private (see 1 Timothy 2:12).

Titus 2:4. love husbands, children: inscriptions show these words to have been "current in this very combination" (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 255).

Titus 2:5. workers at home: the true reading may be "keepers at home" (cf. 1 Timothy 5:13 f.).—subjection: Colossians 3:18, Ephesians 5:22.—that, etc.: Isaiah 52:5 (cf. Romans 2:24, 1 Timothy 6:1).

Titus 2:7. doctrine: rather, "teaching"; so perhaps elsewhere in these epistles.

Titus 2:8. he that, etc.: the false teacher or the heathen, not Satan (Chrysostom).

Titus 2:9. 1. Tim. 6:1f.*—gainsaying: includes, but transcends, "answering again" (AV).

(b) Titus 2:11-15. Its Doctrinal Basis.—The transformed lives thus required from different groups are rendered possible by God's own grace, revealed in the Incarnation. This, for all men (1 Timothy 2:4), is a saving grace, bringing (a) ethical discipline (Titus 2:12), (b) the inspiration of the Second Advent hope (Titus 2:13), and (c) the Atonement on which so great redemption rests (Titus 2:14). All this (Titus 2:1-14) Titus must impress authoritatively. The association of the largest motive with the conduct inculcated is in the true Pauline manner (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:1-11).

Titus 2:12. denying: rather, "having once for all denied" (in baptism).

Titus 2:13. of the glory: not as AV.—God and Saviour: the rendering is uncertain, but the context probably shows RV (not AV) to be correct. In that case Christ is definitely called our God (cf. Romans 9:5).

Titus 2:14. redeem, etc.: Psalms 130:8, Mark 10:45.—a people, etc.: Exodus 19:5, 1 Peter 2:9.