Bible Commentaries

But you must teach. One of the "jobs" of the evangelist was to teach. See 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:2. Sound doctrine. The truth in love which produces a healthy faith.

Tell the older men. Turning to God meant a drastic change in their way of life. See note on 1 Thessalonians 1:9. Remember these were recently living in the sins of paganism.

Tell the older women. Holy living is the general rule for all! Not be slanderers. Not sharp-tongued gossips and busybodies. Or slaves to wine. Compare 1 Corinthians 6:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:8. This is a general Christian doctrine. They must teach. Every Christian is a teacher in a general sense, but the older women have a special responsibility to the younger women,

To love their husbands. Some think this points to newly married women. These might be more in danger of despising the physical side of marriage (see notes on 1 Corinthians 7:2-5). Men and women are not meant to compete! They work together to make a life for themselves and their children. "In three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both before God and men: the unity of brethren, the love of neighbors, a man and a wife that agree together" (Sirach 25:1). See also Ephesians 5:24-25.

So that no one will speak evil. Chrysostom writes: "For the Greeks judge not of the doctrines by the doctrine itself, but they make the life and conduct the test of the doctrines." See also 1 Peter 3:1-2.

Urge the young men. That they may act sensibly in the giddy age of youth. Compare Titus 2:12.

You yourself. Some think this implies that Titus was himself a young man. But whatever age, the spiritual are to set the example by their own holy living.

Use sound words. "Rebuke error sharply, but do it in a spirit of love, and be careful about making rash statements. Your purpose is to produce a healthy faith in those whom you teach." Not having anything bad. That Titus 2:10; 1 Peter 2:12.

Slaves. Half the world were slaves in that period of time, therefore many early Christians were slaves. There was a danger they would think their coming to Christ would free them from civil law. Compare Romans 13:1-8. Paul's Letter to Philemon tells us something about a slave who becomes a Christian. They must not talk back to them. Not being arrogant or insulting to their masters; not opposing their plans and trying to sabotage their business. See 1 Peter 2:18.

Or steal from them. Slaves have always felt tempted to steal from their owners, excusing this by saying it is owed to them for their work. Instead, they must show. A good slave would advertize his Christianity to his master by his dependability. We either give God glory, or disgrace Him, by the lives that we live!

For the salvation of all men. God's grace is the Good News of Christ! It teaches us to live holy, useful lives. Paul proves the universal need for doing right, by showing that no rank or class or race or type of man is excluded from the saving power of God's grace.

That grace instructs us. The Good News teaches us to give up ungodly living, especially atheism and idolatry, and worldly passions (1 Peter 4:2-4). And to live. The Christian life is a well-behaved life. Self-controlled. Not a slave to bodily needs and desires (1 Corinthians 6:12). Upright. One who does good to others (Matthew 7:12; 1 John 4:20). Godly. See 1Pet. Ch 2.

As we wait. [EPIPHANEIAN = appearance, coming = the blessed Day.] As citizens of heaven, our BLESSED HOPE is the Coming of Christ and our CHANGE, in which He will take us HOME!!! See Philippians 3:20. Compare 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:10.

He gave himself for us. Compare John 10:17-18; 1 Timothy 2:6. He gave himself as the price to buy us from the power and punishment of sin (see 1 Corinthians 6:20; Colossians 1:20). Who belong to him alone. This symbolism comes from Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 7:6. Like the Jews of old, Christians are a pure people who belong to Him alone! They show this by being EAGER to do good!

Teach these things. God's Plan for saving men; Christ-on-the-cross; the blessed Day when Christ will Come; the need for holy living and good works; etc. Use your full authority. As an evangelist, he had the necessary authority to put in order the things that still needed doing (Titus 1:5). See note on 2 Timothy 4:5. Let none of them. Titus was probably older than Timothy, but he was a Gentile. The circumcision party in the church might be expected to look down on him for this reason. He is not to let them get away with this! He is God's servant (evangelist) and it is important both that he is respected and that he lives in such a way to command respect.