Studying the Book of Titus
By David J. Riggs
1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according
to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which
is according to godliness,
1. Describes himself as a servant (bond-servant, slave) and an
apostle.
a. Notice the order. He said he was a servant first--suggests his
humility.
b. An apostle was one sent with credentials. (2 Cor. 12:12)
2. But Paul was a servant of all.
a. He was not like some in the church today who want to be the
greatest in the kingdom.
b. Not like Diotrephes (3 John 9).
1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according
to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which
is according to godliness,
1. God called and sent Paul for (in the interest of) the faith of
God's elect.
a. The word "elect" simply means "chosen" (eklektos, trans.
"elect" 16 times and "chosen" 7 times).
b. God chose a relationship or realm in which to save men.
I. A certain group or class of individuals were chosen.
c. Not the Calvinist doctrine of election.
d. God's elect are those chosen or "called out" who have
responded to the gospel. (2 Thess. 2:13-14)
1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according
to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which
is according to godliness,
1. Paul was sent for two main concerns: the faith and the knowledge
of truth.
2. This truth is "according to godliness," that is, it confirms to
the principles of godliness; it leads to godliness.
a. This truth leads to right living, a God-honoring life-style.
3. Also, the acknowledgment of the truth is in accord with godliness.
God's choice of believers is based on:
His gracious mercy - no room for pride.
His decision in past eternity - no room for doubt.
His sovereign control - no room for fatalism.
His love for us as provided in Christ - no room for indifference.
Thus in verse one, Paul briefly describes the purpose of his
ministry:
The process begins with faith, is developed in knowledge, and is
exercised in godliness. (Objective - maturity in Christ).
How do we evaluate this ultimate objective?
In my own life?
In my family?
In the church?
1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised
before time began,
1. Paul's service and apostleship was "with a view toward, was
resting on" the hope of eternal life.
a. The Greek preposition epi, translated "resting on" (NIV),
suggests that such hope is the basis on which the
superstructure of Christian service is built.
b. This hope is an earnest yearning, confident expectation, and
patient waiting for eternal life.
1:2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised
before time began,
1. The power of hope depends on its basis, just as the power of faith
does.
a. Hoping that a house built on quicksand will remain is an empty
hope.
b. We have a solid foundation for our hope for God Himself has
promised it. (Heb. 6:13-20)
I. Put this in contrast with Satan (John 8:44) and man (Rom.
3:4).
c. Also, God's condemnation promises are certain He cannot lie.
2. God made this promise before the beginning of time. (2 Tim. 1:9;
Eph. 1:4; Rom. 8:29-30; 1 Cor. 2:7; 2 Thess. 2:13)
a. Thus, God's original plan was to save man through Christ and
not to have a paradise here on earth.
1:3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching,
which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our
Savior;
1. The revelation of that promise, God's word, the hope of eternal
life, came at His appointed season.
a. God sent His Son at the time of His own choosing. (Rom. 5:6;
Gal. 4:4; Eph. 1:9-12; 1 Tim. 2:6).
b. God's word spread across the world and down through the
centuries through preaching.
I. (1 Cor. 1:21; 3:5; Rom. 16:25-27)
1:3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which
was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;
1. Paul, at an opportune time, was called by God to preach this
gospel. (Eph. 3:1-11; 1 Tim. 1:11-16)
a. This once again draws attention to the divine authority behind
Paul's teaching.
2. God the Father is called our Savior.
The preaching of the gospel must be taken seriously because it is a
sacred trust given to us by the command of God.
No soldier has ever had a more important charge.
No trustee has ever guarded a more valuable estate.
No employee has ever had a more important task.
Nothing has graver con- sequences than disloyalty to this
responsibility.
1:4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.
1. Titus, a Greek (Gal. 2:3), was Paul's genuine child with respect
to the common faith.
a. Although not mentioned in Acts, other epistles point out that
Titus fulfilled several missions on Paul's behalf.
b. Paul sent Titus to Corinth several times to help the church in
its troubles and bring back reports to Paul.
c. Titus was sent back to Corinth with news from Paul and to
gather an offering for the Jerusalem church. (2 Cor. 7:6-7;
13-15; 8:6, 16-17, 23).
d. Paul and Titus had traveled together on several occasions;
i.e., Jerusalem (Gal. 2:3) and Crete (1:5).
e. Paul left Titus in Crete to lead the new churches that were
springing up on the island.
f. Titus is last mentioned by Paul in 2 Tim. 4:10, Paul's final
letter.
2. It is a common faith; we share it together; it ties us together.
Let us in love and peace, be trustworthy, dependable, capable co-
workers.
1 Cor. 15:58
1 Cor. 4:2
1 Cor. 3:9
Matt. 24:45-47
What if the Scriptures had things written about us? What kind of
report would all following generations have?
1:4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ our Savior.
1. Paul wishes to Titus from God and Christ:
a. Grace (favor and blessing).
b. Mercy (pardoning; compassion that forebears punishing even
when justice demands it).
c. Peace (tranquility; the consequence of this favor producing
internal happiness, quietness, and assurance).
2. Jesus is also called the Savior.
3. Since the Holy Spirit brought the message of salvation, we could
also refer to Him as "our Savior."
a. The Godhead rescues from the greatest evil and bestows the
greatest good.
4. No greater blessings can be rendered.
God designed the plan of salvation before the world was created.
May we too, through faith, knowledge, and godliness continue to be
part of that eternal plan.
May we too, receive grace, mercy, and peace from God and Christ.
1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in
order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city
as I commanded you --
1. Crete is a long (150 miles), narrow island in the Mediterranean
Sea, southeast of Greece.
a. The earliest converts there were probably certain Jews who
had been in Jerusalem on Pentecost. (Acts 2:11)
2. As Paul had left Timothy in Ephesus to teach and guide and to
silence false teachers, he left Titus on Crete. (1 Tim. 1:3-4)
1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in
order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city
as I commanded you --
1. "Set in order" "properly arrange," used of setting a bone.
a. The church is described as a body; each part needs to be
functioning.
2. "Things that are lacking" ("wanting" KJV).
a. This is a general expression referring to any and all needs of
the Christians.
3. So it is with Christians today; many are lacking in various ways,
needing growth and development.
a. Weak churches, made up mainly of new converts, can greatly
benefit from a knowledgeable, faithful teacher.
1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in
order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city
as I commanded you --
1. Elders in every city. They are called "bishops" in verse 7.
a. Various cities had a church. Elders were to be appointed in
every church. (Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:2)
2. Acts 20:28-31 A difference arose in the second century.
a. Elder was a local overseer.
b. Bishop was a chief elder.
c. Metropolitan Bishop was over the city.
d. Patriarch was chief bishop in a district.
e. Pope became the universal bishop.
3. Many denominations today have a one-man "pastor" system.
1:6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful
children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
1. "Blameless" Both in 1 Tim. 3:2 and Titus 1:6 (KJV, NKJV,
ASV, "above reproach" NASV).
2. In Timothy and Titus there is a different Greek word for the same
English word.
a. 1 Tim. 3:2 word "Lit. that which cannot be laid hold of;
hence, not open to censer; irreproachable." (Vine)
b. Titus 1:6 word "That which cannot be called to account,
that is, with nothing laid to one's charge." (Vine)
c. Thus, they mean the same like "essential" and "necessary."
3. The word for "blameless" in Titus is used only five times in the
N.T.:
a. Titus 1:6,7 - of elders
b. 1 Tim. 3:10 - of deacons
c. 1 Cor. 1:8 - of all members
d. Col. 1:22 - of all members
4. "Blameless" cannot mean "sinless" because we all sin. 1 John
1:8,10
a. Thus, he must be a man to whom no charge can be laid; that
is, there is no sin in his life of which he had not repented.
1:6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful
children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
1. Greek - "One wive's husband" or "one wive's man."
2. Notice what it prohibits:
a. A single man in the eldership.
b. Concubinage as in the case of Abraham and Jacob.
c. Polygamy as in the case of King David.
I. Thus, it excludes any who before their conversion had
been polygamists.
ii. These leaders must themselves have had monogamous
marriages and thus would serve as examples for all new
converts.
3. Thus, a man would be the husband of one wife if:
a. He is a married man.
b. His first marriage ended by the death of his wife. Rom. 7:1-3
c. His first marriage ended as result of the fornication of his
wife and he put her away for that cause. Matt. 19:9
I. However, it is my judgement that it would not be good
for a divorced man to be put into the eldership because
their work often lays them open for scrutiny (ex.
withdrawal).
1:6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful
children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
1. The home is the training ground for the eldership. 1 Tim. 3:4-5
a. A man to be qualified to oversee a larger family, a local
congregation, must have proven his ability to oversee a
smaller unit, his own family.
b. He must have ruled the family unit well.
2. First, he must demonstrate his ability to oversee by being the
head of his wife. Eph. 5:22-23
a. A woman who dominates her husband disqualifies him from
being an elder.
I. Husbands sometimes ask their wives to handle certain
problems, and over a long period of time have the
heading role.
b. A woman who's tongue cannot be controlled by her husband
cannot be an elder.
I. He will be dealing with private and confidential matters.
3. Secondly, he must control his children. 1 Tim. 3:4
a. Thus, he is a man who controls, and who has won the respect
of his children.
I. He does not rule as a tyrant controlling his children out
of fear (alone), but out of love.
ii. Some children are terrors. They are disrespectful, talk
back, and refuse to obey.
iii.Everyone has own opinion on how to discipline; but
consider Prov. 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14.
1:6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful
children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
1. The Greek word "pistos" means "faith" or "belief." ("Believing"
ASV, NASV)
a. It also means "steady" or "trustworthy" and is so translated in
many passages. Eph. 6:21; Col. 1:2; Titus 1:9
2. Other passages on the word:
a. Acts 10:45 - used to describe those who obeyed
b. Acts 16:1 - shows that his mother was a believer
c. 2 Cor. 6:15 - contrasts a believer with an unbeliever
d. 1 Tim. 4:12 - an example to the Christians
e. 1 Tim. 5:16 - a believer (member)
3. Thus, it means having children who are Christians, members of the
body of Christ.
1:6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful
children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
1. His children cannot be "accused of riot or unruly." (KJV)
a. "Not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient."
(NIV)
b. "Not accused of dissipation and rebellion." (NASV)
2. The Greek word for "riot" or "dissipation" means:
a. "An abandoned dissolent life, one that cannot be saved (the
root of the word, a, negative sozo, to save; hence, not
saved)." (Thayer)
b. "Prodigality, a wastefulness...found in a papyrus writing
telling of 'riotous living'." (Vine)
c. Used in Luke 15:13; I Pet. 4:4.
3. The word "unruly" "Not subject to rule, disobedient." (Vine)
a. It includes God's laws as well as man's.
b. Ill. of an elder in Danville, Kentucky.
1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not
self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not
greedy for money,
1. It gives the reason why an elder must be blameless: he is a
trustee of God.
2. Paul here uses a metaphor drawn from contemporary life and
pictures a manager of a household or estate. Luke 12:42; 16:1-13;
1 Cor. 4:2
a. Whoever holds the position of an elder must be beyond
reproach because he has been given a trust over God's
heritage.
1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not
self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not
greedy for money,
1. "Not as lords." 1 Pet. 5:3
2. Not clinging to his own will and refusing to listen to reason or
facts.
a. Not, due to pride or vain glory, hold to his own judgment.
b. Not stubborn; not self pleasing.
I. Be willing to yield his judgment (but not truth).
ii. Not as a little child who won't play if he doesn't get his
way.
1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not
self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not
greedy for money,
1. He must not be given to outbursts of wrath. James 1:20
a. He will be tested when he deals with petty people and when
he gets racked over the coals.
b. One with a violent temper will speak and act without thinking
and will damage the church's work and reputation.
1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not
self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not
greedy for money,
1. "Not given to wine" Lit. "not one who sits along side his wine."
a. Not a wine-bibber, social drinker, or drunkard.
1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not
self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not
greedy for money,
1. No striker. Not given to blows.
a. "No man of God should ever, even under sore provocation,
so far forget himself as to raise his hand against his fellow
man." (Lipscomb)
b. He must not be violent which is often the result of being
quick-tempered or drinking.
c. He might be violent with his wife and children.
1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not
self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not
greedy for money,
1. Not desirous of gaining riches.
a. Is he qualified just because he is a successful business man?
b. Those who are pursuing money won't have much time for
service.
2. All Christians need to beware of covetousness. (Luke 12:15-21)
a. The Lord requires singleness of heart. Matt. 6:19-24
1:8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just,
holy, self-controlled,
1. Paul now list the positive qualifications.
2. From "philozenia" (philos, loving, xenos, a stranger) hence, love
of strangers.
a. All believers are commanded to show hospitality. (1 Pet. 4:9)
b. Elders should exemplify this characteristic, revealing devotion
and concern for the welfare of others.
I. Beware of selfish motives; ex. only show it to our circle
of friends. Luke 14:12-14
3. Hospitality requires at least three things: time, effort, money.
a. There are some to are too stingy.
b. Some won't even come when invited.
1:8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just,
holy, self-controlled,
1. From "phila" love and "gathon" good, goodness; hence, "loving
goodness;" ex. loving good, ready to do what is good.
2. Since we are to follow their faith (Heb. 13:7; 1 Pet. 5:3); it is
imperative that an elder strive for, contend for what is good.
a. To love good means to be good to lead a good wholesome
life.
b. He desires to associate with the good.
3. Since he is a lover of good, he hates evil. Psalm 119:104; Rom.
12:9; Titus 1:10
a. He would oppose that which would be evil for others.
4. All of us should love what is good.
1:8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just,
holy, self-controlled,
1. In both 1 Tim. 3:2 and here in Titus; rendered "prudent" NASV
a. "Denotes of sound mind; hence, self-controlled, sober-minded"
(Vine).
b. "Capable of exercising sound judgment in practical matters,
cautious or discreet in conduct, circumspect, sensible, not
rash" (Webster).
2. Again, all member are to be sober-minded.
a. Rom. 12:3; Titus 2:2,5,6,12; 1 Pet. 4:7
b. Thus, all of us should:
I. Think before we speak or act - "Be not rash with thy
mouth..." Eccl. 5:2
ii. Carefully consider all the facts before making a decision
determine what will accomplish the most good.
iii.Some trying to be cautious never make decisions; ex.
never get blamed for anything. This is equally wrong.
1:8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just,
holy, self-controlled,
1. Greek "dikaios" - "In a wide sense, it fulfills all claims which
are right and becoming, so that no fault or defect can be
charged...in a narrow sense, it refers to those who render to each
his due, in a judicial sense, passing just judgment on others."
(Thayer, p. 149)
2. Thus, the word had to do with our relationship with others.
a. Just as God deals with men impartially according to deeds, so
an elder must deal with others in the flock according to fruit,
not according to selfish likes or dislikes.
b. There are various types of members in the flock (weak, strong,
self-willed, humble) must be impartial toward all. 1 Tim.
5:21; James 1:9-10; Rom. 12:16; 1 Pet. 5:5
I. We all must learn not to push ourselves to have first
place.
ii. We must learn to take the back seat at times.
3. The elder must be a man that is just and fair, he must look beyond
personalities in conflicts and problems, and make just decisions
on the basis of divine principles.
1:8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just,
holy, self-controlled,
1. "Undefiled by sin, free from wickedness, religiously observing
moral obligation, pure, pious" (Thayer, p. 456).
a. "Devout" (NASV). This is a good translation of the word; ex.
a devout Christian sincere, zealous, active.
2. We need men who will lead us toward more sincerity, devotion,
zeal, work.
a. We cannot have in the eldership those who are lukewarm; too
many in the body of Christ are that kind.
3. How about me? Am I a avid Christian? 1 Cor. 15:58
1:8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just,
holy, self-controlled,
1. In 1 Tim. 3:2, "temperate" NKJV, ASV, NAS; "vigilant" KJV. In
Titus, "self-controlled" NKJV, ASV, NAS; "temperate" KJV.
2. The shades of meaning here are interesting and no doubt the reason
the Holy Spirit did not choose the same word in both text.
a. The Greek in 1 Tim. word for "temperate, vigilant" is defined,
"to be circumspect; temperate, sober; carries the idea of
watchfulness marked by calmness rather than impetuousness."
(Thayer)
b. Thus, alertness, watchfulness, awareness of danger, readiness
of mind (yet, not an alarmist). See chart.
3. The Greek word in Titus for "temperate, self-controlled" is
defined, "having control over oneself; self-disciplined;
self-controlled; self governed." (Thayer)
a. This is the same word used in 2 Pet. 1:6; Gal. 5:23. Thus, all
Christians are to be temperate, self-controlled.
b. The elder would certainly need self-control; ex., handling
emotionally charged situations as in the next few verses.
AN ELDER (AS WELL AS ALL) MUST WATCH FOR:
His own soul
The flock of God
False teaching creeping in
Dangers that appear on the arisen that may effect the church in
the future
See Acts 20:28-31
1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he
may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who
contradict.
1. "Holding fast the faithful (trustworthy) word"
a. One who loves, respects, and emphasizes the truth; not one who
gives forth liberal attitudes from time to time.
b. 1 Tim. 3:2 has, "apt to teach" from one word in the Greek,
"didaktikos."
I. "Skilled in teaching" (Vine); "apt, and skilled in
teaching" (Thayer).
ii. Thus, one who is capable and able as a teacher. It
requires
two things:
c. Requires a knowledge of the Bible. Some are capable teachers,
but without knowledge.
i. He must be capable in imparting the knowledge that he
has.
ii. Some have good knowledge, but lack the ability to teach
it.
1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he
may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who
contradict.
1. Titus 1:9-11 is the best commentary on "apt to teach."
2. "By sound doctrine...exhort" exhorts and encourages others by
the word of God.
a. This is his primary work within the church; ex. feeding the
flock.
b. Those precious souls over which they have been entrusted will
need much tender admonishment.
1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he
may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who
contradict.
1. "By sound doctrine...convict"
a. "Signifies (a) to convict, confute, refute, usually with the
suggestion of putting the convicted person to shame...(b) to
reprove, ex. of reproving for, or convicting of one's sinful
state." (Vine)
b. He must be able to show by the Bible where people are wrong.
c. One of the elders main responsibilities is to guard against
wolves. Acts 20:29-30
2. "...Those who contradict"
a. The adversaries; those who stand against the truth; those who
oppose the gospel.
b. "...Withstand these opponents, if at all possible bringing them
to an acknowledgment of their error and to repentance; at
least, convincing believers that these adversaries are wrong."
(Hendrksen, p. 349).
3. Thus, they must be confident leaders with backbone and courage.
ALL SHOULD TRY TO DEVELOP AS TEACHERS
Given time, we all should be teachers - Heb. 4:12
Older women are to teach the younger - Titus 2:3-4
The evangelist is to be "apt to teach" - 2 Tim. 2:24
Understand the responsibilities involved - James 3:1
All need to be ready always - 1 Pet. 3:15
1:10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and
deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
1. The reason why men so highly qualified for the eldership are
especially necessary.
2. These kind are likewise among us in alarming numbers today.
a. "Insubordinate" unruly, rebellious; defying authority of all
kinds; they become a law unto themselves.
b. "Idle talkers" They speak lots of words and say nothing. 1
Tim. 1:6-7; Rom. 16:18
c. "Deceivers" Having been deceived, they become deceivers of
others. 2 Tim. 3:13
d. "Especially those of the circumcision" He could say today,
"Especially those of the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.
1:11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households,
teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
1. These false teachers must be silenced.
a. Paul uses a rare word (only here in N.T.) which means "to stop
the mouth my means of a bridle, muzzle, or gag."
b. Just how this silencing should be done is not indicated here;
however see, 1 Tim. 1:3-4,20; 4:7; 2 Tim. 2:16,21,23; 4:2;
Titus 1:13b; 3:10
2. The reason is given here for this silencing.
a. They subvert entire families (causing them to be turned away
from the truth).
1:11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households,
teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
1. The means by which they do this.
a. They do this by teaching what should not be taught.
b. Sooner or later all of us will be faced with someone (in the
church) who is teaching something wrong.
2. The reason they do this.
a. They do it for filthy (shameful, dishonorable) lucre (gain,
advantage).
b. Profit that is shameful because they are anxious to enrich
themselves even at the expense of the downfall of others.
i. They are utterly selfish, aiming at nothing but money and
prestige.
c. There is a difference in preaching for pay and getting paid for
preaching.
LIST IN TIMOTHY (1 Tim. 3)
1. Blameless
2. The husband of one wife
3. Vigilant
4. Sober
5. Of good behavior
6. Given to hospitality
7. Apt to teach
8. Not given to wine
9. No striker
10. Not greedy of filthy lucre
11. Patient
12. Not a brawler
13. Not covetous
14. Rules his house well
15. Not a novice
16. Of good report from without
LIST IN TITUS (Titus 1)
1. Blameless
2. The husband of one wife
3. Having faithful children
4. Not self-willed
5. Not soon angry
6. Not given to wine
7. No striker
8. Not given to filthy lucre
9. A lover of hospitality
10. A lover of good men
11. Sober
12. Just
13. Holy
14. Temperate
15. Holding fast the word
(Those in "bold" are mentioned in both books)
1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always
liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."
1. Paul quoted a line from a poem by Epimenides, a poet and
philosopher who lived in Crete 600 years earlier.
a. Paul called him a prophet because other ancient writers
(Aristotle) did so, and because his own countrymen gave him
that title.
b. The quotation reveals the basic charter flaws of the Cretans.
2. "Always liars" - habitual liars.
a. The reputation of the Cretans was so bad that the verb form
of their name (kretizo) was use by the Greeks to indicated
lying.
3. "Evil beasts" - "vicious brutes" NIV; a sensual, animal nature; no
effects to curb any selfish, sensual desire.
a. Also, indicates a savage and cruel nature; destroy others to
gain an advantage for themselves.
4. "Lazy Gluttons" - "idle gluttons" ASV
a. Gluttony - excessive in eating or drinking.
b. They were lazy and given to gluttony.
1:13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that
they may be sound in the faith,
1. Their own prophet spoke the truth when he described the Cretans.
a. The Cretans could hardly disagree with one of their own
honored prophets.
b. Paul is adding, by his own knowledge and experience, that
their own prophet was right.
2. He immediately applies it to those within the church.
a. Sins prevalent among a people before they become Christians
will possibly be their besetting sins after they become such.
3. "Rebuke them sharply" - required of evangelists (2 Tim. 4:2), and
of all Christians (1 Thess. 5:14).
a. "Sharply" severely, harshly; cutting and piercing.
i. He is working with a rough sort of people and they
must be dealt with accordingly.
ii. Some are of a more gentle nature and need to be dealt
with tenderly, lest too much roughness and severity
discourage them.
iii.Others are more rough and stubborn and need a
sharper rebuke. (Jude 22-23)
1:13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that
they may be sound in the faith,
1. This rebuking effort is to cause them to remain faithful and true
to the faith in God as revealed through Jesus Christ.
a. There are hundreds of such warnings in the Bible all of which
show that "once saved, always saved" cannot be true.
b. If the early converts were allowed to retain their evil
(unhealthy, unsound) traits, they would carry their disease
into the lifestyle of all members.
1:14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men
who turn from the truth.
1. Jewish fables (myths NASV) were the traditions and practices that
had through a long period of time crept into their teaching.
a. The Jewish "Talmud" is a good example; it has many stories
regarding Jewish fathers as well as many hair-splitting legal
decisions.
b. 1 Tim. 1:4, 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:4
2. Commandments of men are simply the things which men are
teaching and practicing in religion which are not in the law of
God.
a. These were added to the commandments of God and in some
cases, displaced them. Mark 7:13
b. We are warned against following men. 1 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 4:14;
5:6; Col. 2:8; Heb. 13:9; 2 Cor. 11:13-15
c. No priest or preacher will say, "I am a minster of Satan, and I
am trying to teach you things that will lead you to hell."
1:14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who
turn from the truth.
1. This is what fables and commandments of men do.
a. They turn from the truth and are to be avoided.
b. False doctrine condemns. Col. 2:18; 1 Tim. 6:20-21
2. The spirit of our times is to care little as whether or not one's
teaching and practice is of the truth of God.
a. Hopefully this tendency will someday cease.
3. What is our attitude? Isa. 66:2
a. God's Word will judge us in the last day. Rev. 20:12
b. Many claim to respect God, but are hypocrites because they
follow the traditions of men rather than God's Word. Matt.
15:8-9
1:15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled
and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience
are defiled.
1. Our hearts becomes a filter through which we perceive good or
evil.
a. The pure (those who have Christ in control of their lives)
learn to see goodness and purity even in this evil world.
b. A person who is pure on the inside will not be corrupted by
outside influences.
i. Physical contact does not defile as the Jews thought.
John 18:28
c. The pure mind has no desire to be defiled, and avoids
unnecessary contamination.
i. 2 Cor. 7:1 - by perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
1:15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled
and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience
are defiled.
1. The corrupt and unbelieving find evil in everything because their
evil minds color even the good they see and hear.
a. They are full of doubt and distrust in themselves and others;
ex. everyone is evil with evil motives.
b. It is not the impure thing which makes men impure, as the
Jews erroneously held, but impure hearts which make
everything impure.
1:15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled
and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience
are defiled.
1. Their thoughts, wishes, purposes are all contaminated.
a. That moral inter-self which passes judgment upon one's
thought and deeds is contaminated.
b. They become self-satisfied, hardened, impenitent.
2. Only by humble acceptance of God's Word is there true purity.
a. Turn your thoughts to God and his Word, and you will
discover more and more goodness, even in this evil world.
b. A mind filled with good has little room for what is evil.
Phil. 4:8
1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him,
being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
1. All who make a profession of religion claim a knowledge of God.
a. Many in false religions strongly avow their knowledge of
God.
b. Their actions deny their profession.
2. How can we know that we really know God? 1 John 2:3-6
a. Are we keeping man's commandments rather than God's?
b. Is our lifestyle ordered by kingdom priorities?
1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being
abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
1. "Abominable" - detestable, despicable, loathsome, hated.
2. "Disobedient" - rebellious toward God; they act contrary to the
God they claim to know.
3. Instead of being thoroughly furnished and ready for every good
work, they are the opposite, unfit and worthless to every good
work.
a. They are working against and in opposition to God's works.
b. Those who do not learn and follow the good works revealed
in the Bible are living in rebellion against God and cannot be
doing the works that please Him.
Summary: Wise leaders (elders, evangelists, or any who lead), using
God ordained discipline, were a "must" in Crete (and elsewhere) in
order that "purity" may replace "contamination."
Introduction to Chapter Two
1. Titus 2 gives instruction to various groups.
a. Some say the Bible is not up to date.
b. They want to invent other things.
2. Some think we should give special emphasis to youth.
a. They do have special problems. 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Tim. 4:12
b. But some have made a cult out of youth.
i. Provide them with entertainment.
ii. Have exciting speakers (athletes, entertainers, etc.)
iii.But we need to teach the word to them.
3. Some older people think they can retire from the work of the
Lord.
a. "I've done my share."
b. There is no retirement age in the kingdom of God.
4. But Paul shows the fallacy of all these views by his instructions
regarding the four age groups.
a. He applies sound doctrine to life.
i. Aged men (didn't start with the young).
ii. Aged women.
iii.Young men.
iv. Young men.
2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound
doctrine:
1. Sound doctrine is to be taught.
a. The sound, health-giving doctrine
2. 5198 hugiaino
a. AV - sound 6, be sound 1, be whole 1, whole 1, wholesome
1, be in health 1, safe and sound 1; 12
i. To be sound, to be well, to be in health.
ii. Metaphor:
(1) Of Christians whose opinions are free from any
mixture of error.
(2) Of one who keeps the graces and is strong.
b. "Whole" - Luke 5:30-31; 7:10
"Safe and sound" - Luke 15:27
"Be in health" - 3 John 2
"Sound doctrine" - 1 Tim. 1:10;2 Tim. 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1
"Wholesome words" - 1 Tim. 6:3-5
"Sound words" - 2 Tim. 1:13
"Sound in the faith" - Titus 1:13
"Sound in faith, in love, in patience" - Titus 2:2
2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound
doctrine:
1. Paul placed emphasis on sound doctrine in his instructions to
Timothy and Titus. 1 Tim. 1:10; 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3; Titus 1:9,
13; 2:1-2.
a. Believers need to be grounded in the truth so that they won't
be swayed by:
i. A powerful orator.
ii. Tragic circumstances.
iii.The pull of emotions.
2. Knowledge and acceptance of sound doctrine should lead to
righteous living.
a. Behavior must match belief.
3. Paul gives Titus instructions on right behavior expected of
several classes of individuals in the church.
2:2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in
faith, in love, in patience;
1. Sober (temperate NASV).
a. Sometimes it means the opposite of drunkenness, but here it
has a broader meaning.
b. We might use the term balanced, showing that the older men
need to place proper emphasis on priorities.
2. Reverent (dignified NASV).
a. Titus should teach these older men to be worthy of respect.
b. They will be looked upon as having knowledge and
experience; thus, they need to act as dignified and honorable
adults.
3. Temperate (sensible NASV).
a. We control habits, not habits controlling us.
b. Refraining from everything that is harmful and injurious.
4. Soundness is threefold.
a. Sound in faith.
i. Nothing more discouraging to the younger generation.
ii. Ex. Solomon fell in his old age. Neh. 13:26
b. Sound in love.
i. It is easy to become embittered.
ii. Ex. "The younger generation is going to the dogs."
c. Sound in patience (perseverance NASV).
i. Sometimes they lose patience in the business meetings.
ii. Endurance (James 5:10-11)
(1) Consider the things Job lost (possessions, family,
health), yet he endured.
2:3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not
slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things --
1. "That they be in behavior as becometh holiness" (KJV)
a. It is a sacred profession; live accordingly. 1 Tim. 2:9-10
b. In old age some develop an attitude of bitterness, impatience,
irritability and do a lot of complaining.
2. "Not false accusers" (KJV), "not malicious gossips" (NASV)
a. Not raising suspicions, not being a gossiper, or talebearer.
b. Whether it is gossip demands a lot on the motive. Are we
saying it to help or hurt the individual? Are we resentful,
envious?
3. Not given to much wine.
a. Does this mean that she can have a little?
i. Paul left room for a little as he allowed Timothy. 1
Tim. 5:23
ii. For medical purposes; not social drinking (cocktail
parties). 1 Pet. 4:3-4
b. New Testament wine.
i. Strongest in Palestine had very low alcohol content. It
was not fortified with alcohol like our wines.
ii. The word "wine" can refer to "grape juice" or
"intoxicating wine." It is like our word cider.
iii.Not given to--not addicted to it.
4. Teachers of good things.
a. By word and example. Set a noble, excellent standard.
b. We have a shortage of older women teaching the younger.
2:4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to
love their children,
1. That they may admonish (teach KJV, encourage NASV, train
ASV). It is a word somewhat stronger than "teach."
a. "1) restore one to his senses, 2) to moderate, control, curb,
disciple, 3) to hold one to his duty, 4) to admonish, to exhort
earnestly." (Thayer)
b. Who would be better qualified? They have been there;
experienced, through the school of hard-knocks, etc.
i. It would be good for them to periodically have classes
for such.
ii. There are many areas in which they only can do the job.
2. To love their husbands.
a. We can learn to love.
i. People get divorced today and say, "I don't love my
husband\wife anymore." They need to re-learn.
b. In Paul's day the parents arranged the marriages. 1 Cor. 7:36-
38
i. The couple had to learn to love each other.
ii. The idea of "falling in love" or "falling out of love" is a
misnomer.
3. To love their children.
a. It does not come automatically. Rom. 1:21; Isa. 49:15
b. To love children involves more than providing food and
clothing.
i. They need much attention, teaching, restraint,
discipline.
c. Some mothers today seem to resent their children.
i. They want to be career women.
ii. Some teenagers are convinced they are not wanted.
d. If you are a nagger or complainer, your children may grow up
to do the same.
2:5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
1. To be discreet.
a. Careful, cautious to keep a good name.
i. It involves: attitude, appearance, behavior, dress.
2. Chaste.
a. Some young women are more interested in being "chased"
than being "chaste."
i. Our society teaches and encourages such.
ii. It teaches women how to be attractive to men
physically.
iii.It is sad that many Christian mothers are teaching their
daughters this instead of godliness.
3. Homemakers (keepers at home KJV, workers at home ASV, NAS,
to be busy at home NIV).
a. 1 Tim. 5:14 (manage the house NKJ, keep house NAS).
b. Not that it is wrong to work outside the home.
i. The worthy woman. Prov. 31:13,16,19,24
ii. Lydia and Priscilla. Acts 16:14; 18:2-3
c. God's ideal arrangement is for the woman to be in the home.
i. This is a necessity when the children are small.
ii. Ex. "Whose minding our kids?" Relatives? Nurseries?
Baby-sitters? Will anyone else do better in their
training? Prov. 22:6
d. Husbands will come home when they have something to come
home to.
2:5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
1. Good (kind NASV).
a. Good-natured, thoughtful, considerate, kindhearted.
b. Benevolent. Helping all, and a benefit to all.
c. She especially needs to be good and kind to her own family.
i. She must try to not let the strain or her duties make her
irritable, short-tempered, overly complain, or cruel.
ii. When a young wife and mother is super kind to visitors
and everyone else, something is desperately wrong.
2. Obedient to their own husbands.
a. Eph. 5:22-24; Col. 3:18; 1 Pet. 3:1-6
b. Not obedient to someone else's husband.
c. Our society encourages women (women's liberation
movement, National Organization of Women) to defy God's
arrangement.
i. The Christian women has been liberated in Christ.
ii. She gladly obeys Christ in all things that pertain to her.
3. That the word of God may not be blasphemed.
a. 1 Tim. 6:1
b. These things have to do with God's word being honored or
dishonored, respected or slandered, praised or blasphemed.
c. The way of truth will be evil spoken of by denominational
people when our ladies do not practice these things.
2:6 Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded,
1. Sober-minded (sensible NASV, self-controlled, NIV).
2. "1) to be of sound mind
a. to be in one's right mind
b. to exercise self control
i. to put a moderate estimate upon one's self, think of
one's self soberly
ii. to curb one's passions" (Thayer)
3. Whether the attention is focused upon morals or doctrine, young
men must place themselves under the discipline of the gospel.
a. They must guard themselves against being lead astray by they
own fleshly desires.
b. Thus must not be lead astray by the opinions and customs
which prevail in the world around them.
c. Let them never place their own conclusions, feelings, or
ambitions above the will of God.
Concl.
1. Let each of us ask, "Where is my place?"
2. Let us all strive to put sound doctrine into sound living.
2:7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in
doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
1. His life is to be a mold, pattern (from "typos," "to strike an
image") of the good works.
a. He is to practice what he preaches.
i. His teaching would carry no weight unless backed by
the pattern of his life.
b. The same is true of elders. 1 Pet. 5:3
c. But God doesn't have a double standard on sound living.
i. What applies to the preacher and elders applies to all.
ii. Brethren do have a right to expect a preacher (and
elders) to live up to what he teaches.
2. A good life gives one's words greater impact.
a. If you want others to live godly, be sure that you live that
way yourself.
b. You then will earn the right to be heard, and your life will
reinforce what you teach.
2:7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in
doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
1. In doctrine (from "didaskalia" which can mean either "the act of
teaching" or "the content of teaching"):
a. "Integrity" - "uncorruptness" KJV, "purity" NAS; in the
Greek it signified "untaintedness" as opposed to false
teaching.
i. His preaching was to maintain the teaching of Christ as
God gave it, unmixed with the teachings and
philosophies of men."
b. "Reverence" - "gravity" KJV, ASV, "dignified" NASV.
i. Teach in a dignified manner in accord with his
profound purpose. He is a teacher of the message of
eternal life.
c. "Incorruptibility" - "sincerity" KJV, "seriousness" NKJV.
i. He must be above seeking for popular applause and
praise of men. He is not an comedian or entertainer.
2:8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an
opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
1. The vocabulary of sound doctrine.
a. Thomas Campbell, "Let us speak where the Bible speaks, and
be silent where the Bible is silent." See 1 Pet. 4:11
b. Notice some of the distinct words of the O.T.: Levites,
tabernacle, candlestick, mercy seat, table of shewbread, urim
and thummim, Sabbath day.
c. The N.T. also had distinct words: Baptism, Lord's Supper,
Lord's day, church.
i. As men digressed from the truth, their vocabulary
changed: Patriarch, Archbishop, Pope, Ash
Wednesday, Lent, Good Friday, Christmas, Easter
Sunday, penance, mourner's bench, getting religion,
accepting Christ as you personal Savior, faith only,
imputation of Christ's righteousness, impossibility of
apostasy.
ii. Such is also true among brethren: campaigns,
fellowship halls, church of Christ doctrine, "I'm church
of Christ," church of Christ school, paper, preacher,
etc.
d. Our vocabulary reflects our soundness.
2. Our speech must conform to the Word of God whether private of
public.
a. There are some preachers who destroy they sound speech in
public by their unsound speech in private.
2:8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an
opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
1. Those on the outside (sometimes within) are always waiting and
watching for something evil to say of the man of God.
a. Set such an example in word and deed that they cannot
truthfully say evil things about you.
b. If and when they do, they will be put to shame when their
accusations prove to be groundless.
c. His exemplary life and speech will shame his opponents.
2. Thus, the teacher should present no legitimate opportunity for the
opposition to use an evil report against him.
2:9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be
well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
1. Slavery was a social relationship in the days of Paul.
a. Christ did not come to violently overthrow social practices.
b. He would do so by changing the hearts of men.
c. The "social gospel" goes about it in the wrong way.
2. Servants were to be obedient to their own masters.
a. They were to be obedient even to the abusive. 1 Pet 2:18
3. They were to please their masters in all things.
a. They were not to set their wills against their master's.
b. This, of course, does not refer to things contrary to God's
will. Acts 5:29
4. They were not to answer again.
a. Not to talk back, "not argumentative" (NASV).
b. They needed to show respect.
2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may
adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
1. They were not to steal. "Purloining," "pilfering," is petty
theft; that is, taking little things which they think are so small
as to be unnoticed.
a. The government allows employers a credit on their taxes for
such. Thus, it has become almost an accepted thing in our
society.
b. Such is ingratitude; "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."
2. They were to show all good fidelity.
a. Show the utmost trustworthiness. It is in their power to steal
or waste the master's possessions.
2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may
adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
1. They were to adorn the doctrine of God in all things.
a. "Adorn" - "make attractive" (NIV); from "kosmeo," "to
arrange, to put in order, to dress-up, to beautify." (See Vine
& Thayer).
i. Our English word "cosmetic" comes from this word.
b. By being good servants, they would make Christianity
attractive to their masters and all others.
c. The opposite is true here as well: If they were evil, it would
make the doctrine of God unattractive, unwanted. 1 Tim.
6:1-2
2. We all should strive to adorn the doctrine of God.
a. Businesses lose thousands of dollars each year to employee
theft and time wasting.
b. Christian employees should always do their best, and be
trustworthy.
2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all
men,
1. The grace of God (the message and benefits of the gospel) had
gone out into all the world. Col. 1:23
a. God's loving favor that brings salvation has been manifested
and is readily available to all.
2. The word "for" ties Paul's preceding words to this verse.
a. Paul had instructed Titus to speak to five groups of Christians
about some very important matters of godly living.
b. He here discusses the motives for practicing such things.
2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we
should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
1. The grace given resulted in words of instruction:
a. Negatively:
i. Denying ungodliness. Renouncing and rejecting all
wickedness and evil desires which are in rebellion to
God.
ii. Denying worldly lusts. Deny those lusts which belong
to this world. It refers to the inordinate longing for the
pleasures, power, possessions of this world.
b. Positively: (Its not enough to renounce ungodliness)
i. Live soberly. Looking within -- look seriously within
oneself. Duty to oneself.
ii. Live righteously. Looking without -- right doing;
fairness, honesty, justice in dealing with others. Duty
to one's neighbor.
iii.Live godly. Looking upward -- being God-conscious;
service, reverence, and devotion to God. Duty toward God.
2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our
great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
1. Reason: we look for something not of this present age.
a. Look for the blessed hope. Titus 1:2; James 1:12
i. "Hope" (elpis) throughout the N.T. refers to more than
wishful thinking. It is the anxious waiting for
something that is assured.
b. Look for the glorious appearing.
i. The word "appearing" is "epiphaneia." "Often used of
the glorious manifestation of the gods, and esp. of their
advent to help; in the NT the advent of Christ...that
illustrious return from heaven to earth to occur in the
future." (Thayer)
ii. The first time he came in poverty. Luke 2:7
iii.The second time He will come in glory. Phil. 3:20-21;
1 Thess. 4:16
2. The verse shows that Jesus is God.
a. While the phrase can be read both ways in the English, the
grammar supports it as a statement of Jesus' deity.
i. "A single definite article in Greek links the two terms."
b. The same construction appears in 2 Pet. 1:1, "our God and
Savior, Jesus Christ."
c. See John 20:28; Rom. 9:5; Heb. 1:8; 1 John 5:20
2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every
lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous
for good works.
1. "Gave" indicates that Christ death was clearly voluntary; "for us"
indicates "on our behalf"--He died in our place.
2. Paul gives the threefold consequence of Jesus' death:
a. To redeem ("lytroo" literally, "to release on receipt of
ransom") us from every lawless deed ("anomia" lit. "no law"
thus, without law, lawlessness, iniquity).
i. Washing away our past sins, and to lead us away from
sin.
b. To purify us for his own people.
i. "The Greek words underlying the translation 'a people
that are his very own' (laos periousios) first occur in
Ex. 19:5, and mean 'a peculiar treasure', ex. something
that belongs in a special sense to oneself." (Tyndale)
ii. We are cleansed by His power to make us His people.
iii.We are a peculiar people, that is, we belong to God
("His own possession" NASV, "a people that are His
very own" NIV).
c. To make us zealous ("zelotes") of good works.
i. He causes us to be eager and enthusiastic in living the
Christian life.
2:15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let
no one despise you.
1. He is to work in these three areas:
a. "Speaking" - Do not hesitate to discuss these important
matters in season and out of season.
b. "Exhorting" - He must urge these things upon the people;
give encouragement; persuade.
c. "Rebuking" - Some will need to be reprimanded. He must
point out their short-comings in reference to God's law.
i. He must remind the Christians that God will punish the
violators of His law.
2. "With all authority" -- Ex., through the Word; when one is
speaking God's Word, it is the same as God speaking.
a. We need to tremble at God's Word. Isa. 66:2
3. "Let no one despise you."
a. Let no one belittle, disdain, or scorn you.
b. Paul showed Timothy how this was done. 1 Tim. 4:12
4. We, too, should teach, encourage, and correct others when
necessary.
3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to
beready for every good work,
1. "Remind them." From "hupomimesko" lit. "keep on reminding"
them.
a. Rom. 15:15; 2 Pet. 1:12; 3:1-2; Jude 5; 1 Tim. 4:6
b. We learn by the three "R"s. Repetition, Repetition,
Repetition.
2. Keep reminding them of these things: (he lists seven here)
a. To be subject to rulers and authorities.
i. Christians are to obey civil law. Matt. 22:21; Rom.
13:1-7; 1 Tim. 2:1-4;
(1) Purpose of government. 1 Pet. 2:13-14
(a) Punish evildoers.
(b) Praise those who do right.
b. To obey. "To obey magistrates" KJV "to be obedient" ASV,
NASV, NIV
i. From "peithoarcheo" "peitho" to obey, and "archeo"
rulers or superiors.
c. To be ready to every good work.
i. "The immediate context is with the government but the
statement is not meant to be conformed to that."
(Knight, p. 333)
"fruitful in every good work" - Col. 1:10
"prepared to every good work" - 2 Tim. 2:21
"thoroughly equipped for every good work" - 2 Tim. 3:17
"ready to every good work" - Titus 3:1
"complete in every good work" - Heb. 13:21
"that they may see your good works" - Matt. 5:16
"This woman was full of good works" - Acts 9:36
"created in Christ Jesus for good works" - Eph. 2:10
"professing godliness with good works" - 1 Tim. 2:10
"well reported of for good works" - 1 Tim. 5:10
"the good works of some are clearly evident" - 1 Tim. 5:25
"that they may be rich in good works" - 1 Tim. 6:18
"showing yourself to be a pattern of good works" - Titus 2:7
"zealous for good works" - Titus 2:14
"be careful to maintain good works" - Titus 3:8
"learn to maintain good works" - Titus 3:14
"to stir up love and good works" - Heb. 10:24
"by your good works which they observe" - 1 Pet. 2:12
3:2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all
humility to all men.
d. We are to speak evil of no one. "to slander no one" NIV "to
malign no one" NASV
i. It is a human tendency to display the faults of others.
ii. Remember, tearing someone else down does not prove
us to be better. Eph. 4:31
e. To be peaceable. "to be no brawlers" KJV "not to be
contentious" ASV "to be uncontentious" NASV
i. We should not be quarrelsome; we should keep down
contentions, work for peace. Rom. 14:17
f. Gentle. "considerate" NIV
i. We are to be kind, considerate, courteous, "easy to be
entreated" James 3:17.
g. Showing all humility to all men. "showing all humility"
ASV, KJV "show true humility" NIV "showing every
consideration" NASV
i. In the original, the word "humility" is qualified by the
word "all" producing the "true" humility.
ii. "Showing some mildness toward some people might
not be so difficult..." (Hendriksen)
3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy,
hateful and hating one another.
1. Reflection upon our own former condition makes it easier for us to
be mild and kind toward others.
a. "We ourselves." "We too" NIV "We also" NASV
b. Paul includes himself and Titus along with the former lives of
the Christians in Crete.
2. Paul had listed seven areas of obedience (vss. 1-2), and here
seven areas of disobedience.
a. Foolish.
i. Senseless, without understanding. Not only ignorant,
but unable to discern the things of the Spirit.
b. Disobedient.
i. "...To both divine and human authority (Titus 1:6,10;
3:1; then II Tim. 3:2; Rom. 1:21,30), heeding neither
the voice of conscience nor the admonitions of parents
or the laws of civil magistrates." (Hendriksen)
c. Deceived.
i. Deluded, beguiled, mislead as to what would please
God or man.
3:3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy,
hateful and hating one another.
d. Serving various lusts and pleasures. "enslaved by all kinds
of passions and pleasures" NIV "enslaved to various lusts
and pleasures" NASV
i. Saves to those lusts they have never learned to control.
ii. Eph. 4:19 "with greediness;" they desire the pleasures
of sin and go greedily after them.
e. Living in malice.
i. Malice is a desire for evil directed toward another
person.
ii. In contrast to love (active good will), malice is active
ill-will and harm toward others.
f. And envy.
i. Stronger than jealousy. Not only anguish because
another is blessed, but seeking to harm another because
of it. Acts 7:9; Matt. 27:28
g. Hateful, and hating one another. "being hated, and hating
one another" NIV
i. "...Making themselves hated and hating one another."
(Liscomb)
ii. This the natural result of those with the above evil
attitude and action.
3:4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward
man appeared,
1. A change occurred. 3:4-7
2. Here the word love is "philanthropia" and is literally "love for
mankind."
a. Thus, it means "But when the kindness and love for mankind
of God our Savior appeared," Or, "But when God our
Savior's kindness and love for mankind appeared..." John
3:16; Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:9
3. After God had shown his kindness and love, we came to see that
the spirit of envy and hatred was contrary to God and to the good
of man.
3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
1. Not by works of human righteousness. "not by works done in
righteousness, which we did ourselves" ASV
a. Same lesson as in Eph. 2.8-10
i. There are four different kinds of works:
(1) Works of the law of Moses. Gal. 2.16
(2) Works of the flesh (devil). Gal. 5:21
(3) Boastful works of man's invention or devising.
(In Titus 3:5 and Eph. 2:8-9). Ex. tower of
Babel.
(4) Works of God's righteousness. Psalm 119:172;
Rom. 10:1-3
3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
1. It is through God's mercy that we are saved and not because of
any work we have devised. 2 Tim. 1:9
a. As of matter of fact, works of man's own devising only
condemn. Matt. 15:9; Col. 2:8,18
2. With the washing of regeneration. From "paliggenesia" which
means "new birth, reproduction, renewal, recreation,
regeneration" (Thayer)
i. Titus 3:5; John 3:5; and Eph. 5:26 are parallel. See
chart.
a. And renewing of the Holy Spirit.
i. The work is started and brought to completion by the
Holy Spirit.
ii. However, it is not miraculously, but rather a revealed
process. 1 Pet. 1:23; James 1:18; 1 Cor. 4:15
(1) Thus, to be born of the Spirit is to be born
again by the teaching of the Spirit.
"washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit"
"born of water and the Spirit" John 3:5
"washing of water by the word" Eph. 5:26
Baptism is the only washing connected with being born again.
Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21
3:6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our
Savior,
1. God has poured out the Holy Spirit through the merits and
mediation of Jesus Christ.
2. Most of the Commentaries see this as in the miraculous sense.
They say it is parallel to Acts 10:45.
3. Of course, Paul had received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in
the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
a. Many had received special gifts of the Spirit from the
hands of the apostles. Acts 8:15-19; 19:6
4. However, this is a reference to the general reception of the
Spirit by all Christians, as an expression of God's love and
mercy. Acts 5:32; Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:22
a. The Holy Spirit is in us in the accommodative sense: His
attributes, will, desire, teachings, are in us etc.
i. Ex. "I can see his father in him.
b. The Holy Spirit's presence is in us rather than His Person.
3:7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs
according to the hope of eternal life.
1. Christians have received a "not guilty" verdict, or "declared
righteous" on the basis of God's grace. Rom. 3:24; 4:25; 5:18
2. God through His grace and mercy offers us the opportunity to be
born into His spiritual family.
a. If we do not respond to His offer, we will die in our sins.
b. If we respond through an obedient faith, we become heirs of
eternal life through Christ.
i. To be heirs refers to our being children of God who
inherit all His riches. Gal. 3:29; 4:7
(1) In the human setting, heirs don't inherit until the
owner of the human estate dies.
(2) In the spiritual realm, we do not inherit until we
have died.
c. As of now, we are heirs-in-hope (hoping heirs), but some
day this hope will be realized. Rom. 5:5
3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm
constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to
maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
1. "Faithful saying" a trustworthy statement.
a. Those things (3:4-7) which he had just declared about the
mercy and grace of God which brings eternal life.
2. "Affirm constantly," "affirm confidently" ASV "stress these
things" NIV
a. From "diabebaioomia" which means "to affirm strongly,
assert confidently." (Thayer)
b. The word is used in only one other verse 1 Tim. 1:7. They
were affirming what they did not understand, but the same is
not to be true of Titus or any preacher of the gospel.
3. "That...careful to maintain good works."
a. "The doctrines which unfold to us that marvelous self-moved
grace, therefore, are to be strongly and constantly insisted
upon to incite to a life of holiness." (Liscomb)
b. Without affirming God's goodness, men are not moved to
good works. Rom. 2:4
4. "They were ordained for man's good. It profits men to walk in
them." (Liscomb.)
3:9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and
strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
1. "Foolish disputes" "foolish questions" KJV, ASV "foolish
controversies" NASV, NIV
a. Guard against unrevealed things because they involve
speculations. Deut. 29:29; Rom. 3:4
b. They will only gender strife. 2 Tim. 2:23
2. "Genealogies" lineage, decent. See 1 Tim. 1:4
a. The Jews loved to trace ancestries. They were still relying on
decent from Abraham.
b. This verse refutes Premillennialism.
3. "Contentions" "strifes" ASV, NASV "arguments" NIV
a. Strife, wranglings, quarreling, angry discussions.
b. Teaching a different doctrine most assuredly brings
contentions. 1 Tim. 6:3-5
4. "Strivings about the law."
a. Probably some useless speculations on the O.T. rules and
rituals.
b. We should avoid battling over foolish, frivolous, insignificant
points that don't matter.
5. Reason: "for they are unprofitable and useless."
a. They are often difficult to be settled; they are of no value
and practical importance even if they can be agreed upon.
3:10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,
1. "Divisive man" "a man that is a heretick" KJV "a factious man"
ASV
a. "...Now commonly applied to the one who holds some
fundamental error of doctrine...The true notion of the word is
that of one who is a promoter of a sect or party." (Barnes)
b. One can be divisive even though he is not teaching error.
c. This same word occurs in the following verses
i. Acts 5:17; 15:5; 24:5; 26:5; 28:22 "sect."
ii. Acts 24:14; 1 Cor. 11:19; Gal. 5:20; 2 Pet. 2:1
"heresy, heresies."
2. "Reject...after the first and second admonition"
a. At least that much, but not more than. This shows the
seriousness of the offense; those who cause division do much
damage.
b. The one who cannot be convinced that he is doing wrong by
being divisive, must be excluded from membership in the
congregation.
c. As Jesus said, "...Let him be to you as a heathen or tax
collector." (Matt. 18:17)
3:11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being
self-condemned.
1. "Warped" - "subverted" KJV "perverted" ASV
a. To teach a different gospel is to pervert the true gospel Gal.
1:6-9
b. "A man who persists in introducing things not commanded by
God walks directly against the way of salvation, sins, and
brings condemnation upon himself." (Liscomb)
2. "Being self-condemned."
a. "His continued sinful behavior and rejection of correction
indicate that he has put himself on the outside." (Moss,
College Press NIV Com.)
b. "A person's stubborn refusal to stop teaching false doctrine
and to stop causing division in the church (even after being
lovingly admonished) evidenced a perverted and sinful mind,
one that is self-condemned..." (Life Application Com.)
3:12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to
me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
1. As so often in his letters, Paul concludes with a few personal
comments.
a. These verses show that there was no headquarters over the
preachers but their places of labors were worked out among
themselves. ex. 1 Cor. 16:12
2. "Artemas." He is not mentioned elsewhere.
3. "Tychicus." Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12
a. Paul planned to send one of these men to Crete to fill in for
Titus so Titus could go to meet Paul.
4. "Nicopolis." (lit. "city of victory"). There were several cities
by that name, but most likely it was Nicopolis of Greece since it
was the closest to Crete and had a mild winter climate.
a. It appears that Paul hadn't arrived there yet, but was planning
to work there with Titus during the winter.
3:13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste,
that they may lack nothing.
1. "Zenas the lawyer." Nothing more is know of him. Since he has a
Greek name, he was probably a Roman lawyer, rather than one of
the Mosaic law.
2. "Apollos." Acts 18:24; 19:1; 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4,5,6,22; 4:6; 16:12
a. "They are not on Crete as yet, but are on their way (perhaps
with this letter), and when they arrive they are to be helped
on their way, and this is to be done in a diligent manner."
(DeWelt)
b. To "set forward" or "bring forward" is a N.T. term which
means to support, to supply the needs for travel. 3 John 5-8
3:14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet
urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
1. Titus could not himself provide the funds necessary for Zenas and
Apollos.
2. "Let our people" "Let all of us who are of the common faith, all
in our brotherhood."
3. "Maintain good works." "maintain or profess honest trades"
footnote KJV "profess honest occupations" footnote ASV
4. "To meet urgent needs" "for necessary uses" ASV "to meet
pressing needs" NASV "provide for daily necessities" NIV
5. "That they may not be unfruitful."
a. "Let Christians turn to work at things that are good to supply
needful purposes. In this help rendered to others, they are
not unfruitful." (Liscomb)
b. In the letters to evangelists, there are eight exhortations to
remind the brethren to be earnest and zealous in good works.
1 Tim. 2:10; 5:10; 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:21; Titus 1:16; 2:7,14; 3:14
3:15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the
faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
1. They are not named perhaps because Titus already knew who they
were.
a. In the later years, they always had many working together.
2. Their love way based upon a common faith. 1 Pet. 2:17
a. "The description those who love us in the faith brings out a
most intimate touch into the otherwise rather vague greeting."
(Tyndle N.T. Com.)
3. He wishes God's favor on all. No greater blessing can be secured.
4. "Amen" - "So it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled." (Thayer)
It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of
the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia. (End Note in KJV)
1. "These subscriptions are so utterly destitute of authority, and
are so full of mistakes, that it is high time they were omitted in
the editions of the Bible." (Barnes)
2. There were more churches than one on the island of Crete. Titus
1:5
3. It contradicts passages which reveal there was always a plurality
of bishops. Acts 14:23