Titus Chapter 2:1-8/Commentary

Titus Chapter 2:1-8 Titus 2:1-9 “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. 3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored. 6Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us”

Introduction “From the ghastly picture of the false teachers and the baneful results of their errors, the apostle turns to a consideration of the ethical obligations which the Gospel places upon believers. The entire paragraph stressed the fact that sound doctrine must find its fruitage in good deeds. The Gospel places this obligation upon every believer regardless of the station of life in which he may find himself. The Christian’s duty and usefulness lie exactly in, not outside of, the circumstances under which his life is lived” (Hiebert p. 46).

“The different age groups, the different sexes, and the different social positions were all to so live as to bring no dishonor upon their Christian 1

profession” (Reese p. 348). This chapter also gives every Christian a very practical way to counteract the influence of the false teachers mentioned in the previous chapter.

2:1 “But as for you”: In contrast to what the false teachers teach, Titus is to be active in teaching God’s truth. Christians must be diligently teaching the truth because false teachers are persistent and diligent in what they are teaching. “He must teach sound doctrine as actively as they teach error” (Hiebert p. 47). “Speak”: This emphasizes the importance of preaching and oral teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). The word “speak” is in the present tense. He must continue to speak. “The things which are fitting for”: “Of such subjects as properly have a place in sound Christian teaching” (TCNT). “Be fitting, be seemly or suitable” (Arndt p. 699). “Sound doctrine”: “The Gospel, as the vehicle of Christ’s healing power over the soul of everyone that believeth, is not only healthful in its nature but bears healthfully on the conduct of men” (Hiebert p. 47).

False doctrine does lead to moral compromise in one’s life, while sound doctrine will issue in a godly life. Holding to the correct doctrine is essential for one’s salvation. Doctrine does matter for doctrine is nothing more than the truth (2 Timothy 4:2-3). The Bible warns us about doctrines to avoid (Colossians 2:22; 1 Timothy 4:1; Ephesians 4:14). Christians are also commanded to give heed to the right doctrine (1 Timothy 4:6,13; 5:17; 2 Timothy 1:13; 3:10).

2:2 “Older men are to be temperate”: These are not necessarily elders but older men in the congregation. Compare with 1 Timothy 5:1. In fact, 1 Timothy 5-6 contains the same groups that are here mentioned in Titus 2. “Philo used the term to refer to a man over 60 years of age” (Reese p. 349). Please note that God commands Titus to instruct older men, God does not believe that age exempts one from instruction or the need to change. The aged need special instructions and so do the 2

young. Every age has its bad tendencies and temptations. “In the closing years of the 20th century, one of every four persons is over 60 years of age. Preachers have a large group of senior citizens to instruct” (Reese p. 349). “Are to be”: These are not suggestions and neither is it an ideal but unrealistic condition. Older Christian men must “be” the following. “Temperate”: Literally abstaining from wine, either entirely, or at least from its immoderate use (Thayer p. 425). “Literally, unmixed with wine, wineless” (Hiebert p. 48). Then clear-headed, selfcontrolled, “not given to excess in anything” (Lipscomb p. 271). Sober in judgment and thoughtful in contrast to the carelessness and youth.

“When a man has reached years of seniority, he ought to have learned what are, and what are not, real and true pleasures” (Reese p. 350).

2:2 “Dignified”: “An old Christian man should be such a person that younger men can look up to and admire” (Reese p. 350). “The word points to seriousness of purpose and to self-respect in conduct” (Vine p. 173). “High-principled” (NEB); “Decent” (Knox). Some men, when they get older, are tempted to return to a second-childhood.

“Sensible”: Of sound mind, prudent, thoughtful, and self-controlled.

Someone who is not trying to live in the past or on faded memories (Ecclesiastes 7:10). “The old men should be the balance wheels in the congregation, keeping its course steady” (Hiebert p. 48). “Sound in faith”: (Titus 1:13). Either sound in one’s faith or sound in the faith (Colossians 1:23). Some times as one grows older one is tempted to compromise and become “soft” on various issues (see 1 Kings 11:4).

“Soundly established in faith” (Knox); “Healthy in their faith” (Rhm). As one grows older one must also be growing in their faith (2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 10:39). “Over the years, men should learn not to trust God less, but to trust God more” (Reese p. 350).

2:2 “In love”: That is, sound in love as well. “There is a puny faith, a sickly love, and a misdirected patience” (P.P. Comm. p. 24). The Christian man must resist the temptation to grow bitter, vindictive, and 3

pessimistic as they encounter various trials in life. “Does this suggest that one danger of old age is that men, if they are not careful, may drift into censoriousness, and criticism, and fault-finding. Over the years it is fatally possible to lose one’s kindly sympathy and beneficial actions towards others” (Reese p. 351). “In perseverance”: Steadfastness, constancy, endurance, literally an abiding under, fortitude (Romans 2:7; Hebrews 10:36; 12:1). “When one grows old and physical strength begins to fade away, there is a temptation to relax one’s moral and spiritual strength as well. Though the body is growing weaker, there is no reason one cannot grow stronger in his fortitude” (Reese p. 351). “It pictures that brave patience with which the Christian endures the trials and tribulations of life without losing heart or courage. It is very needful in old age with its increasing infirmities, disappointed aspirations, and growing loneliness” (Hiebert pp. 48-49).

2:3 “Older women likewise”: In like manner, in the same way. “After the same general pattern, to which the separate virtues above mentioned belong” (Alford p. 1424). As older men must be taught and must set a definite example, so older women must do the same. The Scriptures elevate the status of women and also bring responsibilities as well. “Are to be reverent in their behavior”: The term “behavior” would include attitude, speech, conduct and dress. The term “reverent” means, “suited to a sacred character, that which is befitting in persons, actions, or things consecrated to God” (Vine p. 106). Compare with 1 Peter 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:10; Ephesians 5:3; 4:1; 2 Timothy 2:21. The idea is “priest-like”. “What a inspiration for service such a saintly grandmother can be in her family circle!” (Hiebert p. 49).

“Getting along in years and being freed from the heavier household work, a woman may begin to feel free from other responsibilities also.

She becomes careless about personal appearance (who cares how I look?) She no longer guards her tongue (everybody does it nowadays).

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She doesn’t bother to keep her room tidy (nobody lives here but me)” (Reese pp. 352-353).

2:3 “Not malicious gossips”: ‘Old age can at times be intolerant, censorious, even bitter, forgetful especially of the days of youth. Senior saints must use their voice for better things than gossip” (Reese p. 353).

The term “malicious gossips” means to accuse one unjustly. “Scandal mongers” (NEB);:”Given to intrigue” (Rhm). Slander can result from envy or jealousy, and it can also result from boredom and idleness. The very fact that “slander” comes from the word “diabolos” (devil), demonstrates how seriously God views innuendo and half-truths (Proverbs 6:16-19).

2:3 “Nor enslaved to much wine”: Observe the appropriateness of the phrase, the alcoholic is definitely enslaved. “Circumstances may have made an elderly lady especially vulnerable to alcoholism. She may have time on her hands, and a wee nip now and then may help to relieve her boredom. She may find it hard to go sleep at night, and alcohol is an ancient and effective tranquilizer. She may be annoyed by a variety of petty aches and pains that seem to be lessened by a few drinks. Before she knows it, the lady may be enslaved to much wine” (Orrin Root).

Compare with 1 Timothy 5:23; 3:8. “Teaching what is good”: As opposed to spreading gossip. “A teacher of goodness” (Thayer p. 322); “Teachers of virtue” (Rhm). That which is winsome and attractive.

“Some specific good things that older women were to teach are apparently identified in the next two verses” (Reese p. 354).

2:4 “So that”: One important result or purpose of their good example and good teaching. “They”: All older women should strive to be able to help younger women. “May encourage”: “To restore to one’s senses; to moderate, control, curb, discipline” (Thayer p. 613). “Encourage, advise, and urge” (Arndt p. 802). As young men need to be trained, encouraged and admonished in the right direction, so young women 5

need training as well. This encouragement is to come from personal example, teaching, admonishing and exhortation. “The young women”: Which would include their own daughters. Older women are far more effective and qualified to be wise advisers in problems of married life “than young counselors deep in theory but short on experience” (Reese p. 354). Older women make good marriage and family counselors—if they are faithful and good Christians. This also reveals that Titus needs help from other members of the congregation if everyone is going to be taught.

2:4 “To love their husbands”: “To be affectionate to their husbands” (Wey); “How to treat their husbands lovingly” (Knox). “Fond of one’s husband” (Robertson p. 602). “Their first duty is to make home life attractive and beautiful by love of husband and children. Modern trends show how vitally necessary affectionate wives and mothers are today” (Hiebert p. 50). At times in the East marriages were arranged and the two who married then had to learn to love each other, but really the same is true with all marriages. Young husbands can also be thoughtless, and if the young woman is not careful, she can allow her love to grow cold. The term love in this passage does carry the meaning of not only doing what is best for your mate but of also having affection for one’s mate and children. “To love their children”: In contrast to those who lack natural affection (Romans 1:31; 2 Timothy 3:3). In light of the tremendous amount of child abuse that happens in our society, this is truly a needed teaching. Loving one’s children involves teaching them the truth (Ephesians 6:4), giving them a good example to follow, and providing consistent and diligent discipline (Proverbs 13:24). It is tempting for a young mother who seems overwhelmed to resent her children. “Little children take a lot of time, and even at times can be so exasperating as to tend to leave the mother cross and irritated. Careers (such as 20th century mothers pursue) do not excuse mothers from these responsibilities. Here on earth Paul would never let these young mothers desert, or even for a moment forget, their first and chiefest 6

duties. Their work, let them remember, lay not in the busy world. Their first duty was to make home life beautiful by the love of husband and child” (Reese p. 356).

2:5 “To be sensible”: To use good judgment, self-controlled, prudent, thoughtful, discreet. “Characterized by calm foresight, wisdom and prudence” (Reese p. 357). “Pure”: In look, dress, thoughts, and behavior young Christian women need to be pure (1 Peter 3:2). Discreet in their relations with others. “Workers at home”: “Homekeepers” (Wms); “Domesticated” (TCNT); “To keep house” (Beck), “Home lovers” (Phi). “Keeping at home and taking care of household affairs” (Thayer p. 442). Compare with 1 Timothy 5:14. Caring for the home is the idea, that is, the home is her primary concern and is not neglected. “When the Scriptures regularly speak of the mother at work in the home, we should be slow to encourage young women to do otherwise” (Reese p.

358). Thus the above phrase describes the active housewife (Proverbs 31:10-31). The text from which the KJV is translated reads “stayers at home”. The Nestle text reads “workers at home”. The sense of the passage is that the home is her main and primary concern, everything else in this life must take second place to that area of service.

Managing the affairs of the household is her special area of service.

Please note that there is nothing in Scripture that teaches that the husband and wife are allowed to permanently trade roles, that is she works and he takes care of the home. There may be times when a woman needs to work to care for her invalid husband, keep food on the table because he has been laid off, or support herself because her husband has died.

2:5 “Kind”: Good natured, kind hearted, gracious and thoughtful to others. “A young women needs to be careful lest the constant strain of domestic duties make her irritable and sharp in her words” (Reese p.

359). “Being subject to their own husbands”: “Respecting the authority of” (NEB) “Women who really love their Master Jesus should 7

take care that, as far as in them lay, the law of subordination in the family to its rightful head should be lovingly and carefully carried out. It is not more degradation for the young women to be submissive to her husband, than it is for men to be submissive to Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3)” (Reese p. 359). In fact, to this day, people in the world scorn both the wife who dominates her husband and the husband who allows her to do it. This “rules out any thought that the Gospel alters established relation between husband and wife” (Hiebert pp. 50-51).

The tense here (passive) indicates that the Christian wife will voluntarily accept this divinely ordained relation to her husband. While women have equal access to God in Christ (Galatians 3:28; 1 Peter 3:7), God’s created role for the woman remains the same (Genesis 2:18).

2:5 “So that”: All of the above qualities are very important! “The word of God will not be dishonored”: “Discredited” (RSV); “A good advertisement for the Christian faith” (Phi). “The impact of their lives is of vital importance to the cause of Christianity. If the women of the church fail to manifest such character Paul fears lest the whole Gospel be vilified. The elevating and refining impact of Christianity upon womanhood is one of the significant social contributions of Christianity” (Hiebert p. 51). “It is hard to make any one believe there is any good in your doctrine if it has not done you any good” (Romans, Whiteside).

Compare with 1 Timothy 5:14; 6:1; Romans 2:24; 2 Samuel 12:14; Matthew 5:13-16. “The passage before us shows how much the honor of Christianity is bound up with the faithful discharge by Christians of the simple domestic duties of life. In truth the family is the chief seat, and often the main test, of Christian virtue” (P.P. Comm. p. 25). Please note that a good home is earned with hard work, effort, and sacrifice.

As Christians we need to remember that by our lives we can either adorn or discredit the gospel message. To this day the world still judges a congregation on the basis of how the individual members act, what their marriages are like, and how their children behave.

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2:6 “Likewise”: In the same way. In like manner young men, and young husbands and fathers need teaching as well. “Urge”: “To call a person to one’s side”. To exhort, encourage and admonish. “Young men to be sensible”: To be reasonable, serious, keeping one’s head, using good judgment, to be self-controlled, curbing one’s passions. Young men are tempted to be carefree when they should be serious.

Thinking sensible means: Curbing your pride and realizing that the world does not revolve around you (Romans 12:3). Controlling your thoughts and guarding your mind against evil thoughts (Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 4:23). Remembering that God will judge (Ecclesiastes 11:9).

Observe that self-control is expected of all ages and groups of Christians.

2:7 “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds”: The expression “all things” may apply to the previous verse, “sensible in all things” or as the NASV states in the above passage. “Show yourself”: The language implies that Titus himself is still a young man. “The task of influencing the other young men in the churches belongs especially to him. He is to show them what is expected by his own example” (Reese p. 362). Compare with 1 Timothy 4:12. In addition, young men are tempted at times to criticize and yet fail to act themselves.

“Example”: An example to be imitated, a pattern. “Of good deeds”: (Titus 3:8; 2:16). We will be judged by our deeds (Matthew 25:31ffl 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 2:10; James 1:22; 2 Timothy 3:17).

2:7 “With purity in doctrine”: Which would include teaching the truth faithfully without addition and subtraction and teaching it from pure motives. He is to present the Gospel in such a clear and courageous way that it will be evident to everyone that Titus is not motivated by peer pressure, power, lust, or the favor of men. Young men need this example, for at times young, impressionable men are susceptible to error. “His attitude in all his teaching is not to be self-seeking; he must 9

preach without fear or favor” (Reese pp. 52-53). The term “purity” means, “unpolluted, uncorrupted, unviolated, in a state of virginal purity” (Reese p. 364). Compare with 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:2.

2:7 “Dignified”: Honestly, integrity, upright in one’s dealings, seriousness, respectfulness, holiness. “In your teaching, you must show integrity and high principle” (NEB). “Be sincere and serious in your teaching” (Mof). In his public teaching and private he must never forget he was the teacher of a message of eternal life, a teaching manner that compliments the seriousness of the message. This could include careful preparation and dignity in the presentation of the truth.

2:8 “Sound in speech which is beyond reproach”: In light of 2:7, the “speech” in this verse may be a reference to his personal conversations as well as presentation of the gospel. The term “sound” means “healthy, practical, restorative”. “Titus’ every-day speech is to be the kind of words that will help spiritually sick people get well” (Reese p. 365).

Titus must resist the temptation to speak hastily, without thinking or out of anger. “Our speech ought to be so true, so uplifting, so helpful that no one can find fault with it even if he wants to” (p. 365). “Your message should be true, your language correct and not open to criticism” (Nor). With the truth Titus will offend some people, but he must be careful that the truth offends and not his opinions or manner of presentation.

2:8 “So that the opponent”: Let us remember that the people of God do have opponents. “Whether we like it or not, there are ‘contrary’ people with whom the church must deal” (Reese p. 365). “Will be put to shame”: “So that anyone who opposes us will feel foolish” (Beck).

The opponent will be put to shame when it is clearly revealed by the behavior of Titus and other Christians that the accusations are false against God’s people. “Having nothing bad to say about us”: Christians do not punch the clock, they must be the same people at services as 10

well as everywhere else. We must strive to present the best example possible. Compare with 1 Peter 2:15; 3:16. “Us�: Which would include Titus, Paul and others. The conduct of one Christian can and does reflect on the lives of all other Christians. Any failure on the part of Titus would reflect in the eyes of the world upon the credibility of what Paul was teaching.

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