Titus Chapter 2
1 But say the things which fit sound doctrine,
2 that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance:
3 and that older women likewise be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good,
4 that they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God's word may not be blasphemed.
6 Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded.
7 In all things be showing yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, be showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,
8 and soundness of speech that can't be condemned, that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us.
9 Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters and to be well-pleasing in all things, not contradicting,
10 not stealing, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Saviour, in all things.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
12 instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ,
14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.
15 Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.
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Titus Chapter 2 Guide
The apostle then proceeded to show what the behaviour of aged men, aged women, and young men in the Church should be. In connection with the behaviour of bond-servants Paul employed what is perhaps the most beautiful description of godly behaviour when he said, that "they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." While it is still only a theory doctrine lacks the manifestation of beauty. When, however, it is realized and manifested in human life its beauty at once appears. The value of a theory is always supremely apparent in the results it produces.
If these were the duties of the Church, the apostle now proceeded to show what were the resources at the disposal of every Christian. In a passage of singular beauty and power he declared the fourfold value of the grace of God. That grace appeared in the First Advent, and brought salvation to all men. Salvation, then, is the fundamental fact. It brings cleansing from sin, and enlightenment. Grace then proceeds to teaching. This teaching conditions the life of man in relation to all the forces with which it comes in contact. The word "soberly" refers to the world within; "righteously," to the world around; and "godly," to the world above. The life of the Christian is set in the light of the Second Advent, when there will be an epiphany of glory. All this is then set in the light of the work of Christ. The salvation which grace brings is experimentally the redemption from iniquity which Christ accomplishes. The instruction which grace imparts is the perfection which issues from identification with Christ. The denial of ungodliness results from the possession by God which Christ ensures. The hope which grace presents is the impulse to the service which Christ creates.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Titus Chapter 2 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The duties which become sound doctrine. -- (1-8)
- Believing servants must be obedient. -- (9, 10)
- All is enforced from the holy design of the gospel, which concerns all believers. -- (11-15)
Verses 1-8
Old disciples of Christ must behave in every thing agreeably to the Christian doctrine. That the aged men be sober; not thinking that the decays of nature will justify any excess; but seeking comfort from nearer communion with God, not from any undue indulgence. Faith works by, and must be seen in love, of God for himself, and of men for God's sake. Aged persons are apt to be peevish and fretful; therefore need to be on their guard. Though there is not express Scripture for every word, or look, yet there are general rules, according to which all must be ordered. Young women must be sober and discreet; for many expose themselves to fatal temptations by what at first might be only want of discretion. The reason is added, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Failures in duties greatly reproach Christianity. Young men are apt to be eager and thoughtless, therefore must be earnestly called upon to be sober-minded: there are more young people ruined by pride than by any other sin. Every godly man's endeavour must be to stop the mouths of adversaries. Let thine own conscience answer for thine uprightness. What a glory is it for a Christian, when that mouth which would fain open itself against him, cannot find any evil in him to speak of!
Verses 9, 10
Servants must know and do their duty to their earthly masters, with a reference to their heavenly one. In serving an earthly master according to Christ's will, He is served; such shall be rewarded by him. Not giving disrespectful or provoking language; but to take a check or reproof with silence, not making confident or bold replies. When conscious of a fault, to excuse or justify it, doubles it. Never putting to their own use that which is their master's, nor wasting the goods they are trusted with. Showing all good fidelity to improve a master's goods, and promote his thriving. If ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? Lu 16:12. True religion is an honour to the professors of it; and they should adorn it in all things.
Verses 11-15
The doctrine of grace and salvation by the gospel, is for all ranks and conditions of men. It teaches to forsake sin; to have no more to do with it. An earthly, sensual conversation suits not a heavenly calling. It teaches to make conscience of that which is good. We must look to God in Christ, as the object of our hope and worship. A gospel conversation must be a godly conversation. See our duty in a very few words; denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and godly, notwithstanding all snares, temptations, corrupt examples, ill usage, and what remains of sin in the believer's heart, with all their hinderances. It teaches to look for the glories of another world. At, and in, the glorious appearing of Christ, the blessed hope of Christians will be complete: To bring us to holiness and happiness was the end of Christ's death. Jesus Christ, that great God and our Saviour, who saves not only as God, much less as Man alone; but as God-man, two natures in one person. He loved us, and gave himself for us; and what can we do less than love and give up ourselves to him! Redemption from sin and sanctification of the nature go together, and make a peculiar people unto God, free from guilt and condemnation, and purified by the Holy Spirit. All Scripture is profitable. Here is what will furnish for all parts of duty, and the right discharge of them. Let us inquire whether our whole dependence is placed upon that grace which saves the lost, pardons the guilty, and sanctifies the unclean. And the further we are removed from boasting of fancied good works, or trusting in them, so that we glory in Christ alone, the more zealous shall we be to abound in real good works.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.