Bible Commentaries
Titus 2

Verses 1-10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verses 11-15

( b) Titus 2:11-15 . Its Doctrinal Basis.— The transformed lives thus required from different groups are rendered possible by God’ s own grace, revealed in the Incarnation. This, for all men ( 1 Timothy 2:4), is a saving grace, bringing ( a) ethical discipline ( Titus 2:12), ( b) the inspiration of the Second Advent hope ( Titus 2:13), and ( c) the Atonement on which so great redemption rests ( Titus 2:14). All this ( Titus 2:1-14) Titus must impress authoritatively. The association of the largest motive with the conduct inculcated is in the true Pauline manner ( cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9, Php_2:1-11 ).

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

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

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