Titus 1:11-16

Silence the False Teachers

Elders must be able to silence, as when wind instruments cease to play, such false teachings (Titus 1:11). To stop them, they may answer them or deny them the pulpit, or both. Whole families could be led astray by their deceptive teachings (compare 2 Timothy 2:18). Sadly, Paul says their only purpose in such teachings was to gain shameful material wealth. No wonder Paul urged the Ephesian elders to take heed to themselves and the flock (Acts 20:28)!

Paul continues his description of the nature of the false teachers by quoting a Cretan poet. J. W. Roberts says Epimenides and later Callimachus wrote, "The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons." In fact, a Cretism was a lie. Obviously, such men were not interested in spiritual matters. Their one desire was to receive fleshly pleasure. Paul wanted such who were in the church to receive a sharp reprimand. Otherwise, some of the Cretan Christians might have gone back into that lifestyle. Also, Paul hoped such would turn the false teachers back to sound teaching in accord with the truth (Titus 1:12-13). Sound teaching would help the false teachers turn aside the myths of the Jewish teachers (Titus 1:14). It would enable them to ignore the commands of those teachers as well.

The pure see things, such as shoes, clothing, pots, etc., as pure and useful. However, the defiled man sees only defiled things (Proverbs 23:7). One can tell whether a man is of a pure or impure nature. He has only to look at his works. The false teacher will be found to be contemptible in God's sight, disobedient and unsuited to any good work (Titus 1:15-16; Matthew 7:15-20).