SOUND DOCTRINE] cp. Titus 2:2, 'sound in faith.' The context shows that this is soundness not in intellectual opinions, but in the inculcation of uprightness of life. In Christ's day 'faith' was always regarded as spiritual; in the apostolic age, nearly always so; but in the apostolic age the tenden... [ Continue Reading ]
VARIOUS INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN LIFE AND DOCTRINE 1-15. 'In giving sound doctrine, to offset false teaching, put the first emphasis on the need of character, because Christ is our reward, and very soon. And do thou, Titus, set a good example, and maintain thine own authority.'... [ Continue Reading ]
THE AGED MEN] Not the elders in an official sense, but simply the old men.... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHAVIOUR] All outward department; not simply dress on the one hand; not inner thoughts on the other. NOT GIVEN TO MUCH WINE] RV 'enslaved to much wine.' Cretans, both men and women, were notorious drinkers: cp. Titus 1:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
TEACH] RV 'train,' a much better word.... [ Continue Reading ]
KEEPERS AT HOME] Another Gk. text (adopted in RV) gives 'workers at home.' BLASPHEMED] The Cretans would say, 'See how they treat their husbands, _that_ is Christianity!' 7. St. Paul now turns to Titus personally. Even if he had recently seen him, it was not unnatural to press a warning upon 'his... [ Continue Reading ]
SERVANTS] i.e. 'slaves.' Slaves made up a considerable proportion of early Christian congregations; and, often being more intelligent than their masters, could influence them in spiritual things. 11. The RV is again more accurate than AV: 'For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to a... [ Continue Reading ]
TEACHING] better,' disciplining,' or even (as Luther), 'chastising.' THAT] purpose, 'in order that.' THIS PRESENT WORLD] lit. 'this present age'; i.e. before Christ's reappearing.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BLESSED HOPE is 'the appearing.' The apostolic age cannot be understood without constantly keeping in mind that the Christians expected Christ's return in glory within their generation. GLORIOUS APPEARING] This should be (as in RV),' appearing of the glory.' The' glory' is the visible majesty of... [ Continue Reading ]
LET NO MAN DESPISE THEE] i.e. push these counsels home so gravely and thoroughly that men will heed thee: cp. 1 Timothy 4:12.... [ Continue Reading ]