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 patience: 3 and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; 4 that they may train the young women 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 showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching 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 Savior, 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 world; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, 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 man despise you.
In the previous chapter, the apostle had directed Titus what to do in the organization of churches in the various cities of Crete, and had put him on his guard in doing it, by showing the character of the people he had to deal with. In this chapter he gives him various instructions as to his own method of teaching, showing what kind of doctrines he should inculcate, and what kind of instructions he should give to the various classes of his hearers. He was, in general, to speak only such things as became sound doctrine; Titus 2:1. In particular he was to instruct aged men to be sober, grave, and temperate - acting in a manner that became their time of life, Titus 2:2; the aged women to be a proper example to the younger females, and to exercise a proper care over them, Titus 2:3-5; the young men to be sober-minded, Titus 2:6; Titus himself, who evidently came under the class of young men, was to be an example to them in all things, Titus 2:7-8; and servants were to be instructed to perform their duty to their masters with fidelity, Titus 2:9-10. The duty of giving these instructions is then enforced by a reference to the nature and design of the gospel; Titus 2:11-15. That grace which brings salvation has appeared to all mankind, and its design is to make all holy who embrace it, and to teach all to live for a higher and a better world.
Sundry directions to aged men, Titus 2:1, Titus 2:2. To aged women, Titus 2:3. To young women, Titus 2:4, Titus 2:5. To young men, Titus 2:6. Directions to Titus, relative to his own conduct, Titus 2:7, Titus 2:8. Directions to servants, Titus 2:9, Titus 2:10. What the Gospel of the grace of God teaches all men, Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12. The glorious prospect held out by it; salvation from all sin, and final glory, Titus 2:13-15.
INTRODUCTION TO TITUS 2
In this chapter the apostle exhorts Timothy to the discharge of his office with respect to all sorts of persons, of every age, sex; and condition, he was concerned with, giving reasons for it, taken from the nature of the Gospel of Christ: he exhorts him in general to insist in his public ministry on those things, which were agreeable to sound doctrine, Titus 2:1 and particularly what became aged men and aged women, and young men and young women, Titus 2:2 in all which, both with respect to doctrine and practice, he desires him to be a pattern to them, that so even his very adversaries may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of him, Titus 2:7. And next he charges him to exhort servants, to obey their masters, and seek to please them, and not contradict them, and to be faithful to them; that so the doctrine of God their Saviour, professed by them, might be adorned in all things, Titus 2:9. And the reasons why the apostle would have duty urged on persons of every age, sex, and state, are taken from the nature of the Gospel being a doctrine of grace and salvation, which was preached to all sorts of persons, Titus 2:11, and from the efficacy of it, in teaching men to deny sin, and live a holy life and conversation, Titus 2:12 and from an expectation of eternal glory and happiness at the appearance of Christ, which the Gospel encourages to, Titus 2:13; and from the end of Christ's giving himself for his people, and redeeming them from sin, the sum and substance of the Gospel, which was, that they might be purified, and be zealous of good works, Titus 2:14 and these exhortations were to be delivered by Titus with authority, and in such a manner, that he might not be despised, Titus 2:15.
(Titus 2:1-8) The duties which become sound doctrine.
(Titus 2:9, Titus 2:10) Believing servants must be obedient.
(Titus 2:11-15) All is enforced from the holy design of the gospel, which concerns all believers.
SUMMARY.--Duties of the Aged. Of the Young Men and Women. Of Servants. Christian Life. Christian Hope.
*More commentary available by clicking individual verses.