Verses 1-2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
In the Bible, chapters and verses did not exist. These were added many years later to help people find different parts of the book they were studying with greater ease. This letter to Titus from Paul should be read as it was written, all at once. Therefore, there should not have been a pause between verse 16 in chapter one and the verses above. In chapter one Paul was talking about unruly and vain talkers and deceivers and in the verses above he is contrasting how Titus (and all believers) should talk. Believers should speak of things that enhance sound doctrine and not cause confusion. The Greek word translated as “doctrine” is “didaskalia” and it means teaching, instruction, and precepts. Since it is the elders (seniors) of the church who are tasked with the job of teaching and preaching the doctrine of Jesus Christ, Paul gives some necessary guidelines for the behavior of these elders.
Application: Because so many churches have made the term “elder” into a position in the church, this writer realizes that it is difficult to adjust to thinking that the word elders refers to aged men and aged women. Again, the Apostolic Church only had two positions: bishops and deacons. The modern churches can do what they want and call things what they want, but if they desire to be completely scriptural in their structure, the position of elder should not be in place and the positions of bishop and deacon should be held by people that are advanced in age. This writer has seen 20 year old men voted in as elders in various churches that this writer has attended. Was this scriptural? Think about what the word actually means. The Greek word is “presbuteros” and it means older of age, advanced in life, an elder, or a senior. Will having elders as positions in a church stop the gospel message or stop the salvation of souls? Of course not. But God is a god of order and, just as He had Moses build the Tabernacle in the wilderness to His precise specification, perhaps the structure of the Church should be just as He set it up in the first century, AD. Think about it.
Verses 3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Paul now addresses the behavior of the older women in the Church. Remember, he had left Titus in Crete to set things in order, and Paul wanted to be sure Titus was choosing the right people for the right positions for the right or desired outcome of that church so that it would be glorifying to the LORD.
Application: It is a sad fact that women can be gossips and false accusers. It seems to be a female trait more than a male trait. Gossip and false accusations can destroy a Church. Perhaps that is why Paul addressed this behavior first.
Notice that Paul, both in these verses and in verse 7 of chapter one, commands seniors to “not be given to wine” and he does not forbid the drinking of wine outright. What Paul does command is for the person not to be drunk. When in a drunken state, a person cannot think or behave in a manner pleasing to the LORD and that lack of control invites into that person an evil spirit as the drunken person is vulnerable to demonic attacks. A drunken person is not a good witness to the unbeliever of the sovereignty of God over the person’s life.
Notice that the aged women were to be “teachers of good things”. Although Paul goes on to list the things to be taught to young women, this writer believes that “good things” include the message of hope in the Gospel and the truth of Scripture. This writer may be wrong, but sincerely believes that teaching the Bible to others can be and should be a role for elders who are female and who meet the requirements listed in this letter to Titus. Otherwise, this web site would not exist!
The Greek word translated as “blasphemed” is “blasphemeo” and it means to be evil spoken of, reviled or railed at. People watch those who claim to be Christians. If they see behavior or hear conversation that is not Christ-like, they speak evil of the Church in general and of the LORD Jesus Christ. This is unfortunate as it is the individual person who is sinning and who should bear the blame. Knowing this, it is therefore paramount that believers be aware of their surroundings and be aware of their emotions, behavior and their tongues. Believers are a reflection of a holy God. They need to act that way.
Verses 6-8 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Paul goes on to tell Titus how to deal with young men in the Church. The best way to teach or train anyone is to set the right example. Titus is exhorted to do just that. If Titus is to lead a church, he must be above reproach at all times. This can only be accomplished by having the presence of the Holy Ghost/Spirit dwelling within a person, guiding and convicting the person in Christ-like behavior.
Verses 9-10 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Paul addressed the behavior of young women in verses 4-5 above when speaking about how elder women were to teach the younger women. Now he deals with the behavior of servants. They were to be obedient and not argue with their masters. The word, “purloining”, means to keep back or embezzle or appropriate for one’s own use. In other words, servants were to be trustworthy with the things of their masters. They were to please their masters in all things and therefore be a visible witness to the teachings of the LORD.
Application: Believers are servants of the LORD Jesus Christ. Just as the servants of men were instructed to behave in the above verses, so the servants of God should be obedient to His commanments, not arguing with the LORD when instructed to do something. They should please the LORD in all things, and the word “all” means all. They should not steal from God in anyway so that they benefit, and that includes not stealing time and treasure that is entrusted to them by the LORD. They are to be living witnesses to the Gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ and to the Christian life here on the Earth so that unbelievers will see the love of Christ in action.
Verses 11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Paul made an amazing statement in verse 11 above. He said that the undeserved love of God that leads to the salvation of the soul has appeared to all men. Remember that the Bible is written in the masculine tense, so by extension, God’s grace has appeared to all women also. That means that no one has an excuse that they did not know God’s grace was available to them. Particularly in these modern times, there is no place on the face of the Earth where there is not cell phone capability, internet or television. Anyone can view a Christian program from various churches around the world and learn about the LORD Jesus Christ and the truth of the Gospel. Missionaries have gone out to all the people of the Earth at one time or another. God is no respecter of persons and He is not going to limit His word from reaching different people groups and then condemn them to Hell for not accepting Him into their lives when they did not know about Him. Romans 1:18-20 states, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”
Verses 13-14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
While living a Christ-like life on the Earth, Paul reminded Titus and all believers reading this epistle that the end goal is looking for the appearing of the LORD Jesus Christ. He is the “great God” and He is “our Savior” and He has redeemed (liberated the believer from the payment required for sin) all believers by His sacrificial death on the cross so that all believers can be his special people and lead others by example and by righteous communication and behavior.
Verse 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2)
Paul commands Titus to comfort, instruct and correct the believers in the Church at Crete with all authority and not to worry about other men that might not agree with him. Titus was to take charge and to set in order the things that needed to be addressed so that this church would be righteous and holy unto the LORD and a bright light in a dark world.