Home

Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO TITUS

CHAPTER TWO:
“SOUND MINDS AND HEALTHFUL TEACHING”

[“Exhortations to Health”]
Key word: Soundness
Theme verse: 1

Titus 2:1-5 – Keep Seeking Healthful Teaching

TI2:1 However, you [Titus], speak those things which are appropriate and suitable for healthy teaching. 46

46

Speak those things which are appropriate and suitable for healthy teaching: Or, KJV: which become sound doctrine; RHM: healthful instruction; TCN: sound Christian teaching. [1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 1:13] The early Church was not a lose conglomeration of independent congregations with divergent opinions. [1 Corinthians 1:9-11; see notes on Ephesians 4:13, 14]

TI2:2 Elderly men 47 should be – temperate, respectable, sound of mind, 48 healthy in the Faith, in compassionate affection, and in endurance. 49

47	Elderly men: Or, KJV: aged men; KNX: older men. Though the Greek is similar to that in Titus 1:5 most view these as older in years not in office. [1 Timothy 5:1] Paul now gives counsel to both sexes with a variety of ages. Some determined an older man to be over 40.

48

Temperate, respectable, sound of mind: Or, KJV: sober, grave, temperate; ASV: sober-minded; NASB: dignified, sensible; TCNT: serious and discreet; NEB: high-principled; BAS: simple in their tastes, serious, wise; KNX: decent, orderly. We get a view into the high morality of the early Church. If we compile these characteristics and apply them to one person we get a good idea of the type of person this Christian was.

49	Healthy in the Faith, in compassionate affection, and in endurance: Or, KJV: sound in faith, in charity, in patience; NASB: perseverance; CON: steadfastness. See notes on Titus 1:13.

TI2:3 Similarly, elderly women 50 should be – holy in behavior, not slanderers, nor enslaved to a lot of wine, teachers of goodness, 51

50	Similarly, elderly women: Or, KJV: aged women; RSV: older women. Likely those older than 40. [1 Timothy 5:2]

51

Holy in behavior, not slanderers, nor enslaved to a lot of wine, teachers of goodness: Or, KJV: behaviour as becoming holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine; ASV: reverent in demeaner; RHM: sacred persons; CON: deportment testify of holiness; NEB: not scandal-mongers; NASB: not malicious gossips; RHM: not given to intrigue. One of the most destructive forces in a congregation is a group or clique of gossips. [1 Timothy 3:11] The elderly Christian ladies are encouraged to be “teachers of goodness” which makes them examples of morality and virtue. The younger women have good role models to imitate. However, if these older Christian women are given to gossip and perhaps often tipsy, an unholy influence undermines the good done in the congregation.

TI2:4 so that they may encourage the young women 52 to be fond of [their] husbands, 53 fond of their children, 54

52

They may encourage the young women: Or, KJV: teach the young women; ASV: train. Though Christian women would not be appointed to any office of teacher or prophet in the early Church, this did not limit the good they could do in teaching the younger women. Paul goes on to list what these older ladies ought to teach the young females.

53

To be fond of [their] husbands: Or, KJV: love their husbands; CON: loving wives. (See Weymouth) The Greek is PHILANDROUS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5362] from which the English corruption “philanderer” comes with a contradictory meaning. It literally means “fond of males” and is usually rendered “love their husbands.” It does show that the older women should teach the younger to be fond of males and not hateful of them as if in a battle of the sexes.

54

Fond of their children: Or, KJV: love their children; KNX: treat their children lovingly. There may have been a particular problem on Crete for it is the nature of women to love their children unless there is another force at work. There can be no greater work in the Church than rearing the next generation.

TI2:5 sound of mind, pure, 55 workers at home, 56 good, 57 subjecting themselves to their own husbands, 58 lest the Word of The God be spoken about evilly. 59

55	Sound of mind, pure: Or, KJV: discreet, chaste; WMS: serious, pure. [James 3:17]

56

Workers at home: Or, KJV: keepers at hoe; WMS: homekeepers; BER: house-keepers; TCN: domesticated; PME: home lovers. Paul encourages the young women to be home-bodies, expending their energies in caring for their own home and house. Nowhere does he encourage women to follow a “career” or work outside the home. However, consider the good woman of Proverbs 31:10-31 and the wide range of latitude she had. She is a worker and not given to laziness. It is admitted that many women, including some Christian women, in the 21st Century will object to Paul’s inspired commands.

57	Good: Compare her goodness in Proverbs 31:10-31.

58

Subjecting themselves to their own husbands: Or, KJV: obedient to their own husbands; ASV: living in subjection to; ALF: submitting themselves; NEB: respecting the authority of; WMS: subordinate; PME: willing to adapt themselves to their husbands. A subject to repulse many modern Christian women. However, if the younger wives are to be taught to be in subjection, the older ladies must also set the example. [Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11:3; 14:34] Subjection is only necessary when the wife disagrees with a husband’s decision. When couples agree there is no need for subjection.

59

Lest the Word of The God be spoken about evilly: Or, KJV: not blasphemed; RHM: defamed; TCNT: maligned; BER: slandered; RSV: discredited; WMS: suffer reproach; MOF: scandal to the gospel. This is Paul’s main reason for the previous words of counsel for counsel of older women to the younger. Christian women were to be an example to the world of a godly mother and submissive wife. It may well be that the women of Crete acted in an atrocious way and those who became Christians had to make big changes.

Titus 2:6-10 – Keep Exhorting Sound Minds

TI2:6 Similarly, the younger men, 60 exhort them to be sound of mind. 61

60

The younger men: Likely males under 40. Note how John gives specific counsel to young men. See notes on 1 John 2:13, 14. Jewish priests “retired” at the age of 50 and thereafter became judges at the city gates. Throughout history the younger generation had great respect for their elders. Unfortunately, during more modern times this has become something of the past.

61	Exhort them to be sound of mind: Or, KJV: to be sober minded; WMS: sensible; KNX: live orderly lives; MOF: to be masters of themselves at all points; BEC: to use good judgment. The key idea is to be balanced and moderate in thinking and conduct. See notes on Romans 12:3. [1 Peter 5:5]

TI2:7 Above everything show yourself as a role model of good works. 62 Regarding your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, 63

62

Above everything show yourself as a role model of good works: Or, KJV: a pattern; WMS: worthy example; BER: an all-around example; KNX: the model of a life nobly lived. Titus, something of an “apostle” with powers to appoint, must himself be an example to imitate. [1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Timothy 6:18]

63

Regarding your teaching show integrity, seriousness: Or, KJV: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity; RHM: thine instruction; BER: teaching what is unadulterated and dignified. Paul notes moves on to Titus’ teaching manner as well as the need for him to adhere to healthy teaching or doctrine. [2 Timothy 2:15] His teaching must be loyal to the original pattern and have a dignified presentation.

TI2:8 healthy speech beyond reproach, 64 so that those who oppose may be ashamed 65 and having nothing bad to say about you.

64

Healthy speech beyond reproach: Or, KJV: sound speech, that cannot be condemned; GDSP: present a wholesome, unobjectionable message; PME: your speech should be unaffected and logical; NOR: your message should be true, your language correct and not open to criticism. No doubt this involved the language of Titus on a conversational level. [Colossians 3:8] As well as doctrinal matters. [1 Timothy 6:3]

65	So that those who oppose may be ashamed: Or, NOR: your opponent; MOF: the opposite side; CON: our adversaries. Even though a person may disagree if speech and conduct are above reproach it becomes frustrating to opposers who are looking for a reason to criticize. [1 Peter 2:15]

TI2:9 Slaves 66 need to continue subject to their own masters and to please them well in everything – not talking back,

66

Slaves: Paul nowhere opposes the social or cultural system among the Jews, Romans, and Greeks. See notes on Ephesians 6:5. The Law of Moses had precise regulations affecting the godly treatment of slaves. Though true slavery is rare in the modern work, economic slavery is not, and has become a worse form than the former.

TI2:10 not stealing, but rather demonstrating trustworthiness and goodness in everything – so that they may adorn the teaching 67 of our Savior God in everything.

67

So that they may adorn the teaching: Or, KJV: adorn the doctrine; MOF: an ornament to the doctrine; BER: beautify the teaching; PME: living testimonial to. Paul gives a similar reason for the good conduct of these Christian slaves as he did above for women – it reflects on the Church. The word “adorn” [adorning] is from the Greek KOSMOSIN and related to the source of the English word “cosmos.”

Titus 2:11-14 – Live with Soundness of Mind

TI2:11 For the unmerited favor of The God 68 – which is bringing salvation to all humans 69 – has appeared. 70

68	The unmerited favor of The God: Or, KJV: grace; RHM: favour; TCNT: loving-kindness; GDS: God’s mercy. See notes elsewhere on CHARIS. Though tradition may favor “grace” the closest English word is “charity” – that is, an unmerited, undeserved gift or favor.

69

Which is bringing salvation to all humans: Or, KJV: bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men; RHM: bringing salvation for all men; NOR: offering salvation to everyone. It s unlikely Paul means universal salvation. [See Romans chapter 2.] It seems NOR has the correct idea. [1 Timothy 2:4] Like the English word “all” the Greek PASIN [to all] has certain qualifications.

70	Has appeared: Or, NEB: has dawned upon the world with healing for all mankind. [Acts 17:29-31] The message of salvation has been introduced to the world through the Church.

TI2:12 Having rejected irreverence and worldly desires 71 [He] is instructing us to live in soundness of mind and righteousness and reverence during this present period of time. 72

71

Having rejected irreverence and worldly desires: Or, KJV: denying ungodliness and worldly lusts; RHM: worldly covetings; WMS: give up godless ways and worldly cravings; KNX: forego irreverent thoughts and worldly appetites; TCN: irreligious ways and worldly ambition. See notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:7. See notes on 1 John 2:16.

72

Instructing us to live in soundness of mind and righteousness and reverence during this present period of time: Or, KJV: live soberly, righteously, and godly; TCN: discreet, upright, and religious lives; MOF: self-mastery, of integrity, and of piety; KJV: in this present world; ABU: present age. The Christian living at any period of time in history is characterized by healthy thinking, is law-abiding, and known to be pious.

TI2:13 We continue to await that blessed hope of the glorious Appearing 73 of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. 74

73

We continue to await that blessed hope of the glorious Appearing: Or, KJV: glorious appearing; RHM: forthshining of the glory; MON: blessed hope and epiphany; NEB: when the splendour… will appear. It seems likely this is a reference to the future visible Return of Messiah. [See notes on Matthew 24:30.] That is, the revelation of Jesus Christ. [1 Peter 1:13; see notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:16; see notes on 1 John 2:28] The Greek often rendered “manifestation” is EPIPHANEIAN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2014-16, to show, bring to light, become visible] and literally refers to a lamp brought into a room to illuminate it.

74

Of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ: The exact phrasing of this verse is disputed with either a Unitarian or Trinitarian bias. The Greek would also allow for either two different persons appearing or it may address Jesus Christ as “mighty God.” The later is not incorrect for the Hebrew Text of Isaiah 9:6 does call Messiah “Mighty God.” Many translations prefer “of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” This would indicate Paul understood Jesus to be “god.” The above rendering is from the RSV which has a footnote as most others do to indicate there is an alternate phrase: “of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.” This would be more consistent with Paul’s normal phraseology as he is careful to always differentiate between The God and Jesus Christ. So, it comes down to punctuation whether there will be a trinitarian or unitarian bias. Thus, some alternate renderings are: 1934 “of the great God and of our Savior Christ Jesus” (The Riverside New Testament, Boston and New York); 1935 “of the great God and of our Saviour Christ Jesus” (A New Translation of the Bible, by James Moffatt, New York and London); 1950 “of the great God and of our Savior Christ Jesus” (New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures); 1957 “of the great God and of our Savior Jesus Christ” (La Sainte Bible, by Louis Segond, Paris); 1970 “of the great God and of our Savior Christ Jesus” (The New American Bible, New York and London); 1972 “of the great God and of Christ Jesus our saviour” (The New Testament in Modern English, by J. B. Phillips, New York) An Idiom Book of New Testament Greek, by C. F. D. Moule, Cambridge, England, 1971, p. 109, the sense “of the great God, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ… is possible in koi·ne’ Greek even without the repetition [of the definite article].” The Authorship of the Fourth Gospel and Other Critical Essays, by Ezra Abbot, Boston, 1888, pp. 439-457 (page 452): “Take an example from the New Testament. In Matt. xxi. 12 we read that Jesus ‘cast out all those that were selling and buying in the temple,’ [tous po·loun’tas kai a·go·ra’zon·tas]. No one can reasonably suppose that the same persons are here described as both selling and buying. In Mark the two classes are made distinct by the insertion of tous before agorasontas; here it is safely left to the intelligence of the reader to distinguish them. In the case before us [Tit 2:13], the omission of the article before [so·te’ros] seems to me to present no difficulty, – not because soteros is made sufficiently definite by the addition of [he·mon’] (Winer), for, since God as well as Christ is often called ‘our Saviour,’ [he do’xa tou me·ga’lou The·ou’ kai so·te’ros he·mon’], standing alone, would most naturally be understood of one subject, namely, God, the Father; but the addition of I·e·sou’ Khri·stou’ to so·te’ros he·mon’ changes the case entirely, restricting the soteros hemon to a person or being who, according to Paul’s habitual use of language, is distinguished from the person or being whom he designates as ho The·os’, so that there was no need of the repetition of the article to prevent ambiguity. So in 2 Thess. i. 12, the expression ka·ta’ ten kha’rin tou The·ou’ he·mon’ kai ky·ri’ou would naturally be understood of one subject, and the article would be required before kyriou if two were intended; but the simple addition of I·e·sou’ Khri·stou’ to ky·ri’ou makes the reference to the two distinct subjects clear without the insertion of the article.” Henry Alford, in The Greek Testament: “I would submit that [a rendering that clearly differentiates God and Christ, at Titus 2:13] satisfies all the grammatical requirements of the sentence: that it is both structurally and contextually more probable, and more agreeable to the Apostle’s way of writing.” (Boston, 1877, Vol. III, p. 421) A Grammar of New Testament Greek (Moulton-Turner, 1963): “The repetition of the art[icle] was not strictly necessary to ensure that the items be considered separately.” Dr. Nigel Turner: “Unfortunately, at this period of Greek we cannot be sure that such a rule [Sharp’s] is really decisive.” (Grammatical Insights into the New Testament, 1965) Professor Alexander Buttmann: “It will probably never be possible, either in reference to profane literature or to the N[ew] T[estament], to bring down to rigid rules which have no exception… ” (A Grammar of the New Testament Greek)

TI2:14 [Jesus Christ] gave himself on our behalf 75 that he might redeem us from all lawlessness 76 and also might cleanse for himself a people as his possession, 77 [Psalm 130:8; Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 14:2] zealous for good works. 78

75	Gave himself on our behalf: Or, NEB: sacrificed himself for us. See notes on Matthew 20:28.

76

He might redeem us from all lawlessness: Or, KJV: from all iniquity; BAS: all wrongdoing; PME: rescue us from all our evil ways. See notes on Ephesians 1:7. [Galatians 1:4; Colossians 1:14] Salvation has an early or first element: being saved out of this wicked world by faithful obedience. On the word “lawlessness” see notes on Matthew 7:21, Matthew 13:41; 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

77

Might cleanse for himself a people as his possession: Or, KJV: purify unto himself a peculiar people; NEB: make us a pure people marked out for his own; MOF: secure himself a clean people. It is clear from Paul’s letter that the Nazarene community was an example of moral uprightness. See notes on 1 Thessalonians 4:3. [1 Peter 2:9]

78	Zealous for good works: Or, RHM: noble works; GDS: eager to do right; KNX: ambitious of noble deeds; TAY: real enthusiasm for doing kind things for others. See notes on Ephesians 2:10. Good works characterize the Nazarene community.

Titus 2:15 – Speak, Exhort, Reprove

TI2:15 Continue to speak and encourage all these things. 79 Also reprove with every command. 80 Permit no one to disregard you. 81

79	Continue to speak and encourage all these things: Or, KJV: these things speak, and exhort; WMS: continue teaching; NEB: these, then, our your themes. Titus provides an example for modern elders. It is curious to examine contemporary teachers whether they teach these things.

80

Also reprove with every command: Or, KJV: rebuke with all authority; GDSP: urge and insist upon; GDS: full authority; NEB: speak with authority. This is no shrinking violet. Even Jesus was recognized because he “taught with authority.” [See notes on Matthew 7:29.] He is not without solid opinions and convictions regarding the “doctrine.” On the word “command” it should be noted that the KJV Receive Text uses a different word than the Westcott-Hort and Nestle-Aland.

81

Permit no one to disregard you: Or, KJV: let no man despite thee; GDSP: look down on you; WMS: belittle you. How does one do this? If Titus is treated lightly as to his authority he must demonstrate that he, in fact, has such apostolic authority. [1 Timothy 4:12] If necessary he will rebuke in public.

Summary of Chapter Two

Paul now gives counsel to elderly men and women, as well as young women. He lists several attributes which would characterize Christians. His main concern in doing this is to make sure the Church is not spoken of abusively because poor conduct of its members.

Paul counsels Titus regarding what he should speak to younger men and slaves. The motive for this is not to bring reproach upon the Church.

The grace of God leads to rejecting ungodliness and worldly pleasure. Christ gave his sacrifice to save us from unrighteousness and impurity. The Christian Church is characterized by good works. Paul encourages this apostolic elder to reprove if necessary and never allow anyone to disrespect his authority.

Review Questions on Chapter Two