New Testament
Titus 2
Overview
Against the empty talkers of chapter 1, Paul commands Titus to "teach what accords with sound doctrine" (2:1), then works systematically through the congregation: older men are to be sober and sound in faith; older women reverent and teachers of good, training the younger women to love their husbands and children and keep the home; younger men to be self-controlled; and Titus himself a model of integrity in his teaching. He gives bondservants a striking calling — to be honest and submissive so that "in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior" (2:10). The chapter then soars into one of the New Testament's great theological summaries: "the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age" (2:11-12). This grace teaches us to wait for "the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (2:13), who gave Himself to redeem us and purify a people for His own possession, zealous for good works. Paul ends by charging Titus to declare these things with all authority, letting no one disregard him.
1But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
9Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things ; not answering again;
10Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.