Bible Commentaries
Titus 1

Verses 1-16

Chapter 1

1 For what end Titus was left in Crete. 6 How they that are to be chosen ministers ought to be qualified. 11 The mouths of evil teachers to be stopped; 12 and what manner of men they be.

1. Paul, a servant of God, and an Apostle of Jesus Christ [in the other two so-called Pastoral Epistles addressed to Timothy, St. Paul simply styles himself an Apostle of Jesus Christ], according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness [more accurately rendered "and the full knowledge of the truth which is designed for godliness"; or, "which leadeth to godliness"].

2. In hope of eternal life [better translated "resting on the hope of eternal life"], which God, that cannot lie [possibly this singular and strong expression was chosen with reference to the peculiar vice of the Cretans, over which church Titus was then presiding (see v. 12)], promised before the world began [more accurately rendered, "from eternal ages" (see 2Ti 1:9 ). The promise of eternal life was the result of a divine purpose fixed from eternity].

3. But hath in due times ["but hath in his own seasons"] manifested his word [that is, his gospel. See Rom 16:25 ] through preaching [or, "in the preaching"], which is committed unto me [ lit. "with which I was entrusted"], according to the commandment of God our Saviour:

Note. The annotations are taken from The Commentary for Schools, edited by C. J. Ellicott, D.D., Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol. (London, Cassell & Co., Limited.)

4. To Titus, mine own son [alluding no doubt to their relation in religion] after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour [the expression is a rare one. We find it only in these Pastoral Epistles].

5. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee [or better, "as I gave thee directions].

6. If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful [believing] children not accused of riot [dissoluteness] or unruly [that is, disobedience to parents].

7. For a bishop must be blameless as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry [not soon provoked, or not irascible], not given to wine, no striker [not a brawler], not given to filthy lucre;

8. But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober [self-restrained], just [ or righteous], holy, temperate;

9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught [more literally, "according to" the teaching], that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

10. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

11. Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthly lucre's sake.

12. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts [referring to their wild, fierce nature, their ferocity, their love of cruelty], slow bellies [ rather, idle bellies. These terms point with sharp accuracy to another of the evil characteristics of the Cretan peoples their dull gluttony, their slothful sensuality].

13. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke [confute; set them right] them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

14. Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

15. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

16. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable [this is the only place where this strong expression is used in the New Testament. It signifies that the life and actions of these men, who professed to be his servants, had made them hateful in the sight of God], and disobedient [opposed to law and order], and unto every good work reprobate.