What does Titus 1:14 mean?
The false teachers discussed in verses 10–16 were to be rebuked regarding two specific areas. Verse 14 specifies these issues. First is the error of reaching beyond the Mosaic law, and the teachings of the apostles. Jesus dealt with some of the extra traditions Jewish religious teachers had added to the Torah. For example, some had added special rules regarding hand washing (Matthew 15:20). Paul, in the same way, isn't speaking against the Torah, but against inaccurate interpretations of it.Second, Paul is concerned over instructions coming from those who had rejected the truth. Some had embraced the teachings of the false teachers and accepted their words as truth. Paul tells Titus to rebuke these people sharply (Titus 1:13), in order to stop this problem immediately. Christians were not to follow the commands of people who turn away from the truth. Instead, they were to follow the good news of Jesus, as taught in His word.
Titus 1:10–16 explains the proper way to deal with false teachers. On the island of Crete, some men taught that circumcision was required for Christians, which caused entire families to fall apart in argument. Titus is commanded to counter these claims strongly—to “rebuke them sharply.” The purpose of this response was to lead people to correct doctrine.
Chapter 1 introduces the letter from Paul to Titus. Paul describes the requirements for being appointed a church leader, such as an elder or pastor. The text then transitions into a description of how to “rebuke” false teachers. These are the requirements Paul expects Titus to follow when selecting leaders for the local churches of Crete.
