Titus 1:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

NIV: in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,

NASB: in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,

CSB: in the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

NLT: This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God — who does not lie — promised them before the world began.

KJV: In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

NKJV: in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,

This verse continues Paul's introduction, including three important phrases. First, "in hope of eternal life" refers to Paul's future hope of eternity with Christ. This is something he longed for, and desired for his Jewish brothers as well as Gentiles (Romans 1:16). The second phrase, "which God, who never lies," confirms an often-mentioned promise about God's truthful nature (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:18). God is referred to using the Greek word apseudes, meaning "true," or "without falsehood." This stood in contrast with Crete's cultural practices, which often saw lying as an acceptable behavior. In part, this was because they worshipped Zeus, a god who frequently used deception in order to have sexual relations with mortal women.

Titus 1:1–4 introduces the letter from Paul to Titus, who was left on Crete in order to oversee the churches there. Paul refers to himself as a “bond-servant,” or “slave” of Jesus Christ. He makes it clear that Titus and Paul share a common faith, and a common Savior.

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.

Chapter 1 focuses on the character traits of a church leader, contrasted to the immoral culture of Crete. Specific instructions are given for elders, and a means for dealing with false teachers. Chapter 2 explains the ideal traits of church members, especially in their acts towards each other. Chapter 3 will focus on the relationship between Christians and their surrounding culture.

The book of Titus is a letter written by the apostle Paul, to a Christian leader on the island of Crete. This is one of Paul’s three Pastoral Epistles, where he offers instructions to younger believers caring for large groups of others. Paul uses the book of Titus to emphasize the importance of selecting church elders carefully. Many of the topics discussed in Titus are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Though the details of this message are specifically for Titus, and the believers of Crete, they offer insight useful for churches today.

Accessed 5/6/2024 11:41:20 PM