Titus 2:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

NIV: You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.

NASB: But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.

CSB: But you are to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching.

NLT: As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.

KJV: But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

NKJV: But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:

Chapter 1 ended with a discussion of false teachers. The first verse of chapter 2 shifts the focus back to Titus himself. In contrast to the false teachers, Titus was to instruct people according to "sound doctrine," or "sound teaching." Paul previously mentioned the importance of correct doctrine to Titus (Titus 1:9). He had also mentioned it to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:10), where he lists various sinful practices which are incompatible with sound teachings. Both of these passages explain sound doctrine as both a teaching and a way of life, which stands in stark contrast to sinful teaching and sinful living. As with many aspects of Jewish culture, life was viewed from a holistic perspective. Teaching and lifestyle were intimately connected.

Paul will also mention doctrine in Titus 2:10. There, he will connect a godly lifestyle with "good faith." Paul also explains there that this doctrine comes from God, not his own mind. This God is the God of both Titus and Paul.

Titus 2:1–10 is Paul’s instructions to Titus, regarding the way various groups within the church should be coached. It includes specific instructions for older men and women, younger men and women, and servants. Titus is to encourage traits such as faithfulness, respectfulness, dignity, and self-control. Living this way not only draws others to Christ, it leaves critics with no room to attack our faith.

Titus chapter 2 details instructions for various groups within the church. These include older men, older women, younger men, and younger women. Paul commands Titus to encourage these positive behaviors, and to correct anything which contradicts his teachings. Titus is also told to be bold, and authoritative, in his work.

Chapter 2 forms a bridge in the middle of Paul’s letter to Titus. Chapter 1 focused on the character traits of a church leader, contrasted to the immoral culture of Crete. 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 4:10:25 PM