Titus 2:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

NIV: while we wait for the blessed hope--the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

NASB: looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

CSB: while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

NLT: while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

KJV: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

NKJV: looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Verse 11 began a discussion on the grace of God, which continues until the end of chapter 2. Verse 13 refers to believers looking forward to a "blessed hope." This hope is the appearance of the glory of Christ. The New Testament mentions various "appearings" of Jesus. He appeared on earth as a human (2 Timothy 1:10). Jesus also appeared alive after His resurrection (Acts 1:3).

There will also be a future appearing, mentioned in this verse, as well as 1 Timothy 6:14, 2 Timothy 4:1, and 2 Timothy 4:8. This future event is the one referred to as the "blessed hope," a phrase the New Testament uses only here. This appearing will be "of the glory," indicating the coming of Jesus in power. Jesus is called "our great God," a reminder that Paul and Titus were fellow believers, and that Jesus is divine. Jesus is also called both Savior (Redeemer) and Christ. The term "Christ" is from the Greek word Christos, translated from the Hebrew term Mashiyach, or Messiah. These multiple titles emphasize the majesty of Jesus, and speak highly of His future coming.

Titus 2:11–15 explains the grace of God as something which encourages believers toward right behavior and right thinking. The previous Scriptures gave instructions for proper behavior of church members. Here, God’s grace is shown as the foundation on which traits such as self-control, respect, and godliness are built. Paul also commands Titus to teach these ideas boldly, and with authority.

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 5/2/2024 8:52:24 PM