Titus 2

KJV · Chapter 2/3

1But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

9Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

10Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

📖 Chapter study

Summary

Paul instructs Titus to teach appropriate conduct for the different groups in the church — older people, women, young people, and servants — so that their lives reflect well on God's teaching. He reminds them that God's grace teaches us to live righteously while we wait for Christ's return.

Explanation

The specific instructions for each age and social group reflect the customs and social structures of the first century, but the central principle remains just as relevant today: daily life should confirm, not contradict, the message one professes to believe. The phrase about 'looking for that blessed hope' ties everyday behavior to the future hope of Jesus' return, joining ethics and eschatology together. The application for today is that the credibility of faith is proven day by day — in how we treat family, work, and relationships — far more than in what we say.

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