Titus 2

Instructions for Various Groups

¹But say the things which fit sound doctrine,

²that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance,

³and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good,

⁴that they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children,

⁵to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God’s word may not be blasphemed.

⁶Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded.

⁷In all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,

⁸and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned, that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us.

⁹Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters and to be well-pleasing in all things, not contradicting,

¹⁰not stealing, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.

The Grace of God and Christian Living

¹¹For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

¹²instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;

¹³looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

¹⁴who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

¹⁵Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.

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Next Titus 3

Paul provides Titus with specific instructions for teaching different groups within the Cretan church community, emphasizing how sound doctrine should translate into practical Christian living. He addresses older men and women, younger wives and men, and servants, calling each group to behaviors that reflect their faith and protect the church's reputation. The chapter culminates in a theological foundation for these ethical instructions, grounding Christian conduct in God's grace, Christ's redemptive work, and the hope of His return.

Context

Following chapter 1's focus on church leadership qualifications and confronting false teachers, chapter 2 shifts to practical instructions for different demographic groups within the church community.

Key Themes

Outline

1-2
Sound Doctrine and Older Men Paul instructs Titus to teach sound doctrine, beginning with expectations for older men to be temperate and mature in faith.
3-5
Instructions for Older and Younger Women Older women are called to reverent behavior and teaching younger wives in domestic virtues and family relationships.
6-8
Guidance for Young Men and Titus Young men are exhorted to be sober-minded while Titus is called to exemplify integrity in his teaching and conduct.
9-10
Instructions for Servants Servants are urged to demonstrate faithfulness and good conduct toward their masters to honor God's doctrine.
11-14
Theological Foundation: Grace and Redemption Paul explains how God's grace teaches believers to live righteously while awaiting Christ's return and remembering His redemptive sacrifice.
15
Titus's Authority Paul concludes by affirming Titus's authority to teach, exhort, and reprove with confidence.

Instructions for Various Groups

2:1–2:10

epistle instruction solemn

Paul provides specific behavioral instructions for different groups within the church - older men and women, young wives, young men, and servants - to reflect sound doctrine through their conduct.

person_contrast

Paul's instructions span six distinct social roles (older men, older women, young women, young men, servants, and Titus himself), creating the most comprehensive household code in his letters.

The Grace of God and Christian Living

2:11–2:15

epistle instruction hopeful

Paul instructs about God's grace that brings salvation and teaches righteous living while awaiting Christ's return. He emphasizes Jesus' sacrificial work to redeem and purify a people zealous for good works.

person_contrast

While Jesus typically appears in contexts of authority and judgment throughout the New Testament, this passage uniquely pairs his authority with transformative grace that actively instructs believers in righteous living.

Insight Character Study

Paul's instructions span six distinct social roles (older men, older women, young women, young men, servants, and Titus himself), creating the most comprehensive household code in his letters.

Insight Character Study