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Titus 2

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Titus 2
Teach Sound Doctrine

1But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
CHAPTER 2

Tit 2:1-15. Directions to Titus: How to Exhort Various Classes of Believers: The Grace of God in Christ Our Grand Incentive to Live Godly.

1. But ... thou--in contrast to the reprobate seducers stigmatized in Tit 1:11, 15, 16. "He deals more in exhortations, because those intent on useless questions needed chiefly to be recalled to the study of a holy, moral life; for nothing so effectually allays men's wandering curiosity, as the being brought to recognize those duties in which they ought to exercise themselves" [Calvin].

speak--without restraint: contrast Tit 1:11, "mouths ... stopped."

doctrine--"instruction" or "teaching."
The Pulpit Commentary
Befit for become, A.V.; the sound for sound, A.V. But speak thou, etc. The apostle now brings out, in full couldst with the vain talk of the heretical teachers, the solid, sober teaching of a true man of God, in harmony with the sound doctrine of the gospel of Christ. The sound doctrine (τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλία); as in 1Ti_1:10 (where see note). In 1Ti_6:1 ἡ διδασκαλία by itself means "the Christian faith," "the doctrine of the gospel." The varying phrases, ἡ καλὴ διδασκαλία, ἡ κατ εὐσεβείαν διδασκαλία, and ἡ ὑγιαινοῦσα διδασκαλία, all mean the same thing, with varying descriptive qualifications (see 1Ti_6:10). The article "the" is not required.
Instructions for Aged Men and Women

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2. sober--Translated "vigilant," as sober men alone can be (1Ti 3:2). But "sober" here answers to "not given to wine," Tit 2:3; Tit 1:7.

grave--"dignified"; behaving with reverent propriety.

temperate--"self-restrained"; "discreet" [Alford], (Tit 1:8; 1Ti 2:9).

faith ... charity [love] ... patience--combined in 1Ti 6:11. "Faith, hope, charity" (1Co 13:13). "Patience," Greek, "enduring perseverance," is the attendant on, and is supported by, "hope" (1Co 13:7; 1Th 1:3). It is the grace which especially becomes old men, being the fruit of ripened experience derived from trials overcome (Ro 5:3).
The Pulpit Commentary
Aged for the aged, A.V.; temperate for sober, A.V.; sober-minded for temperate, A.V.; love for charity, A.V. Temperate (νηφάλιος); as 1Ti_3:2, (where see note). Grave (σεμνούς); as 1Ti_3:8, 1Ti_3:11 (see too 1Ti_2:2; 1Ti_3:4). Sober-minded (σώφρονας); as Tit_1:8, note. Sound (ὑγιαίνοντας); see Tit_1:1, note, and Tit_1:13, where, as here, the word is applied to persons, as it is in its literal sense in 3Jn_1:2. Faith … love … patience. We have the same triad in 1Ti_6:11. In 1Co_13:13 we find "faith, hope, love." In 1Th_1:3 the apostle joins "work of faith, labor of love," and "patience of hope," which last phrase seems almost to identify patience and hope (cutup. too Rom_8:25; Rom_15:4). We must not miss the important warning, not only to have some kind of faith, love, and patience, but to be healthy and vigorous in our faith, love, and patience. There is a puny faith, a sickly love. and a misdirected 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;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3. behaviour--"deportment."

as becometh holiness--"as becometh women consecrated to God" [Wahl]: being by our Christian calling priestesses unto God (Ep 5:3; 1Ti 2:10). "Observant of sacred decorum" [Bengel].

not false accusers--not slanderers: a besetting sin of some elderly women.

given to much wine--the besetting sin of the Cretans (Tit 1:12). Literally, "enslaved to much wine." Addiction to wine is slavery (Ro 6:16; 2Pe 2:19).

teachers--in private: not in public (1Co 14:34; 1Ti 2:11, 12); influencing for good the younger women by precept and example.
The Pulpit Commentary
That for the, A.V; be reverent in demeanor for that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, A.V.; slanderers for false accusers, A.V.; nor for not, A.V.; enslaved for given, A.V.; that which is good for good things, A.V. Reverent (ἱεροπρεπεῖς); only here in the New Testament, twice in 4 Maccabees; it is not uncommon in classical Greek. The word means "becoming a holy person, place, or matter;" otherwise expressed in 1Ti_2:10, "which becometh women professing godliness;" and Eph_5:3, "as becometh saints." In demeanor (ἐν καταστήματι; Of much wider meaning than καταστολή in 1Ti_2:7); here only in the New Testament, once in 3Ma 5:45, "a state" or "condition," spoken of elephants; and so in classical Greek, applied to a man, to health, to the air, or the body politic. Here mien, demeanor, or deportment, including, as St. Jerome expounds it, the movements of the body, the expression of the countenance, what is said, and what is left unsaid. The whole habit and composition or structure of mind and body is to be ἱερόπρεπες, what becomes a holy woman. Slanderers (διαβόλους); as 1Ti_3:1-16. (q.v.). Nor enslaved to much wine. Observe the fitness of the phrase "enslaved." The drunkard is thoroughly the slave of his vicious appetite (cutup. TitusTit_3:3; Rom_6:16; 2Pe_2:19). Teachers of that which is good (καλοδιδασκάλους); only here in the New Testament, not found in the LXX., or in classical Greek; teachers, by their holy demeanor as well as by their words. For as Ignatius (quoted by Ellicott) says of the Bishop of the Trallians, "His very demeanor (αὐτὸ τὸ κατάστημα) was a great lesson (μοθητεία)."

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
4. to be sober--Greek, "self-restrained," "discreet"; the same Greek as in Tit 2:2, "temperate." (But see on Tit 2:2; compare Note, 2Ti 1:7). Alford therefore translates, "That they school (admonish in their duty) the young women to be lovers of their husbands," &c. (the foundation of all domestic happiness). It was judicious that Titus, a young man, should admonish the young women, not directly, but through the older women.
The Pulpit Commentary
Train for teach … to be sober, A.V. Train (σωφρονίζωσι); only here in the New Testament, not found in the LXX., but common in classical Greek in the sense of to "correct," "control," or "moderate," which is its meaning here. Ellicott renders it "school". The A.V. "teach to be sober" is manifestly wrong. To love their husbands (φιλάνδρους εἷναι); here only in the New Testament, not found in the LXX., but occasionally, in this sense, in classical Greek. To love their children (φιλοτέκνους); here only in the New Testament, not found in the LXX. except in 4Ma 15:4, but not uncommon in classical Greek.

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. keepers at home--as "guardians of the house," as the Greek expresses. The oldest manuscripts read, "Workers at home": active in household duties (Pr 7:11; 1Ti 5:13).

good--kind, beneficent (Mt 20:15; Ro 5:7; 1Pe 2:18). Not churlish and niggardly, but thrifty as housewives.

obedient--rather "submissive," as the Greek is translated; (see on Ep 5:21, 22; Ep 5:24).

their own--marking the duty of subjection which they owe them, as being their own husbands (Ep 5:22; Col 3:18).

blasphemed--"evil spoken of." That no reproach may be cast on the Gospel, through the inconsistencies of its professors (Tit 2:8, 10; Ro 2:24; 1Ti 5:14; 6:1). "Unless we are virtuous, blasphemy will come through us to the faith" [Theophylact].
The Pulpit Commentary
Sober-minded for discreet, A.V.; workers for keepers, A.V. and T.R.; kind for good, A.V.; being in subjection for obedient, A.V. Sober-minded (σώφρονας); as in Tit_2:2 and Tit_1:8; 1Ti_3:2. "Discreet" is nearer the sense than "sober-minded." Perhaps the French sage is nearer still. Workers at home (οἰκουργούς, for the T.R. οἰκουρούς). Neither word occurs elsewhere in the New Testament or in the LXX., nor does οἰκουργός in classical Greek. But οἰκουρός, which is probably the true reading (Huther), is common in good classical Greek for "stayers at home." It is derived from οἷκος and οὗρος, a "keeper." Kind (ἀγαθάς). The idea of kindness or good nature seems to be the side of goodness here intended; as we say, "He was very good to me" (so Mat_20:15 and 1Pe_2:18). Kindness is the leading idea in ἀγαθός. Obedient (ὑποτασσόμενας). These identical words occur in 1Pe_3:1 (see too Eph_5:22; Col_3:18). That the Word of God be not blasphemed (see 1Ti_6:1). St. Paul complains that the Name of God was blasphemed among the Gentiles on account of the evil deeds of the Jews (Rom_2:24; see Eze_36:20-23). Our Lord, on the other hand, exhorts that Christians, by their good works, should lead men to glorify their Father which is in heaven. The passage before us shows how much the honor of Christianity is bound up with the faithful discharge by Christians of the simple domestic duties of life. In truth, the family is the chief seat, and often the main test, of Christian virtue, as it is the distinctive feature of humanity as ordained by God.
Instructions for Young Men and Servants

6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. Young--Greek, "The younger men."

sober-minded--self-restrained [Alford]. "Nothing is so hard at this age as to overcome pleasures and follies" [Chrysostom].
The Pulpit Commentary
The younger for young, A.V. The younger (see 1Pe_5:5, where, however, the νεώτεροι are contrasted with the πρεσβύτεροι, as in 1Ti_5:1; here with πρεσβύτας in 1Ti_5:2).

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. In--with respect to all things.

thyself a pattern--though but a young man thyself. All teaching is useless unless the teacher's example confirm his word.

in doctrine--in thy ministerial teaching (showing) uncorruptness, that is, untainted purity of motive on thy part (compare 2Co 11:3), so as to be "a pattern" to all. As "gravity," &c., refers to Titus himself, so "uncorruptness"; though, doubtless, uncorruptness of the doctrine will be sure to follow as a consequence of the Christian minister being of simple, uncorrupt integrity himself.

gravity--dignified seriousness in setting forth the truth.

sincerity--omitted in the oldest manuscripts.
The Pulpit Commentary
An ensample for a pattern, A.V.; thy doctrine for doctrine, A.V.; R.T. omits sincerity (ἀφθαρσίαν), which is in the T.R. In all things (περὶ πάντα); as 1Ti_1:19 (περὶ τὴν πίστιν); "concerning, in the matter of" (Ellicott on 1Ti_1:19). St. Jerome and others connect these words with the preceding clause, "to be sober-minded in all things." But it is usually taken as in the text, "in all things showing thyself," etc. Showing thyself, etc. With regard to the somewhat unusual addition of the reflexive pronoun to the verb in the middle voice, Bishop Ellicott remarks, "Emphasis and perspicuity are gained" by it. An ensample (τύπον). Huther remarks that this is the only passage in the New Testament where τύπος is followed by a genitive of the thing. In 1Ti_4:12 the genitive is of the person to whom the example is given, in word, in conversation, etc., and in 1Pe_5:3, τύπος τοῦ πομνίου. Of good works (comp. Tit_3:8). Note the stress laid by St. Paul upon Christian practice as the result of sound doctrine. Mere talk is absolutely worthless. Uncorruptness (ἀφθορίαν, or, as T.R., ἀδιαφθορίαν); only here in the New Testament, and not in the LXX. or in classical Greek. Ἀφθορία has the best manuscript authority; but the sense of ἀδιαφθορία as deduced from the good classical word ἀδιάφθορος, which means among other things "incorruptible"—not to be influenced by entreaties or bribes—seems to make it preferable. The word describes the quality of the teacher rather than of his doctrine. He is to preach the truth without fear or favor. Gravity (σεμνότητα); as 1Ti_2:2; 1Ti_3:4. This, again, is a quality of the teacher. These accusatives depend upon παρεχόμενος. But the construction of the sentence is somewhat irregular for brevity's sake.

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.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. speech--discourse in public and private ministrations.

he that is of the contrary part--the adversary (Tit 1:9; 2Ti 2:25), whether he be heathen or Jew.

may be ashamed--put to confusion by the power of truth and innocence (compare Tit 2:5, 10; 1Ti 5:14; 6:1).

no evil thing--in our acts, or demeanor.

of you--So one of the oldest manuscripts. Other very old manuscripts read, "of US," Christians.
The Pulpit Commentary
Us for you, A.V. and T.R. Sound speech (λόγον ὑγιῆ); still depending upon παρεχύμενος. Besides his personal qualities as a teacher, his speech, or doctrine, must be sound. The word, common of bodily health, is only here applied to speech or doctrine; the common phrase in the pastoral Epistles is ὑγιασινούση διδασκαλία, ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις, and the like. That cannot be condemned (ἀκατάγνωστον); only here in the New Testament, once in 2Ma 4:27. This marks the care that the Christian teacher must take not to say anything in his teaching rash, or reprehensible, or that can give offence or cause the ministry to be blamed. May be ashamed (ἐντραπῇ). In the active voice ἐντρέπειν is "to put to shame" (1Co_4:14), and in classical Greek. In the middle voice ἐντρέπομαι, followed by a genitive of the person, or an accusative in later Greek, means to "respect, reverence" (Mat_21:37; Luk_18:2, etc.). In the passive, as here and 2Th_3:14, it means "to be put to shame," "to be ashamed" (comp. Psa_34:4 LXX., 35:40. (Compare, for the sentiment, 1Pe_2:15; 1Pe_3:16; and note the frequent resemblances between the pastoral Epistles and those of St. Peter.) The shame of the detractors consists in their being put to silence, having nothing to say, being proved to be slanderers. No evil thing (μηδὲν φαῦλον); as Jas_3:16; Joh_3:20; Joh_5:29. The word means "mean, worthless, paltry," and is hence synonymous with

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9. servants--"slaves."

to please them well--"to give satisfaction" [Alford]. To be complaisant in everything; to have that zealous desire to gain the master's goodwill which will anticipate the master's wish and do even more than is required. The reason for the frequent recurrence of injunctions to slaves to subjection (Ep 6:5, &c.; Col 3:22; 1Ti 6:1, &c.; 1Pe 2:18) was, that in no rank was there more danger of the doctrine of the spiritual equality and freedom of Christians being misunderstood than in that of slaves. It was natural for the slave who had become a Christian, to forget his place and put himself on a social level with his master. Hence the charge for each to abide in the sphere in which he was when converted (1Co 7:20-24).

not answering again--in contradiction to the master: so the Greek, "not contradicting" [Wahl].
The Pulpit Commentary
In subjection to for obedient unto, A.V.; be well-pleasing to them for please them well, A.V.; gainsaying for answering gain, A.V. Servants; i.e. dares (δούλους), the correlative to which is δεσπόταις, masters, who had absolute power over their slaves, and property in them. The construction is carried on from the "exhort" of Tit_2:6. Well-pleasing (εὐαρέστους); elsewhere spoken with reference to God (Rom_12:1; 2Co_5:9; Eph_5:10, etc.). In all things (ἐν πᾶσιν); nearly the same as περὶ πάντα in Tit_2:7; to be taken with εὐαρέστους. Some, however, connect the words with ὑποτάσσεσθαι, "to be obedient in all things." Gainsaying (ἐντιλέγοντας); as in Tit_1:9 (see note). Here, however, the" answering again" of the A.V. is a better rendering. It implies, of course, a resistance to the will of their master, and impatience of any rebuke.

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10. Not purloining--Greek, "Not appropriating" what does not belong to one. It means "keeping back" dishonestly or deceitfully (Ac 5:2, 3).

showing--manifesting in acts.

all--all possible.

good--really good; not so in mere appearance (Ep 6:5, 6; Col 3:22-24). "The heathen do not judge of the Christian's doctrines from the doctrine, but from his actions and life" [Chrysostom]. Men will write, fight, and even die for their religion; but how few live for it! Translate, "That they may adorn the doctrine of our Saviour God," that is, God the Father, the originating author of salvation (compare Note, see on 1Ti 1:1). God deigns to have His Gospel-doctrine adorned even by slaves, who are regarded by the world as no better than beasts of burden. "Though the service be rendered to an earthly master, the honor redounds to God, as the servant's goodwill flows from the fear of God" [Theophylact]. Even slaves, low as is their status, should not think the influence of their example a matter of no consequence to religion: how much more those in a high position. His love in being "our Saviour" is the strongest ground for our adorning His doctrine by our lives. This is the force of "For" in Tit 2:11.
The Pulpit Commentary
Purloining (νοσφιζομένους); literally, separating for their own use what does not belong to them. So Act_5:2, Act_5:3, "to keep back part." It is used in the same sense by the LXX. Jos_7:1 of Achan, and 2Ma 4:32 of Menelaus, and occasionally in classical Greek (Xenophon, Polybius, etc.). Showing (ἐνδεικνυμένους). It occurs eleven times in the New Testament, viz. twice in Hebrews, and nine times in St. Paul's acknowledged Epistles. All good fidelity. All fidelity means fidelity in everything where fidelity is required in a faithful servant—care of his master's property, conscientious labor, keeping of time, acting behind his master's back the same as before his face. The singular addition ἀγαθήν, coming after ἐνδεικνυμένους, must mean, as Bengel says, "in all good things." The duty of fidelity does not extend to crime or wrong-doing. The word "good" is like the addition in the oath of canonical obedience, "in all honest things," and is a necessary limitation to the preceding "all" (see Tit_3:1, and note). The doctrine (τὴν διδασκαλίον) as in verse 1 (where see note). In Tit_1:9 (where see note) ἡ διδαχή is used in the same way. This use of διδασκαλία is confirmed by the reading of the R.T., which inserts a second τήν before τοῦ σωτῆρος. Adorn the doctrine. The sentiment is the same as that in 1Pe_2:12; 1Pe_4:11. Christians are exhorted to give glory to God, and support and honor to the gospel of God's grace, by their good works and holy lives. God our Savior (see 1Ti_1:1; 1Ti_2:3; 1Ti_4:10; and above, Tit_1:3, note). In all things (ἐν πᾶσιν); as 1Pe_4:11.
The Grace of God That Bringeth Salvation

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11. the grace of God--God's gratuitous favor in the scheme of redemption.

hath appeared--Greek, "hath been made to appear," or "shine forth" (Is 9:2; Lu 1:79). "hath been manifested" (Tit 3:4), after having been long hidden in the loving counsels of God (Col 1:26; 2Ti 1:9, 10). The image is illustrated in Ac 27:20. The grace of God hath now been embodied in Jesus, the brightness of the Father's glory," manifested as the "Sun of righteousness," "the Word made flesh." The Gospel dispensation is hence termed "the day" (1Th 5:5, 8; there is a double "appearing," that of "grace" here, that of "glory," Tit 2:13; compare Ro 13:12). Connect it not as English Version, but, "The grace ... that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared," or "been manifested" (1Ti 2:4; 4:10). Hence God is called "our Saviour" (Tit 2:10). The very name Jesus means the same.

to all--of whom he enumerated the different classes (Tit 2:2-9): even to servants; to us Gentiles, once aliens from God. Hence arises our obligation to all men (Tit 3:2).
The Pulpit Commentary
Hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, for that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, A.V. and T.R. Bringing salvation to all men (σωτήριος). The R.T. omits the article ἡ before σωτήριος, which necessitates construing πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις with σωτήριος, "saving to all men" "bringing salvation to all men." With the article ἡ as in the T.R., it may be taken either way, but it is rather more natural to construe πᾶσιν ἀθρώποις with ἐπεφάνη, "hath appeared to all men." The meaning of the phrase, "hath appeared to all men," is the same as the saying in the song of Simeon, "Mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people" (Luk_2:30, Luk_2:31; comp. Col_1:6). The gospel is not a hidden mystery, but is proclaimed to the whole world. Σωτήριος as an adjective is found only here in the New Testament, in Wis. 1:14 and 3 Macc. 7:18, and frequently in classical Greek.

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
12. Teaching--Greek, "disciplining us." Grace exercises discipline, and is imparted in connection with disciplining chastisements (1Co 11:32; He 12:6, 7). The education which the Christian receives from "the grace" of God is a discipline often trying to flesh and blood: just as children need disciplining. The discipline which it exercises teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Greek, "age," or course of things) where such self-discipline is needed, seeing that its spirit is opposed to God (Tit 1:12, 16; 1Co 1:20; 3:18, 19): in the coming world we may gratify every desire without need of self-discipline, because all desires there will be conformable to the will of God.

that--Greek, "in order that"; the end of the "disciplining" is "in order that ... we may live soberly," &c. This point is lost by the translation, "teaching us."

denying ... lusts--(Lu 9:23). The Greek aorist expresses "denying once for all." We deny "worldly lusts" when we withhold our consent from them, when we refuse the delight which they suggest, and the act to which they solicit us, nay, tear them up by the roots out of our soul and mind [ST. Bernard, Sermon 11].

worldly lusts--The Greek article expresses, "the lusts of the world," "all worldly lusts" [Alford], (Ga 5:16; Ep 2:3; 1Jo 2:15-17; 5:19). The world (cosmos) will not come to an end when this present age (aeon) or course of things shall end.

live soberly, righteously, and godly--the positive side of the Christian character; as "denying ... lusts" was the negative. "Soberly," that is, with self-restraint, in relation to one's self: "righteously" or justly, in relation to our neighbor; "godly" or piously, in relation to God (not merely amiably and justly, but something higher, godly, with love and reverence toward God). These three comprise our "disciplining" in faith and love, from which he passes to hope (Tit 2:13).
The Pulpit Commentary
Instructing for teaching, A.V.; to the intent that for that, A.V.; and righteously for righteously, A.V. Instructing us, to the intent that. This is an unnecessary refinement. Huther is right in saying that the sentence beginning with ἵνα might have been expressed by the infinitive mood, as in 1Ti_1:20, and that we ought to render it not "in order that," but simply "that." The phrase in 1Ti_1:20, ἵνα παιδευθῶσι μὴ βλασφημεῖν, manifestly would justify the phrase, παιδεύουσα ἡμᾶς ζῆν δικαίως, "teaching us to live righteously." Alford surely is wrong in saying that the universal New Testament sense of παιδεύειν is "to discipline," i.e. teach by correction. In Act_7:22; Act_22:3; 1Ti_1:20; 2Ti_2:25, the idea of teaching, not of correcting, is predominant. But even if it was so, the pastoral Epistles are so decidedly classical in their use of words, that the classical use of παιδεύειν in such phrases as παιδεύειν τινα κιθαρίζειν or σώφρονα εἴναι (Liddell and Scott)is an abundant justification of a similar rendering of this passage And as regards the use ἵνα, such phrases as Εἰπὲ ἵνα οἱ λίθοι οὗτοι ἄρτοι γενῶνται, "Command that these stones become bread" (Mat_4:3; Mat_20:21; Luk_4:3; Luk_10:40); Διεστείλατο … ἵνα μηδενὶ εἴπωσιν, "He commanded them not to tell" (Mat_16:20); Συμφέρει αὐτῷ ἴνα, "It is profitable for him that" (Mat_18:6); Προσεύχεσθε ἵνα, "Pray that" (Mat_24:20); Παρεκάλει αὐτὸν ἵνα μή, "He besought him not to send them away" (Mar_5:10); Παρακαλοῦσιν αὐτὸν ἵνα ἅψηται, "They beseech him to touch"; Ἐδεήθην … ἵνα, "I asked … to" (Luk_9:40); Ἐρωτῶ σε ἵνα πέμψῃς, "I intreat thee to send" (Luk_16:29; Col_4:2;, etc.);—prove that the sense "in order that" is not necessarily attached to ἵνα, but that we may properly render the passage before us "teaching us … to live soberly," etc.

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
13. (Php 3:20, 21).

Looking for--with constant expectation (so the Greek) and with joy (Ro 8:19). This will prove the antidote to worldly lusts, and the stimulus to "live in this present world" conformably to this expectation. The Greek is translated, "waiting for," in Lu 2:25.

that--Greek, "the."

blessed--bringing blessedness (Ro 4:7, 8).

hope--that is, object of hope (Ro 8:24; Ga 5:5; Col 1:5).

the glorious appearing--There is but one Greek article to both "hope" and "appearing," which marks their close connection (the hope being about to be realized only at the appearing of Christ). Translate, "The blessed hope and manifestation (compare Note, see on Tit 2:11) of the glory." The Greek for "manifestation" is translated "brightness" in 2Th 2:8. As His "coming" (Greek, "parousia") expresses the fact; so "brightness, appearing," or "manifestation" (epiphaneia) expresses His personal visibility when He shall come.

the great God and our Saviour Jesus--There is but one Greek article to "God" and "Saviour," which shows that both are predicated of one and the same Being. "Of Him who is at once the great God and our Saviour." Also (2) "appearing" (epiphaneia) is never by Paul predicated of God the Father (Joh 1:18; 1Ti 6:16), or even of "His glory" (as Alford explains it): it is invariably applied to Christ's coming, to which (at His first advent, compare 2Ti 1:10) the kindred verb "appeared" (epephanee), Tit 2:11, refers (1Ti 6:14; 2Ti 4:1, 8). Also (3) in the context (Tit 2:14) there is no reference to the Father, but to Christ alone; and here there is no occasion for reference to the Father in the exigencies of the context. Also (4) the expression "great God," as applied to Christ, is in accordance with the context, which refers to the glory of His appearing; just as "the true God" is predicated of Christ, 1Jo 5:20. The phrase occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, but often in the Old Testament. De 7:21; 10:17, predicated of Jehovah, who, as their manifested Lord, led the Israelites through the wilderness, doubtless the Second Person in the Trinity. Believers now look for the manifestation of His glory, inasmuch as they shall share in it. Even the Socinian explanation, making "the great God" to be the Father, "our Saviour," the Son, places God and Christ on an equal relation to "the glory" of the future appearing: a fact incompatible with the notion that Christ is not divine; indeed it would be blasphemy so to couple any mere created being with God.
The Pulpit Commentary
The for that, A.V.; appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior for the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Savior, A.V. Looking for (προσδεχόμενοι); the word commonly applied to waiting for the kingdom of God (Mar_15:43; Luk_2:25, Luk_2:38; Luk_12:36; Luk_23:1-56. 51; Jud 21). The blessed hope. The hope here means the thing hoped for, as in Act_24:14 (where both the subjective hope and the thing hoped for are included); Gal_5:5; Col_1:5 (comp. too Rom_8:24, Rom_8:25). Here the hope is called emphatically "the blessed hope," the hope of Christ's second coming in glory, that hope which is the joy and life, the strength and comfort, of every Christian soul. This is the only place in the New Testament where μακάριος is applied to an object which does not itself enjoy the blessing, but is a source of blessing to others. Of the fifty passages where it occurs it is applied in forty-three to persons, twice to God, three times to parts of the body (the Virgin's womb, and the eyes and ears of those who saw and heard Christ), once impersonally ("It is more blessed to give," etc., Act_20:35), and once, in this passage, to the hope. And appearing of the glory. In construing this clause, as well as the following, the same difficulty occurs. There is only one article to the two subjects. The question arises—Can two different subjects stand under one article? Huther affirms that they can, and refers for proof to Buttman and Wince; and, indeed, it is impossible to treat "the hope" and the "appearing" as one subject. Accepting this, the clause before us should be rendered, Looking for the blessed hope, and the appearing of the glory of the great God. This is a description of the second coming of the Lord, of whom it is expressly said that he will "come in the glory of his Father". The appearing of Christ will be the appearing of the glory of the great God, not the appearing of God the Father, to whom the term ἐπιφανεία is never applied, but of the Son, who is the Brightness of his Father's glory. Our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. No doubt the Greek words can be so rendered, and perhaps (grammatically) most naturally, as e.g. in 2Pe_1:11, where we read, "The kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ;" and so 2Pe_3:18. But, on the other hand, according to what is said above, they need not be so rendered. "The great God" and "our Savior Jesus Christ" may be two separate subjects, as "the blessed hope" and "appearing of the glory" are. Anti we have to inquire, from the usual language of Scripture, which of the two is most probable. Alford, in a long note, shows that σωτὴρ is often used without the article (1Ti_1:1; 1Ti_4:10; Php_3:20); that in analogous sentences: where Κύριος is used as our Lord's title, an exactly similar construction to that in the text is employed, as 2Th_1:12; 2Pe_1:1; 2Co_1:2; Gal_1:3; Eph_1:2; Eph_6:23, etc. He also observes, after Wince, that the insertion of ἡμῶν after Σωτῆρος is an additional reason for the omission of the article before Σωτῆρος, as in Luk_1:78; Rom_1:7; 1Co_1:3, and elsewhere; and that the epithet μεγάλου prefixed to Θεοῦ makes it still more difficult to connect Θεοῦ with Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Ξριστοῦ; and lastly, he compares this passage with 1Ti_2:3, 1Ti_2:5, 1Ti_2:6, and thinks the conclusion inevitable that the apostle, writing two sentences so closely corresponding—written, it may be added, so near to one another in time—would have had in view, in both passages, the same distinction of persons which is so strongly marked in 1Ti_3:3, 1Ti_3:5. On these grounds he pronounces against the rendering which is adopted by the Revised Version. Huther's conclusion is the same: partly from the grammatical possibility of two subjects (here Θεοῦ and Ἰησοῦ Ξριστοῦ) having only one article, which leaves the question of whether there are here one or two subjects to be decided on other grounds than simple grammar; and partly and chiefly from the double consideration that

(1) nowhere in Scripture is Θεός connected directly with Ἰησοῦς Ξριστός, as Κύριος and Σωτήρ so often are; and

(2) that the collocation of God (Θεός) and Christ as two subjects is of constant occurrence, as e.g. 1Ti_1:1,1Ti_1:2; 1Ti_5:21; 1Ti_6:13; 2Ti_1:2; 2Ti_4:1; Tit_1:4; to which may probably be added 2Pe_1:1; Jud 2Pe_1:4; 2Th_1:12; he decides, surely rightly, that the clause should be rendered, the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Another question arises whether the glory belongs to both subjects. Probably, though not necessarily, it does, since we are told in Mat_17:27 that "the Son of man shall come in the glory of the Father;" and in Mat_25:31, "the Son of man shall come in his glory" (comp. Mat_19:28). The whole sentence will then stand thus: Looking for the blessed hope, and for the appearing of the glory of the great God and of our Savior Jesus Christ, etc. The great God (τοῦ μεγάλου); not elsewhere in the New Testament (except in the T.R. of Rev_19:17), but familiar to us from Psa_95:3, "The Lord is a great God," and elsewhere, KS Deu_10:17; Deu_7:21; Psa_77:14, etc. In Mat_5:35' we read "the great King" of God. This grand description of τοῦ μέλλοντος αἰῶνος, "the world to come," is in contrast with τῷ νῦν οἰῶνι, "this present world," in which our present life is passed, but which is so deeply influenced by "the blessed hope" of that future and glorious world.

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
14. gave himself--"The forcible 'Himself, His whole self, the greatest gift ever given,' must not be overlooked."

for us--Greek, "in our behalf."

redeem us--deliver us from bondage by paying the price of His precious blood. An appropriate image in addressing bond-servants (Tit 2:9, 10):

from all iniquity--the essence of sin, namely, "transgression of the law": in bondage to which we were till then. The aim of His redemption was to redeem us, not merely from the penalty, but from the being of all iniquity. Thus he reverts to the "teaching" in righteousness, or disciplining effect of the grace of God that bringeth salvation (Tit 2:11, 12).

peculiar--peculiarly His own, as Israel was of old.

zealous--in doing and promoting "good works."
The Pulpit Commentary
A people for his own possession for a peculiar people, A.V. Who gave himself for us. The resemblance in thought and diction to 1Ti_2:3-6 has been already pointed out. "Who gave himself" (ὃς ἔδωκεν ἑαυτόν) is there expressed by ὁ δοὺς ἑαυτόν, and "that he might redeem us" (ἵνα λυτρώσηται ἡμᾶς) by ἀντίλυτρον ὑπὲρ πάντων. (For the great truths contained in the words "who gave himself," comp. Joh_10:11, Joh_10:17, Joh_10:18; Gal_1:4; Eph_5:2, Eph_5:25; 1Pe_2:24; Heb_9:14.) The voluntary offering of himself is also implied in the office of our Lord as High Priest (Heb_9:11-14). For us (ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν); on our behalf; not exactly synonymous with ἀντὶ ἡμῶν, "in our stead." Both phrases, however, are used of our redemption by Jesus Christ. We find ὑπὲρ in Luk_22:19, Luk_22:20; Joh_6:51 : Joh_10:11, Joh_10:15; Joh_11:50-52; Joh_15:13; Joh_18:14; Rom_5:6, Rom_5:8; Rom_8:32; 1Co_5:7; 2Co_5:14, 2Co_5:15, 2Co_5:21; Gal_1:4; Eph_5:2, Eph_5:25; 1Th_3:10; Heb_2:9; 1Pe_2:21; 1Pe_3:18; 1Pe_4:1; 1Jn_3:16 : and we find ἀντί in Mat_20:28 and Mar_10:45, and in αντίλυτρον, 1Ti_2:6. The literal meaning of ὑπὲρ is "in defense of," and hence generally "on behalf of," "for the good of." The primary idea of ἄντι is "standing opposite," and hence it denotes "exchange," "price," "worth," "instead," etc. Redeem (λυτρώσηται); as Luk_24:21 :1Pe Luk_1:18; common in classical Greek. In the middle voice, as here, it means "to release by payment of a ransom;" in the active voice, "to release on receipt of a ransom." In 1Pe_1:18 the ransom price is stated, viz. "the precious blood of Christ;" as in Mat_20:28 it is "the life of the Son of man." The effect of this redemption is not merely deliverance from the penalty of sin, but from its power also, as appears by the following words: "a peculiar people, zealous of good works," and by the passage in St. Peter above referred to. Purify (καθαρίσῃ); as very frequently in the New Testament of cleansing lepers, the outside of the platter, etc., cleansing the Gentiles (Act_10:15), putting away all sin (2Co_7:1), cleansing the Church (Eph_5:26), purging the conscience (Heb_9:14), etc. The iniquity just spoken of was a defilement; the redemption from iniquity removed that defilement. The blood of Jesus Christ, the price paid for the redemption, was the instrument of cleansing (1Jn_1:7, 1Jn_1:9). A people for his own possession (καὸν περιούσιον); only here in the New Testament, but frequent in the LXX., coupled, as here, with λαός (Exo_19:5; Deu_7:6; Deu_14:2; Deu_26:18), to express the Hebrew הלָּגֻסְ or הלָּגֻסְ מעַ, a people the peculiar property, or treasure, of God; "peculiar" being derived from the Latin peculium, one's own private property, reserved for one's own private use. The Authorized Version "peculiar" expresses the sense exactly, and the περιούσιος of our text and of the LXX., from whom it is borrowed, is meant to define either that special reserved portion of a man's property over and above what he spends for ordinary expenses, which nobody can interfere with, or those jewels on which he sets a special value, and places safely in his treasury. In 1Pe_2:10 λαὸς εἰς περιποίησιν ("a peculiar people," Authorized Version) means the same thing, that being the LXX. translation of the same Hebrew word, הלָּגֻסְ, in Ma 1Pe_3:17 ("jewels," Authorized Version), "They shall be my reserved portion or possession." The application of the phrase, λαὸν περιούσιον, descriptive in the Old Testament of Israel, to the Church of Christ, is very instructive. The passage in 1Pe_2:10 is exactly analogous, as is the phrase, "the Israel of God" (Gal_6:16). Zealous (ζηλωτής); as Act_21:20; Act_22:3; 1Co_14:12; Gal_1:14. From its special application to those who were zealous for the Law of Moses it became the name of the sect or party of the Zealots who played such a terrible part in the Jewish war (see Luk_4:15). Canaanite is the Hebrew for Ζηλωτής. Zeal for good works is the indispensable mark of God's peculiar people, the inseparable fruit of the redemption and purification which is by the blood of Jesus Christ.

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

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
15. with all authority--Translate, "authoritativeness" (compare "sharply," Tit 1:13).

Let no man despise thee--Speak with such vigor as to command respect (1Ti 4:12). Warn them with such authority that no one may think himself above (so the Greek literally) the need of admonition [Tittmann, Greek Synonyms of the New Testament].
The Pulpit Commentary
Reprove fur rebuke, A.V. Authority (ἐπιταγῆς); see 1Ti_1:1 and above, Tit_1:3, "authoritative commandment." Let no man despise thee (περιφρονείσω); here only in the New Testament; used in a different sense by the LXX. in Wis. 1:1, but in the same sense as here in 4Ma 6:9, and also in classical Greek. In 1Ti_4:12 and 1Ti_6:2 St. Paul uses the more common word, καταφρονέω. The apostle thus winds up the preceding portion of his Epistle.
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