Titus Chapter 2 — Living According to Sound Doctrine
Paul instructs Titus to teach sound doctrine, outlining specific behaviors for older men, older women, younger people, and servants to honor God.
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.
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.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Titus 2:1
“But say the things which fit sound doctrine,”
This opening instruction sets the standard for all teaching and behavior within the church community.
Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,”
This verse establishes that God's grace is the foundation for the ethical living described earlier in the chapter.
Titus 2:13
“looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,”
It highlights the future return of Christ as a motivating hope for believers.
Chapter Summary
In Titus chapter 2, the apostle Paul provides practical instructions for various groups within the church to ensure their lives align with sound doctrine. He details expectations for older men to be temperate and sensible, and for older women to be reverent and mentors to younger women. Younger men are exhorted to be sober-minded, while Titus himself is encouraged to be an example of good works and integrity. The chapter also addresses servants, urging them to be faithful and submissive to their masters to adorn the teachings of God. Paul concludes by explaining the theological basis for these behaviors: the grace of God has appeared to bring salvation and train believers to live righteously in the present age. This transformation is fueled by the hope of Jesus Christ’s return, who gave Himself to redeem and purify a people zealous for good works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul provides specific guidelines for older men to be sensible and sound in faith, and for older women to be reverent and teach younger women. Younger men are encouraged to be sober-minded, and Titus is told to be an example of integrity and good works.
The text explains that the grace of God brings salvation and instructs believers to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. It empowers people to live soberly and righteously while waiting for the return of Jesus Christ.
Paul states that Jesus gave himself to redeem people from iniquity and to purify for himself a 'people for his own possession.' These people are characterized by their zeal for performing good works.
Study Note
The Greek word for 'sober-minded' (sophron) appears multiple times in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of self-control and sound judgment in the Christian life.
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