Saturday, 2 June 2018

This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, Titus 1:13

Here Paul confirms his thought about Epimenides’ words concerning Cretans of the previous verse. They, as a culture of people, were liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons. Titus would have his hands full with such a group of people.… Read the rest

Friday, 1 June 2018

One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” Titus 1:12

Here we have an interesting verse. Paul has been speaking to Titus on the island of Crete about those who teach things contrary to the truth. Now, speaking specifically of those on Crete, he cites a hexameter line by a Cretan poet – whom he calls “a prophet” – Epimenides, of Knossus.… Read the rest

Thursday, 31 May 2018

…whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. Titus 1:11

These words are referring to the “insubordinate” of the previous verse. Paul says that they are “both idle talkers and deceivers.” He then said this was “especially those of the circumcision,” meaning Jews.… Read the rest

Wednesday, 30 May 2018

For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, Titus 1:10

Paul has given the requirements for those who are to be ordained as bishops, both positive characteristics they must possess, and negatives that they must not possess. He then followed that up with the note that a bishop must hold fast to the word, and must possess sound doctrine which is able to “convict those who contradict.” With that now noted, he next says the reason for this with the words, “For there are many insubordinate.”

He has already used this word in verse 6 as a disqualifying factor for appointment.… Read the rest

Tuesday, 29 May 2018

…holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:9

Paul has given the list of things which disqualify a person from becoming a bishop, and then he gave those things which were necessary for such an appointment.… Read the rest