FocusDifferent groups, one faithful witness
Connection to the wholeDirections for older and younger people and servants show how sound teaching should become visible in daily relationships.
interpretation Titus 2:6
KJVYoung men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
Read it in context
Conduct fitting sound doctrine
Start reading at Titus 2:1 (Titus 2:1 to Titus 2:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Directions for older and younger people and servants show how sound teaching should become visible in daily relationships.
- 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
- 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
- 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
- 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
- 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
- 2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
- 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
- 2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
- 2:9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
- 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter. Biblical references: Titus 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Titus 2:1–3:15): Paul instructs Titus about teaching older and younger men and women, servants, and the community generally, and gives directions concerning coworkers and travel. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Titus, Paul's own son after the common faith, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. Biblical references: Titus 1:4; Titus 1:5. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Conduct fitting sound doctrine. Read Titus 2:1 through Titus 2:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Directions for older and younger people and servants show how sound teaching should become visible in daily relationships. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul recalls leaving Titus in Crete to set matters in order and appoint elders. The letter does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Crete is the location of Titus' stated assignment; Nicopolis appears in Paul's plan to winter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Conduct fitting sound doctrine (Titus 2:1 to Titus 2:10). Start reading at Titus 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The saving grace of God is presented as teaching a changed life while believers look for the blessed hope. Christ's giving of Himself is connected with a people zealous of good works. See Titus 1:5, Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Let sound teaching produce responsible conduct and good works. Grace should be read with the letter's call to deny ungodliness rather than used to excuse it. interpretation
Cited: Titus 2:1, Titus 2:10, Titus 1:5, Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Titus 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedGrouped with the other Pastorals in the critical discussion above.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Titus 2
Paul writes to Titus, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. The letter joins sound teaching with trustworthy leadership and good works, grounding holy conduct in God's saving grace.
Titus 1:1 Titus 1:4 Titus 1:5 Titus 2:11
The grace that teaches
Titus 2:11–15FocusRedeemed for good works
Connection to the wholeThe reason for these commands is God's saving grace, which trains believers to deny ungodliness and await Christ as a people zealous for good works.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Titus
Paul writes to Titus, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. The letter joins sound teaching with trustworthy leadership and good works, grounding holy conduct in God's saving grace.
Titus 1:1 Titus 1:4 Titus 1:5 Titus 2:11
Set the churches in order
Titus 1:1–16FocusElders and contrary teachers
Connection to the wholePaul's opening commission moves into leadership qualifications and the need to confront teaching whose conduct denies its claims.
interpretation FocusGrace trains a holy people
Connection to the wholeInstructions for differing groups are grounded in the grace of God that teaches denial of ungodliness and zealous good works.
interpretation Life before others
Titus 3:1–15FocusMercy, renewal, and profitable works
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter grounds peaceful public conduct in God's mercy and directs believers away from unprofitable disputes toward good works.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.