2 Timothy 1

Timothy's Preparation for His Work SUMMARY OF II TIMOTHY 1: Paul's Affection for Timothy. Timothy's Early Training in the Scriptures. Paul's Suffering for Christ. The Charge to Hold Fast Sound Words. Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Paul, an apostle.

See PNT 1Ti 1:1. To Timothy. For sketch of the public life of Timothy see topic 9209. Whom I serve from [my] forefathers. Like Timothy (2Ti 1:5), he had been taught by his parents to fear and serve the Lord. Even before he became a Christian, he verily thought he served God. See Ac 23:1 24:14 Ro 11:23,24,28. Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears. There is something pathetic in this language. The lonely prisoner calls to him the tears of Timothy at their last parting, and feels a yearning desire to see and counsel him face to face once more. When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee. As he looked back he saw Timothy from his youth up a believer.

Which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice. His grandmother and mother had been converted before him, and he had followed them into the kingdom. See Ac 16:1. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance. From the earnestness with which he stirs up Timothy in both Epistles, it seems likely that he did not possess the rugged, restless energy of Paul.

That thou stir up the gift of God. The supernatural gift which he received by the imposition of the apostolic hands. The gift of office was conferred by ordination at the hands of the presbytery; the gift of miraculous powers, by the imposition of the hands of an apostle. God hath not given us the spirit of fear. When the gifts of the Spirit were bestowed at the laying on of my hands, not a spirit of cowardice, but of power, miraculous power, "and of love", and of a sound mind, of divine wisdom, was imparted. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. Since "the spirit of fear" (2Ti 1:7) was not imparted, there must be boldness to testify for the Lord.

Nor of me his prisoner. Though a prisoner, he was a prisoner for righteousness' sake. It may be that this was a gentle rebuke; that Timothy had failed in boldness.

But be thou partaker. Ready to share with me whatever may befall.

According to the power of God. Suffer afflictions, bearing them, sustained by the power of God. Who hath saved us. God's power hath saved us and all believers.

Not according to our works. He called us according to his purpose to call men before the world began. He purposed to call the Gentiles--a race rebellious. See notes on Romans, chap. 9. But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus

Christ. His purpose, formed before the world began, was revealed when Christ appeared.

Who hath abolished death. Took away from death his power, and will finally destroy him (1Co 15:26).

And hath brought life and immortality to light. Revealed them in the gospel. For which cause I also suffer these things. Because he was appointed "a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles" (2Ti 1:11). Compare Ac 22:21 Eph 3:1.

That which I have committed to him against that day. His whole interests, his life, body, soul and spirit. He leaves all in God's hands with perfect confidence. Hold fast the form of sound words. Hold and teach sound doctrine, the pure faith, the gospel as Paul taught it to him, preaching it "in faith and love". That good thing which was committed to thee. The sound faith just alluded to. Don't let it be perverted. Keep it by the help of the Holy Spirit. This charge is given in view of the conduct of some from the province of Asia, where Timothy was then dwelling, referred to in 2Ti 1:15. All they which are in Asia be turned away from me. The language seems to mean that there had been a large defection in Asia already. Some think that Paul refers to professors of Christ from the province of Asia, then in Rome, who had all deserted him.

Phygellus and Hermogenes. Nothing more than this reference is known of them. Onesiphorus . . . oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain. How different with this faithful disciple, from the rest of the Asiatics! In spite of Paul's chain, he often visited and cheered him. Paul was chained to a soldier (Ac 28:16,20). See also 2Ti 4:19. He sought me out very diligently, and found [me]. Not only was not ashamed, but sought him at great pains and found him. In that day. The day when he shall be called to meet the Lord.

He ministered unto me at Ephesus. He then belonged to Ephesus, had ministered to Paul there, and shown his faithfulness again at Rome. The language seems to imply that these kind deeds were past. Perhaps Onesiphorus had started back home.

2 Timothy 2

To Be a Workman Approved of God SUMMARY OF II TIMOTHY 2: Training Other Evangelists. Warring As a Good Soldier. Suffering with Christ. Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth. Purity of Life.

Thou therefore, my son. Since his son, Timothy, should follow his example, and seek to

Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Be strong through the grace of Christ. And the things that thou hast heard of me. The instruction that I gave thee for preaching Christ.

Among many witnesses. This probably refers to Timothy hearing Paul teach these things before many congregations.

The same commit thou to faithful men. Do thou impart to other men, faithful, trustworthy men, in order that they may be able to teach others also. As Paul prepared Timothy to preach the gospel, so he is to prepare other men. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Timothy was a soldier of the cross. It is the part of a soldier to suffer as well as to fight. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life. The soldier to do good service must devote himself entirely to the soldier's life, giving up worldly affairs. So the soldier, like Timothy, engaged as a minister, should have no other business. And if a man also striveth for masteries. In the various athletic games of the Greeks. [Yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. Unless he complies with the regulations, no prize will be assigned to him in any contest. So one, striving for the Christian crown, must seek to please the Master. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. The farmer has the first right to the fruits. Three illustrations, that of the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer are here given (2Ti 2:4-6). They all bear on the life of Timothy. ``All three must deny themselves and suffer, in order to receive the reward. The soldier denies himself the world; the athlete obeys rigid laws; the husbandman labors and waits for a reward. So you must be content to deny yourself, to suffer, and to wait for your reward.'' Consider what I say. Reflect, and take in its meaning. Remember. This is spoken for encouragement in suffering.

That Jesus Christ of the seed of David. Even as the prophets had predicted that he should be.

Was raised from the dead. He suffered, died, but was not holden of death, and was exalted.

According to my gospel. The gospel I preach everywhere. In which I suffer trouble. For this gospel.

As an evil doer, [even] unto bonds. For it I am now a prisoner as an evil doer.

But the word of God is not bound. Its great preacher was, but the Word could not be. It was being preached abroad by thousands of tongues. Therefore I endure all things. Since the work goes on, I endure cheerfully.

For the elect's sake. All came upon him on account of his devotion to the church. He suffered that others, God's chosen ones, might obtain salvation. It is a faithful saying. A true saying. Some think that these two verses, 2Ti 2:11,12, were part of an early hymn.

If we be dead with [him]. Rather, as in the Revised Version, "Died with him". Compare Ro 6:4,5,8 Col 2:12. The reference is to death to the old life, and burial into the death of Christ at baptism. If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]. We die in order to live. So our suffering with Christ "worketh out for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory" (2Co 4:17). Compare also Ro 8:17 Mt 19:27,28.

If we deny [him], he also will deny us. See Mt 10:33. If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful. If we prove faithless, he will still be faithful to keep every promise he has made. Put [them] in remembrance. Those to whom you minister.

Charging . . . that they strive not about words. We see proofs in both letters to Timothy that the idle speculations which did the church such damage a little later had already begun. Study to shew thyself. To this end the utmost diligence must be used.

Approved unto God. Such a preacher that his work will please the Heavenly Father.

A workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Whose life and work are such as to honor Christ and the gospel. This requires a pure life as well as judicious work.

Rightly dividing the word of truth. The Revised Version reads, "Handling aright". The Greek word "orthotomeo" means, literally, "cutting straight". The thought, probably, is to present the truth clearly, truthfully, without blunders, and with an exactness which cannot be gainsaid. But shun. Preach the truth. Shun foolish speculations.

Profane. Unholy. And their word. The profane and vain babblings.

Will eat as doth a canker. Eat deeper and deeper, like a gangrene.

Of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus. Heretical teachers. See 1Ti 1:20. Who concerning the truth have erred. Their speculation is stated. They preached, as some do in our own times, that the resurrection is past already. That the resurrection which Christ teaches is only a moral resurrection, a resurrection of the soul to a better life. This error was taught also in Corinth, 1Co 15:12, and found some currency in the second century. Nevertheless. Notwithstanding the faith of some is overthrown (2Ti 2:18).

The foundation of God standeth sure. It stands unshaken. His promises are sure.

Having this seal. On seals were often inscriptions, and the thought here is of the inscription. Upon this seal are two inscriptions.

The Lord knoweth them that are his. The first cheers with the assurance that the Lord knows his own, and will not forget them.

Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. The second shows who are his. The Lord knows his people, and his people obey him. Thus they may know that they are known of God. But in a great house, etc. As in a house there are vessels of honor and dishonor, gold and earthen, so in the house of God, the church, there are even some earthly materials. If a man therefore will cleanse himself from these. If a man wishes to be a noble vessel, of gold, for honorable uses in the Lord's house, let him cleanse himself from earthly lusts. Flee also youthful lusts. Hence, let youthful passions be controlled. Flee these, and follow righteousness, etc.

See PNT 1Ti 4:12. Foolish and unlearned questions avoid. Such unprofitable questions and speculations as the false teachers raise. The servant of the Lord must not strive. Hence, should not engage in these profitless discussions. In meekness instructing them that oppose themselves. Opposers must be corrected, but not rudely; rather gently, kindly, humbly.

If God peradventure will give them repentance. God gives repentance often by providences which lead to repentance. And [that] they may recover. They are in "the snare of the devil", taken captive at will. The only hope is that in the providence of God they "may recover" themselves (the idea is, to "return to soberness", Revised Version, margin), repent, and acknowledge the truth. Men are commanded to "Repent", Mt 3:2 Ac 2:38, etc., but here God is alluded to as "peradventure" giving repentance. The meaning is made clear by comparing with Ac 11:18: "Then hath God also the Gentiles granted repentance unto life". The meaning there is that God has granted to the Gentiles the privilege of repentance, even as unto the Jews. So Paul's idea here is that God, peradventure, may grant these, though sinning so grievously, opportunities for repentance, instead of delivering them over to hardness of heart.

2 Timothy 3

A Defection from the Truth Foretold SUMMARY OF II TIMOTHY 3: False Teachers Predicted. Enemies of the Truth Described. Paul's Life Known to Timothy. His Example Commended. The Holy Scriptures.

In the last days. In the last ages of the world. The expression is often used of the gospel dispensation.

Perilous times. Grievous, times of distress. For men shall be. Some of the characteristics of men in that period are given. Such men probably exist in all ages, but at the time referred to by Paul they shall be in the predominance.

Lovers of their own selves. Selfish. Trucebreakers. "Implacable" (Revised Version). Those who will not make or keep peace. Heady. Headstrong.

Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Having a form of godliness. This implies that the persons described professed to be religious, worshipers of God in outward form. A godless church is described.

But denying the power thereof. Rejecting its power. Their lives are not molded by it.

From such turn away. This implies that some of this formal, godless religion had begun to show itself even at that time. For of this sort are they which creep into houses. Men of this sort are they who form a party by creeping into houses and by their seductive influences lead captive silly women. Not the sensible, pious women, but silly women already "laden with sins". Hence, easily led away. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Listening with greedy ears to every one that comes along, but never learning anything. As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses. These were the traditional names of the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses. See Ex 7:11. Paul adopts these names in referring to them. As these opposed Moses, so do the false teachers just described oppose the truth. These names are found in a Jewish Targum on Ex 7:11 22:11.

Reprobate concerning the faith. Have abandoned the faith. They shall proceed no further. They shall be exposed, and their folly shall be manifest unto all [men], their folly revealed to prevent them from further success.

As theirs also was. As Jannes and Jambres could not stand before Moses, these men shall fail before the truth. Thou hast fully known my doctrine. "Thou didst follow my teaching" (Revised Version). Timothy had known his teaching and manner of life, and followed it. Persecutions . . . at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra. See Ac 13:14,50 on Antioch of Pisidia, Ac 14:1,5 on Iconium, Ac 14:6,19. These persecutions befell Paul in the part of Asia where Timothy was reared, and hence he would be familiar with all.

Out of [them] all the Lord delivered me. Hence, let Timothy cheerfully suffer, if need be, and trust the Lord. And all indeed that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. In that age persecution was inseparable from a devoted Christian life. The same has been true, to a certain extent, in all ages. If the church was less worldly it would be more persecuted. Evil men. The men who hate the church shall become worse and worse.

Seducers. Enchanters, men who lead astray. Continue thou. Refusing to heed the evil men, continue in the truth.

Knowing from whom thou hast learned [them]. Of pious parents first (2Ti 1:5), but more especially of Paul (Ac 16:1). And that from a child thou hast known. Taught by his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, he had learned to know the Scriptures from childhood (2Ti 1:5).

The holy scriptures. The Books given by inspiration. The Jewish Scriptures are primarily meant, but a part of the New Testament was already written.

Which are able to make thee wise unto salvation. Give thee the wisdom that leads to salvation. If the Old Testament could make him wise, how much more the New Testament!

Through faith which is in Christ Jesus. This is essential. Unless the Scriptures lead to Christ, there is no salvation. All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God. The Revised Version is much better: "Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable", etc. Whether it is depends on its inspiration. For instance, the Apocrypha is called Scripture, but is not inspired.

For doctrine. For teaching. That the man of God. The preacher. See 1Ti 6:11 1Ki 13:1 2Ki 6:6.

May be perfect. Fully fitted for his work. The sense is "complete" (Revised Version).

Thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Fully equipped. If he is master of the Holy Scriptures, he is so equipped. If this was true when Paul wrote, with only a part of the New Testament written, with what emphasis may it be said now when we have both the Old Testament and New Testament in full!

2 Timothy 4

The Last Solemn Charge SUMMARY OF II TIMOTHY 4: A Charge to Preach the Word. Paul's Time of Departure at Hand. His Blessed Confidence. Timothy Asked to Come. Deserted by Others in the Hour of Trial, Yet the Lord Was with. Him. Parting Salutations.

I charge [thee]. How impressive this charge from the weary, war-worn apostle, as he stood on the edge of the grave!

Before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. The names of God and of Christ are invoked to give it solemnity.

Who shall judge. Christ is named in his capacity of Judge, who shall judge not only Timothy's hearers, but himself.

The quick and the dead. See 1Th 4:15.

At his appearing and his kingdom. This final judgment is placed at the time when Christ shall appear in his kingdom of glory. See Mt 25:31. Preach the word. Proclaim the Word, as a herald of Christ. This is implied in the Greek. The Word is the Gospel and its teachings. Nothing else must be preached. The excellence of the Scriptures has just been mentioned (2Ti 3:16,17). These equip the preacher for his work.

Be instant in season, out of season. Preach on all occasions. Be urgent in the work. For the time will come. Hence, there is need of diligence now.

Sound doctrine. Gospel teaching.

Heap to themselves teachers. Run from one teacher to another; unsettled and restless.

Having itching ears. Ears which seek to be tickled by some new sensation. This class is numerous still. Turn away [their] ears from the truth. It is a moral law, continually illustrated, that those who do not seek truth will receive untruth. Watch thou in all things. Rather, be thou sober, and on the alert. Do not sleep.

Do the work of an evangelist. Preach the gospel and look after the churches.

Make full proof of your ministry. Discharge thy ministry fully. For I am now ready to be offered. "Poured out as a drink offering" (Revised Version, margin) by having his blood shed.

The time of my departure. Death, to Paul, was simply a departure, a leaving the body and this world for a better state.

Is at hand. His death had been predetermined by his enemies, and was near. I have fought a good fight. The figure is drawn from the Grecian games. Literally, "I have striven a good strife".

I have finished [my] course. Drawn from the games also. The race is run to the end.

I have kept the faith. In spite of every opposition and affliction he has remained true. Henceforth there is laid up for me. As the successful competitor in the games receives a crown, so the crown awaited him.

A crown of righteousness. The crown given for righteousness.

The Lord, the righteous judge. He was about to die by the sentence of an unrighteous judge. The higher Judge would reverse the sentence and give him a crown.

And not to me only. All can have the same hope. All who serve him, and would love to see him come as their vest friend, shall have the same crown. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me. In view of his speedy departure, in view of Paul's need of him. For Demas hath forsaken me. Demas is named in Col 4:14 Phm 1:24 favorably, but in the time of trial has courage failed. Death seemed to threaten, and as he clung to life, he fled.

Crescens. Not named elsewhere.

Titus. Well known as one of Paul's companions. See superscription in 2Co 13:14. See also Ga 2:1 Tit 1:4.

Dalmatia. The district east of the Adriatic in Illyricum, where we know churches were already planted. It is likely he was there by Paul's orders. See Tit 3:12. Only Luke is with me. Of my traveling companions. The old friend is faithful to the last. For more of Luke, see topic 9154.

Take Mark, and bring him with thee. John Mark, so well known. He seems to have been at this date at Ephesus. For more of Mark, see topic 9153. Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. He probably carried this letter and was to supply Timothy's place. Tychicus is named several times (Ac 20:4 Eph 6:21,24 Col 4:7,18 Tit 3:12). The cloke that I left at Troas. If his imprisonment is prolonged he will need it.

Carpus. Probably his host at Troas.

The books. Manuscripts.

Especially the parchments. Papyrus and parchment were both used for books, and he wishes particularly the latter. Alexander the coppersmith. An Alexander is named as belonging to Ephesus in Ac 19:33 1Ti 1:20. This may have been the same man. We cannot be sure whether the evil was done in Ephesus, or Rome.

Did me much evil. By his opposition.

The Lord reward him according to his works. The Christian, when wronged, is to turn over to the Lord the recompense for the wrong. See Mt 16:27. Of whom be thou ware also. This seems to indicate that Alexander was at Ephesus still. At my first answer. This seems to point to a first hearing of the case, which had then been adjourned, perhaps to wait for witnesses. Then, as now, cases were often postponed, or there were second trials.

No man stood with me. None of his brethren dared to appear in his support. It was the last year of the reign of Nero, and times were terrible. The Lord stood with me, and strengthened me. He had a better helper than man. He had an assurance that the Lord was with him.

That by me . . . all the Gentiles might hear. The Lord strengthened him, so that in his defense he could proclaim to the Gentiles boldly the principles of the gospel. For the manner in which he was wont to defend himself, see in his famous speeches before Felix (Ac 11-21), Festus (Ac 25:8,10,11), and Agrippa (Ac 26:2-30).

I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Probably a proverbial expression indicating deliverance from great danger. Some have thought it meant that he was delivered from being thrown to the lions. And the Lord shall deliver me. In the future as in the past.

From every evil work. From evil doers. Salute Prisca and Aquila. These tried friends, whom he first met in Corinth, afterwards in Ephesus, who returned also to Rome, were now again in Ephesus.

The household of Onesiphorus. See 2Ti 1:16. Some have thought that this form implies that Onesiphorus was dead, but that does not follow necessarily. Erastus abode at Corinth. Probably his old home (Ro 16:23).

Trophimus. He was an Ephesian (Ac 20:4 21:29).

Have I left at Miletum sick. These personal details were better understood by Timothy than by us, but I suppose this statement is made to explain why Trophimus was not in Rome. This verse proves that this letter does not belong to the date of Paul's first imprisonment, since years have passed between Paul's last visit to Miletus and the first Roman imprisonment. Come before winter. He could not come in the winter because navigation was suspended.

Eubulus. Not before mentioned. It is probable that all these were Roman brethren.

Prudens. He is thought to have been a Roman senator, from data secured outside the New Testament.

Linus. A Linus appears as a bishop of Rome not many years later.

Claudia. It has been argued that this lady was the daughter of a British king, and the wife of Prudens. See Conybeare and Howson. The second [epistle] unto Timotheus. Shortly after this Epistle was written, within a few months at most, Paul had his second hearing, was sentenced to death by execution, was led out of the city at the Ostian Gate to a place called the Three Fountains, and there was beheaded. At least all early tradition, and the Fathers, among them Clement, one of his companions, support this view.

Titus 1

That the man of God. The preacher. See 1Ti 6:11 1Ki 13:1 2Ki 6:6.

May be perfect. Fully fitted for his work. The sense is "complete" (Revised Version).

Thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Fully equipped. If he is master of the Holy Scriptures, he is so equipped. If this was true when Paul wrote, with only a part of the New Testament written, with what emphasis may it be said now when we have both the Old Testament and New Testament in full!Directions to Titus SUMMARY OF TITUS 1: Why Titus Was Left. The Qualifications of Elders. False Teachers Who Must Be Stopped. The Character of Cretans. Condition of the Cretan Church.

Paul, a servant of God. Paul usually calls himself a "servant of Christ". James uses the form here (Jas 1:1).

According to the faith of God's elect. His apostleship looked to the promotion of the faith of God's elect.

And the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness. Bringing men to acknowledge the truth. In hope of eternal life. All his work as an apostle was in hope, etc. Manifested his word. God has manifested the eternal life promised by his word in the gospel. To Titus, [my] own son. Concerning Titus, see topic 9253. The language here shows that he was one of Paul's converts. For this cause left I thee. Paul had then been in Crete, attended by Titus, and had left him there to set the churches in order.

In Crete.

The things that are wanting. Not only in organization, but in instruction and practice.

Ordain. "Appoint" (Revised Version). The mode of appointing is not here indicated.

Elders. See notes on 1Ti 3:1-6.

In every city. A plurality were to be appointed wherever there were churches. If any be blameless. The appointment is conditioned on finding the right kind of men. For a discussion of the qualifications, see notes on 1Ti 3:1-6. For a bishop. An elder and bishop were then different names for the same office.

See PNT 1Ti 3:1.

Must be. Unless he has these traits he must not be appointed.

Blameless. No charge against him. Compare and see notes on 1Ti 3:2-3. A lover of hospitality.

See PNT 1Ti 3:2. Holding fast the faithful word. Sound in the gospel doctrine, and able to teach it to others, as well as to refute opposers. There are many disorderly and vain talkers. The last sentence suggests to Paul to speak of the Cretan errorists. The allusions to the false teachers show that the Epistle belongs to the closing years of the apostle's life.

And deceivers, specially of the circumcision. Jews, perhaps Judaizing Christians who had so troubled the Gentile churches. See the Galatian letter. Whose mouths must be stopped. Muzzled. The way to stop them is for the churches to refuse to hear them. All false teachers, or bad men, should now be stopped from preaching in the same way.

Who subvert whole houses. Subvert their faith. One of themselves. Of the Cretans.

A prophet of their own. A Cretan sage, seer and teacher, Epimenides by name, who lived about 500 B.C.

The Cretans [are] always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. The hard testimony of his countrymen is quoted from a poem now lost. This witness is true. Paul's observations confirmed it. So do many ancient writers. "Cretize" (Cretanize) became a slang phrase for lying.

Wherefore rebuke them sharply. Their bad conduct must be sharply rebuked until the gospel so transforms them that they will become "sound in the faith". Jewish fables.

See PNT 1Ti 1:4.

Commandments of men. Commandments which are only the traditions of men, additions to God's ordinances. See Mr 7:4,8. Unto the pure all things are pure. In the "Jewish fables" just referred to (Tit 1:14) were rigid regulations concerning foods and purifications. Hence Paul adds, "It is not food that makes one impure. To the pure all things are pure. When one is unbelieving and defiled, no food can make him pure". See notes on Ro 14:14 1Co 8:4-8. They profess that they know God. These teachers of Jewish fables and carnal ordinances profess to know and serve God, yet their immoral lives are a denial of him.

Titus 2

Practical Duties Versus Unsound Doctrine SUMMARY OF TITUS 2: Duties of the Aged. Of the Young Men and Women. Of Servants. Christian Life. Christian Hope.

Speak . . . sound doctrine. Instead of inculcating Jewish fables and speculations, impart healthy teaching; teach practical duties. That the aged men be sober. Not given to wine. We must keep in mind that the converts had recently been given to healthy vices.

Temperate. Exhibiting self-control.

Sound in faith. True believers.

In patience. Steadfastly persevering. The aged women likewise. One general rule is given, in effect that they seek holy lives.

Not false accusers. Not given to slander, and insinuations of evil, a fault by no means uncommon among certain classes of women.

Teachers of good things. Both by example and precept. How beautiful is an aged Christian woman of saintly life! That they may teach. A special mission is to teach the young women. What they were to be taught follows. [To be] discreet. How often thoughtless indiscretion has caused great pain and trouble!

Keepers at home. Those who are continually going must neglect the duties of domestic life. See 1Ti 5:13. Young men . . . be sober-minded. The precept, sober-minded, occurs four times in six verses (Tit 2:2,4,6,12), and may be accounted for by the volatile character of the Cretans. See Tit 1:12,13. Shewing thyself a pattern of good works. While exhorting others. [Showing] uncorruptness. Sincerity. Sound speech. Speech of a healthy, moral effect.

He that is of the contrary part. Opposers, whether heathen, Jews, or false teachers. Servants. Slaves. See notes on Eph 6:5-8. Many of the first converts were servants. Not purloining. Men robbed of liberty and labor have always been under temptation to steal.

Good fidelity. Faithfulness in duty which will secure the master's confidence.

That they may adorn the doctrine of God. The virtues of a Christian servant would commend Christianity to the master. As a matter of fact we know that many masters were converted by their servants. The grace of God . . . hath appeared to all men. The divine favor shown forth in the gospel of salvation is for all men, servants as well as masters. Teaching us. We are taught in this system of grace that we must deny ourselves all sinful lusts, and live godly lives. Looking for that blessed hope. The attitude of Christians is that of waiting in expectation of the fulfillment of a glorious hope. Compare 1Co 1:7 Php 3:20 1Th 1:9. Who gave himself for us. The Lord who will appear gave the greatest of all things, himself, for us.

That he might redeem us. To deliver us from sin, not only from its power, but its penalty.

A peculiar people. "A people for his own possession" (Revised Version). Separate, chosen, holy in life. The Jews were, under the old covenant, a peculiar people; now, Christians, are God's Israel. Let no man despise thee. Command respect.

Titus 3

Various Duties of Social Life SUMMARY OF TITUS 3: Duties of Christian Life. The Former State of Christians. How God Saved Us. The Bath of Regeneration. The Treatment of Heretics. Personal Directions.

Be subject to principalities and powers. To the authorities over them. The Cretans were subjected to Roman sway B.C. 67, but had always been turbulent and impatient. Christians should keep aloof from seditions which could only work evil. Gentle. Forbearing and patient. For we ourselves. We Christians.

Were sometimes. Once we were just as foolish, disobedience, turbulent and sinful as others. But after that. That we are not so now is due, not to ourselves, but to the love of God shown in the gospel. He saved us. Not by our righteousness, but by his mercy. The means chosen by his mercy to place us in the state of salvation are next spoken of.

By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Two elements enter into the saving; these are referred to in John as the birth of water and of the Spirit (Joh 3:5). God's spirit effects the renewal of the spirit of man by bringing him to faith and repentance through the preaching of the gospel; thus the renewal of the Holy Spirit is begun, and the gift of the Holy Spirit is promised as a sequence of baptism (Ro 6:1-8) shows that the sinner dies to sin, is buried by baptism, rises to a new life, and is a new creature. "Washing to regeneration" is literally, "bath of regeneration". All commentators of reputation refer this to baptism, such as Meyer, Olshausen, Lange, Plumptree, Schaff, Canon Cook, Wesley, etc. Regeneration is due to the Holy Spirit, but baptism is an outward act that God requires to complete the fact. The term "regeneration" only occurs here and Mt 19:28. Which he. The Holy Spirit.

Shed on us abundantly. On the church. On some even in miraculous measure. See Ac 2:1-10. That being justified by his grace. Our sins all forgiven, that through God's grace, we might be accepted as his children. [This is] a faithful saying. What has been said in the last four verses.

Affirm constantly. That they are saved by the gospel, and hence must live holy lives.

Maintain good works. Active in good deeds. But avoid foolish questions. How often this admonition!

And genealogies.

See PNT 1Ti 1:4.

And strivings about the law. Disputes over points connected with the Jewish law. An heretic. A divider, or schismatic. Any one who preaches doctrines which divide the household of faith is a heretic. So is any schismatic or factious man. This is the only passage in the New Testament where "heretic" occurs, though "heresy" is elsewhere named (Ac 24:14).

Reject. First admonish and warn, repeat it, and if there is no change, then refuse his fellowship. Knowing that he that is such. No one can continue factious unless he is perverted from the truth. When I shall send. Titus was not stationed permanently in Crete, as a diocesan bishop, but was left for a certain work (Tit 1:5), and is now bidden to leave as soon as another is sent to take his place.

Artemas. Otherwise unknown.

Tychicus. Often named as one of Paul's companions. See notes on Col 4:7 Eph 6:21.

Come unto me to Nicopolis. A town on the west coast of Greece in Epirus, so named because Augustus Caesar gained the great battle of Actium there. It means "City of Victory". History seems to make it probable that Paul did go there to winter, was again arrested, and carried to Rome to die. Bring Zenas the lawyer. Of him nothing more is known.

And Apollos. See Ac 18:24-28. It was the custom of the churches to help the early evangelists forward on their journeys. Let ours also learn. Our fellow-Christians. This suggests that it would be a good work to aid Zenas and Apollos.