Bible Commentaries

According to the faith of God‘s elect (κατα πιστιν εκλεκτων τεου — kata pistin eklektōn theou). Here κατα — kata expresses the aim of Paul‘s apostleship, not the standard by which he was chosen as in Philemon 3:14; a classic idiom, repeated here with επιγνωσιν ευσεβειαν επιταγην — epignōsinεπιγνωσιν — eusebeianτης κατ ευσεβειαν — epitagēn “with a view to” in each case. For “God‘s elect” see note on Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12.

The knowledge (epignōsin). “Full knowledge,” one of Paul‘s favourite words. For the phrase see note on 1 Timothy 2:4.

Which is according to godliness (tēs kat' eusebeian). “The (truth) with a view to godliness.” The combination of faith and full knowledge of the truth is to bring godliness on the basis of the hope of life eternal.

God who cannot lie (ο απσευδης τεος — ho apseudēs theos). “The non-lying God.” Old adjective (α — a privative and πσευδης — pseudēs), here only in N.T. See 2 Timothy 2:13. In Polycarp‘s last prayer.

Promised (επηγγειλατο — epēggeilato). First aorist middle indicative of επαγγελλω — epaggellō Antithesis in επανερωσεν δε — ephanerōsen de (manifested) in Titus 1:3 (first aorist active indicative of πανεροω — phaneroō). Same contrast in Romans 16:25; Colossians 1:26.

Before times eternal (προ χρονων αιωνων — pro chronōn aiōnōn). Not to God‘s purpose before time began (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9), but to definite promises (Romans 9:4) made in time (Lock). “Long ages ago.” See note on Romans 16:25.

In his own seasons (καιροις ιδιοις — kairois idiois). Locative case. See note on 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Timothy 6:15.

In the message (εν κηρυγματι — en kērugmati). See note on 1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 Corinthians 2:4 for this word, the human proclamation (preaching) of God‘s word.

Wherewith I was intrusted (ο επιστευτην — ho episteuthēn). Accusative relative ο — ho retained with the first aorist passive indicative of πιστευω — pisteuō as in 1 Timothy 1:11. See note on 1 Timothy 2:7.

Of God our Saviour (του σωτηρος ημων τεου — tou sōtēros hēmōn theou). In Titus 1:4 he applies the words “του σωτηρος ημων — tou sōtēros hēmōn ” to Christ. In Titus 2:13 he applies both τεου — theou and σωτηρος — sōtēros to Christ.

My true child (γνησιωι τεκνωι — gnēsiōi teknōi). See note on 1 Timothy 1:2 for this adjective with Timothy. Titus is not mentioned in Acts, possibly because he is Luke‘s brother. But one can get a clear picture of him by turning to 2 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 7:6-15; 8:6-24; 2 Corinthians 12:16-18; Galatians 2:1-3; Titus 1:4.; Titus 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:10. He had succeeded in Corinth where Timothy had failed. Paul had left him in Crete as superintendent of the work there. Now he writes him from Nicopolis (Titus 3:12).

After a common faith (κατα κοινην πιστιν — kata Koinéēn pistin). Here κατα — kata does mean standard, not aim, but it is a faith (πιστιν — pistin) common to a Gentile (a Greek) like Titus as well as to a Jew like Paul and so common to all races and classes (Judges 1:3). Κοινος — Koinéos does not here have the notion of unclean as in Acts 10:14; Acts 11:8.

For this cause (τουτου χαριν — toutou charin). In N.T. only here and Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:14. Paul may be supplementing oral instruction as in Timothy‘s case and may even be replying to a letter from Titus (Zahn).

Left I thee in Crete (απελειπον σε εν Κρητηι — apeleipon se en Krētēi). This is the imperfect active of απολειπω — apoleipō though MSS. give the aorist active also (απελιπον — apelipon) and some read κατελειπον — kateleipon or κατελιπον — katelipon Both are common verbs, though Paul uses καταλειπω — kataleipō only in 1 Thessalonians 3:1 except two quotations (Romans 11:4; Ephesians 5:31) and απολειπω — apoleipō only here and 2 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:20. Perhaps απολειπω — apoleipō suggests a more temporary stay than καταλειπω — kataleipō Paul had apparently stopped in Crete on his return from Spain about a.d. 65.

That thou shouldest set in order (ινα επιδιορτωσηι — hina epidiorthōsēi). Late and rare double compound (inscriptions, here only in N.T.), first aorist middle subjunctive (final clause with ινα — hina) of επιδιορτοω — epidiorthoō to set straight (ορτοω — orthoō) thoroughly (δια — dia) in addition (επι — epi), a clean job of it.

The things that were wanting (τα λειποντα — ta leiponta). “The things that remain.” See note on 2 Timothy 3:13; Luke 18:22. Either things left undone or things that survive. In both senses the new pastor faces problems after the tornado has passed. Parry takes it “of present defects” in Cretan character.

And appoint (και καταστησηις — kai katastēsēis). Final clause still and first aorist active subjunctive of κατιστημι — kathistēmi the word used in Acts 6:13 about the deacons. The word does not preclude the choice by the churches (in every city, κατα πολιν — kata polin distributive use of κατα — kata). This is a chief point in the επιδορτωσις — epidorthōsis (White).

Elders (πρεσβυτερους — presbuterous). See note on 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 4:14.

As I gave thee charge (ως εγω σοι διεταχαμην — hōs egō soi dietaxamēn). First aorist (constative) middle imperative of διατασσω — diatassō clear reference to previous personal details given to Titus on previous occasions.

Blameless (ανεγκλητος — anegklētos). In a condition of first class. Used in 1 Timothy 3:10 of deacons which see.

That believe (πιστα — pista). Added to what is in 1 Timothy 3:4. “Believing children.”

Not accused of riot (μη εν κατηγοριαι ασωτιας — mē en katēgoriāi asōtias). See note on 1 Timothy 5:19 for κατηγορια — katēgoria and Ephesians 5:18 for ασωτια — asōtia “Not in accusation of profligacy.”

Unruly (ανυποτακτα — anupotakta). See note on 1 Timothy 1:9. Public disorder, out of doors. See also Titus 1:10.

The bishop (τον επισκοπον — ton episkopon). Same office as “elder” in Titus 1:5. “Elder is the title, oversight is the function” (B. Weiss).

As God‘s steward (ως τεου οικονομον — hōs theou oikonomon). See note on 1 Corinthians 4:1. for Paul‘s idea of the bishop (elder) as God‘s steward (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:17; Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:2; 1 Timothy 1:4).

Not self-willed (μη αυταδη — mē authadē). Old word (from αυτοσ ηδομαι — autosοργιλον — hēdomai), self-pleasing, arrogant. In N.T. only here and 2 Peter 2:10.

Not soon angry (οργη — orgilon). Old adjective from αισχροκερδη — orgē (anger). Here only in N.T. Vulgate, iracundum. For “brawler” and “striker” see note on 1 Timothy 3:2.

Not greedy of filthy lucre (απιλαργυρον — aischrokerdē). “Not greedy of shameful gain.” Used of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8, aphilarguron used of elders in 1 Timothy 3:3.

A lover of good (πιλαγατον — philagathon). Late double compound (πιλοσ αγατος — philosδικαιον — agathos). See Wisdom of Solomon 7:22. Here only in N.T. Just (οσιον — dikaion), holy (εγκρατη — hosion) not in 1 Timothy 3.

Temperate (εν κρατος — egkratē). Old and common adjective (enkratos strength), having power over, controlling, here only in N.T. Picture of self-control.

Holding to (αντεχομενον — antechomenon). Present middle participle of αντεχω — antechō old verb, to hold back, in middle to hold oneself face to face with, to cling to, as in 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

The faithful word (του πιστου λογου — tou pistou logou). See note on 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 6:3; Romans 16:17. Some would see a reference here to Christ as the Personal Logos.

That he may be able (ινα δυνατος ηι — hina dunatos ēi). Final clause with present active subjunctive. Paul several times uses δυνατος ειμι — dunatos eimi in the sense of δυναμαι — dunamai with infinitive as here (Romans 4:21; Romans 11:23; 2 Timothy 1:12).

The gainsayers (τους αντιλεγοντας — tous antilegontas). Present active participle of αντιλεγω — antilegō old word, to answer back, as in Romans 10:21. “The talkers back.”

Vain talkers (ματαιολογοι — mataiologoi). Late and rare compound, empty talkers, in Vett. Val. and here. See note on 1 Timothy 1:6 for ματαιολογια — mataiologia

Deceivers (πρεναπαται — phrenapatai). Late and rare compound, in papyri, eccl. writers, here alone in N.T. “Mind-deceivers.” See note on Galatians 6:3 for πρεναπαταιν — phrenapatāin

Specially they of the circumcision (μαλιστα οι εκ της περιτομης — malista hoi ek tēs peritomēs). Same phrase in Acts 11:2; Galatians 2:12; Colossians 4:11. Jews are mentioned in Crete in Acts 2:11. Apparently Jewish Christians of the Pharisaic type tinged with Gnosticism.

Whose mouths must be stopped (ους δει επιστομιζειν — hous dei epistomizein). Literally, “whom it is necessary to silence by stopping the mouth.” Present active infinitive επιστομιζειν — epistomizein old and common verb (επι — epi στομα — stoma mouth), here only in N.T. To stop the mouth either with bridle or muzzle or gag.

Overthrow (ανατρεπουσιν — anatrepousin). Old and common verb, to turn up, to overturn. In N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 2:18. In papyri to upset a family by perversion of one member.

Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ha mē dei). Note subjective negative μη — mē with indefinite relative and indicative mode.

For filthy lucre‘s sake (αισχρου κερδους χαριν — aischrou kerdous charin). The Cretans are given a bad reputation for itinerating prophets for profit by Polybius, Livy, Plutarch. Paul‘s warnings in 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 3:8; 1 Timothy 6:5 reveal it as “a besetting temptation of the professional teacher” (Parry). See Titus 1:7 above. Disgraceful gain, made in shameful ways.

A prophet of their own (ιδιος αυτων προπητης — idios autōn prophētēs). “Their own prophet.” Self-styled “prophet” (or poet), and so accepted by the Cretans and by Cicero and Apuleius, that is Epimenides who was born in Crete at Cnossos. It is a hexameter line and Callimachus quoted the first part of it in a Hymn to Zeus. It is said that Epimenides suggested to the Athenians the erection of statues to “unknown gods” (Acts 17:23).

Liars (πσευσται — pseustai). See note on 1 Timothy 1:10 for the word. The Cretans had a bad reputation on this line, partly due to their claim to having the tomb of Zeus.

Evil beasts (κακα τηρια — kaka thēria). “Wicked wild beasts.” Lock asks if the Minotaur was partly responsible.

Idle gluttons (γαστερες αργαι — gasteres argai). “Idle bellies.” Blunt and forceful. See note on Philemon 3:19 “whose god is the belly” (η κοιλια — hē koilia). Both words give the picture of the sensual gormandizer.

Testimony (μαρτυρια — marturia). Of the poet Epimenides. Paul endorses it from his recent knowledge.

Sharply (αποτομως — apotomōs). Old adverb from αποτομος — apotomos (from αποτεμνω — apotemnō to cut off), in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 13:10, “curtly,” “abruptly.” It is necessary to appear rude sometimes for safety, if the house is on fire and life is in danger.

That they may be sound (ινα υγιαινωσιν — hina hugiainōsin). Final clause with ινα — hina and present active subjunctive of υγιαινω — hugiainō for which verb see note on 1 Timothy 1:10.

See note on 1 Timothy 1:4 for προσεχω — prosechō and μυτοις — muthois only here we have Jewish (Ιουδαικοις — Ioudaikois) added. Perhaps a reference to the oral traditions condemned by Christ in Mark 7:2-8. See also Colossians 2:22, apparently Pharisaic type of Gnostics.

Who turn away from the truth (αποστρεπομενων — apostrephomenōn). Present middle (direct) participle of αποστρεπω — apostrephō “men turning themselves away from the truth” (accusative according to regular idiom). “The truth” (1 Timothy 4:3) is the gospel (Ephesians 4:21).

To them that are defiled (τοις μεμιαμμενοις — tois memiammenois). Perfect passive articular participle of μιαινω — miainō old verb, to dye with another colour, to stain, in N.T. only here, Judges 1:8; Hebrews 12:15. See μεμιανται — memiantai (perf. pass. indic.) in this verse. Μολυνω — Molunō (1 Corinthians 8:7) is to smear.

Unbelieving (απιστοις — apistois). As in 1 Corinthians 7:12.; 1 Timothy 5:8. The principle or proverb just quoted appears also in 1 Corinthians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:23; Romans 14:20. For the defilement of mind (νους — nous) and conscience (συνειδησις — suneidēsis) in both Gentile and Jew by sin, see Romans 1:18-2:29.

They profess (ομολογουσιν — homologousin). Present active indicative of ομολογεω — homologeō common verb (ομου λεγω — homouΕιδεναι — legō) as in Romans 10:10. οιδα — Eidenai (know) is second perfect active infinitive of τοις εργοις — oida in indirect assertion.

By their works (αρνουνται — tois ergois). Instrumental case.

They deny (αρνεομαι — arnountai). Present middle of βδελυκτοι — arneomai old verb, common in the Gospels and the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 2:12; 2 Timothy 2:12).

Abominable (βδελυσσομαι — bdeluktoi). Verbal adjective from απειτεις — bdelussomai Only in lxx and here.

Disobedient (αδοκιμοι — apeitheis). See note on Romans 1:30.

Reprobate (adokimoi). See note on 1 Corinthians 9:27; Romans 1:28.