Titus 2

Titus 2 provides guidance on how various groups within the church should conduct themselves, emphasizing sound doctrine and good deeds as a reflection of Christian life and teaching. Paul addresses different demographic groups—older men, older women, young women, young men, and slaves—outlining the behaviors that exemplify a life transformed by the gospel. The chapter underscores the role of grace in salvation and how it trains believers to live righteously and godly in the present world.

Titus 2:1-10 (NKJV)
1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—
4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,
7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Paul starts by addressing older men, urging them to be sober, reverent, and temperate, qualities that reflect their maturity in faith. He similarly instructs older women to be role models in behavior and to teach younger women virtues like love for family and chastity. Young men are encouraged to demonstrate self-control and integrity. Slaves (bondservants) are advised to be obedient and trustworthy. These instructions aim to ensure that every group within the church lives in a way that honors the gospel and does not give critics any grounds for reproach.

Titus 2:11-15 (NKJV)
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Paul highlights God’s grace, which brings salvation and teaches believers to live righteously as they await the blessed hope—the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (v. 13). The Greek text suggests that this refers not to the personal appearance of either the Father or Christ alone, but to the full revelation of their shared divine glory at Christ’s return. This aligns with Luke 9:26, where Jesus states that He will come in His own glory, the Father's glory, and that of the angels. Christ’s return will be a display of divine majesty and authority, reflecting both His own exalted position and the power given to Him by the Father. The passage also emphasizes Christ’s purpose—to redeem and purify a people zealous for good works. Paul instructs Titus to teach these truths with authority, ensuring that believers not only hope for Christ’s return but also live transformed lives, shaped by the grace that saves and sanctifies.