Commentary on Titus

1.1–4 : Salutation,

with theological expansion reminiscent of Rom 1.2–6 (cf. 1 Cor 2.7; Col 1.26; 2 Tim 1.10 ).

2 :

God, who never lies, cf. v. 12 . Before the ages began, see 2 Tim 1.9; cf. Jn 1.2–3 .

3 :

God our Savior (also 2.10; 3.4; 1 Tim 1.1; 2.3; 4.10 ).

4 :

Christ Jesus our Savior (also 2.13; 3.6; 2 Tim 1.10 ).

1.5–16 : Titus's commission in Crete.

5–7 :

Elders … bishop, here apparently regarded as synonymous or at least overlapping categories (cf. 1 Tim 3.1–7; 5.17–20 ).

6 :

Rebellious, lit. “insubordinate” (also 1.10 ).

7 :

Steward, manager of the household (cf. 1 Cor 4.1–2 ).

9 :

Sound doctrine, see 1 Tim 4.6n.

10 :

Those of the circumcision, Jewish Christians who teach adherence to Torah, the law of Moses (see Gal 2.12 ), including dietary laws (see v. 15 ).

11 :

Upsetting whole families, lit. “households,” the basic unit of civic and church life.

12 :

Invective against opponents supported by a hexameter from the Cretan poet Epimenides (ca. 600 BCE).

13 :

Sound in the faith, having a “healthy” faith (also 2.2; see 1 Tim 4.6n. ).

14 :

Jewish myths, see 1 Tim 1.4n.

15 :

Cf. Rom 14.14 .

16 :

Good work, see 2.7,14; 3.1,8,14 (also 3.8n. ).