Глава II

Titus as a preacher of sound teaching about Christian morality (1–15). Titus 2:1. But say what is in accordance with sound doctrine: Titus 2:2. so that the elders are vigilant, sedate, chaste, sound in faith, in love, in patience; Titus 2:3. so that the old women also dress decently for saints, are not slanderers, are not enslaved to drunkenness, and teach goodness; Titus 2:4. to admonish young people to love their husbands, love children, Titus 2:5. be chaste, pure, take care of the home, kind, submissive to your husbands, so that the word of God is not reproached. Titus 2:6. Also exhort the young men to be chaste. Preaching sound Christian teaching, Titus must address special kinds of instructions to different ages, persons of different sexes and conditions. “Elders” is a designation of old age (πρεσβύτης), and not of hierarchical or priestly rank (πρεσβύτερος). “Dress decently” - more precisely: so that they behave as befits saints, that is, Christians. “Let not the word of God be condemned” (cf. 1 Timothy 6:1). Titus 2:7. In everything, show yourself as an example of good deeds, in teaching purity, sedateness, integrity, Titus 2:8. a sound word that cannot be blamed, so that the enemy will be put to shame, not having anything bad to say about us. Titus himself must set an example of a morally good life. Titus 2:9. Exhort slaves to obey their masters, to please them in everything, not to contradict them, Titus 2:10. not to steal, but to show all good fidelity, so that in everything they may be an adornment to the teaching of our Savior, God. About slaves from the point of view of the Apostle Paul, see the interpretation of 1 Cor. 7:21–22 and Eph. 6:5 et seq. Titus 2:11. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, Titus 2:12. teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live chastely, righteously and godly in this present age, Titus 2:13. awaiting the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Titus 2:14. Who gave Himself for us in order to deliver us from all iniquity and to purify for Himself a special people, zealous for good works. The motivation for all Christians to lead a good life should be the consciousness that God has given people His sanctifying grace, with which it is easy for them to avoid sins. The grace of God, which appeared in Christ, is like the sun (έπεφάνη in Acts 27:20 is directly used about the appearance of the sun or stars) illuminated the world that was in impenetrable darkness and, like the sun, spills life everywhere, gives man strength for spiritual development, saves all people, wherever they are. It follows that Cretans can and should also use it to sanctify their lives. She, like a teacher (teaching us), weans us from the wicked life and its pleasures and confirms us in piety, and, however, we must help her on our part in this matter (so that we live). In this godly life we ​​should be strengthened by the hope of the coming of our great Hope, that is, Jesus Christ. The Apostle calls this hope blessed because Christ, whom Christians await, has blessedness in the highest degree (cf. 1 Tim. 6:15). By “appearance” (v. 13) we mean the second coming of Christ (cf. 1 Tim. 6:14 and 2 Tim. 4:1, 8) - “the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” In the Greek text, the words corresponding to these expressions are preceded by μεγ. Θ. και σωτ. the article τοΰ is placed, and after them the pronoun ήμών. From this it is necessary to conclude that the expression “Great God and Savior Jesus Christ” denotes the same person, i.e. Christ. This passage thus serves as evidence that the Apostle Paul recognized Christ as God. “He gave himself for us,” that is, to death for our good, for our salvation (ύπέρ). "Special people". This expression is reminiscent of a passage from the book of Exodus (Ex. 19:5 et seq.). By reminding us that Christ gave Himself in order to free us from our sins, Titus will further oblige Christians to lead a holy life: they must not allow the great sacrifice of Christ to remain fruitless for them. Titus 2:15. Speak, exhort and reprove this with all authority, so that no one despises you. Titus must use all methods of pastoral exhortation to ensure that the thoughts expressed above enter the consciousness of his flock. At the same time, he must speak with all authority, that is, not only exhort Christians, but also address them with direct commands. You might be interested in: