Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

In His own time He has made His word evident in the proclamation entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.

“17:3, 17). through preaching--Greek, "in preaching," of rather as ALFORD (see on 2Ti 4:17), "in the (Gospel) proclamation (the thing preached, the Gospel) with which I was entrusted." according to--in pursuance of (compare 1Ti 1:1). of God our Saviour--rather as Greek, "of our Saviour God."”

To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

“Phm 10). after the common faith--a genuine son in respect to (in virtue of) the faith common to all the people of God, comprising in a common brotherhood Gentiles as well as Jews, therefore embracing Titus a Gentile (2Pe 1:1; Grace, mercy, and peace--"mercy" is…”

The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

“Elder is the term of dignity in relation to the college of presbyters; bishop points to the duties of his office in relation to the flock.”

An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.

“The immorality of the Cretan professors rendered this a necessary requisite in one who was to be a reprover: and their unsoundness in doctrine also made needful great steadfastness in the faith (Tit 1:9, 13). having faithful children--that is, believing children.”

For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision,

“"There are many unruly persons, vain talkers, and deceivers"; "unruly" being predicated of both vain talkers and deceivers. vain talkers--opposed to "holding fast the faithful word" (Tit 1:9). "Vain jangling" (1Ti 1:6); "foolish questions, unprofitable and vain" (Tit 3:9).”

to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.

“Eph 5:24). their own--marking the duty of subjection which they owe them, as being their own husbands (Eph 5:22; Col 3:18). blasphemed--"evil spoken of."”

In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

“Young--Greek, "The younger men." sober-minded--self-restrained [ALFORD]. "Nothing is so hard at this age as to overcome pleasures and follies" [CHRYSOSTOM].”

In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,

“As "gravity," &c., refers to Titus himself, so "uncorruptness"; though, doubtless, uncorruptness of the doctrine will be sure to follow as a consequence of the Christian minister being of simple, uncorrupt integrity himself. gravity--dignified seriousness in setting forth the truth. sincerity--omitted in the oldest manuscripts.”

not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.

“Men will write, fight, and even die for their religion; but how few live for it! Translate, "That they may adorn the doctrine of our Saviour God," that is, God the Father, the originating author of salvation (compare Note, see on 1Ti 1:1).”

He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

“The aim of His redemption was to redeem us, not merely from the penalty, but from the being of all iniquity. Thus he reverts to the "teaching" in righteousness, or disciplining effect of the grace of God that bringeth salvation (Tit 2:11, 12).”

Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

“Put them in mind--as they are in danger of forgetting their duty, though knowing it. The opposition of Christianity to heathenism, and the natural disposition to rebellion of the Jews under the Roman empire (of whom many lived in Crete), might lead many to forget…”

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,

“To show how little reason the Cretan Christians had to be proud of themselves, and despise others not Christians (see on Tit 3:2, 3).”

He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

“Not by--Greek, "Out of"; "not as a result springing from works," &c. of righteousness--Greek, "in righteousness," that is, wrought "in a state of righteousness": as "deeds . . . wrought in God."”

This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

“This pouring out of the Spirit comprehends the grace received before, in, and subsequently to, baptism. abundantly--Greek, "richly" (Col 3:16). through Jesus Christ--the channel and Mediator of the gift of the Holy Ghost. our Saviour--immediately; as the Father is mediately "our Saviour."”

This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds.

“Greek, "faithful is the saying." A formula peculiar to the Pastoral Epistles. Here "the saying" is the statement (Tit 3:4-7) as to the gratuitousness of God's gift of salvation.”

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

“Same Greek, as in 2Ti 2:16; see on 2Ti 2:16. foolish--Greek, "insipid"; producing no moral fruit. "Vain talkers." genealogies--akin to the "fables" (see on 1Ti 1:4).”

As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.

“Artemas or Tychicus--to supply thy place in Crete. Artemas is said to have been subsequently bishop of Lystra.”

Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need.

“Crete would be on his way either to Palestine or his native place, Alexandria. Paul and Apollos thus appear in beautiful harmony in that very city where their names had been formerly the watchword of unchristian party work.”

And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.

“And . . . also--Greek, "But . . . also." Not only thou, but let others also of "our" fellow believers (or "whom we have gained over at Crete") with thee.”

All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.

“Greet--"Salute them that love us in the faith." All at Crete had not this love rooted in faith, the true bond of fellowship. A salutation peculiar to this Epistle, such as no forger would have used. Grace--Greek, "The grace," namely, of God.”