Titus 2
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Teaching Sound Doctrine

1But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine.

2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.

3Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. 4In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to 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.

6In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

7In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

9Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.

God’s Grace Brings Salvation

11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. 12It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. 14He 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.

15Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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Titus 2 Summary
Teaching Sound Doctrine

Verses 1–2 – Sound Teaching for Older Men
Paul urges Titus to speak only what lines up with “sound doctrine.” Mature men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and “sound in faith, love, and perseverance” (2:2). Their solid example sets the tone for the whole church.

Verses 3–5 – Godly Guidance for Older Women and Younger Women
Older women are called to be reverent, not given to gossip or excess wine, and to become “teachers of what is good” (2:3). Their mentoring assignment: train younger women to love their families, practice purity, manage their households well, and willingly support their husbands so “the word of God will not be discredited” (2:5).

Verses 6–8 – Counsel for Younger Men and Titus
Younger men receive one headline command: self-control. Titus himself must model good works, integrity, dignity, and “sound speech beyond reproach” (2:8) so opponents are left with nothing to criticize.

Verses 9–10 – Instruction for Bondservants
Slaves are to honor their masters, refuse to argue, and show complete trustworthiness. Such behavior “adorns the teaching of God our Savior” (2:10), making the gospel attractive even in the workplace.

Verses 11–14 – The Grace That Trains Us
God’s grace has appeared, “bringing salvation to everyone” (2:11). That same grace teaches believers to renounce ungodliness and to live righteous lives while waiting for “the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2:13). Christ’s self-giving redeems and purifies a people “zealous for good deeds” (2:14).

Verse 15 – Authority to Teach and Correct
Titus must speak, encourage, and correct with full authority—letting no one despise him—because the stakes are eternal.


Titus 2 is an essential part of Paul's pastoral letter to Titus, a young church leader in Crete. In this chapter, Paul lays out practical guidelines for Christian living, emphasizing the role of sound doctrine in influencing behavior, the responsibilities of various groups within the Christian community, and the transformative power of Christ's redemption.

Historical and Literary Setting

• Titus ministers on Crete, a Mediterranean island known in the first century for piracy, deception, and moral laxity (see Titus 1:12). Paul’s instructions contrast sharply with local culture, aiming to form communities that showcase godly living.

• The letter likely dates from the mid-60s AD, after Paul’s first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28). By this stage churches had elders (1:5) but still needed practical guidance.

• Chapter 2 sits between warnings about false teachers (ch. 1) and instructions on doing good works (ch. 3), forming the pastoral heart of the epistle.

Verse-by-Verse Notes

1 – “Sound doctrine” echoes 1 Timothy 1:10; healthy teaching produces healthy lives.

2 – “Temperate” links to Proverbs 20:1; “perseverance” recalls Romans 5:3–4.

3 – “Reverent in behavior” pictures temple-like conduct; see 1 Peter 3:4 for a kindred spirit.

4–5 – Loving husband and children was radical in a culture where arranged marriages and infant exposure were common. Purity and home-management countered Crete’s reputation for moral looseness.

6 – Self-control (Greek sōphroneō) appears repeatedly (vv. 2, 5, 6, 12), highlighting mastery over impulses.

7–8 – Titus must be a pattern (Greek typos), as Timothy was urged in 1 Timothy 4:12.

9–10 – Paul never endorses slavery as ideal (see 1 Corinthians 7:21; Philemon 16), yet he instructs believers to live out the gospel within their current station, echoing Jesus’ call to go the second mile (Matthew 5:41).

11 – “Grace has appeared” pairs with 3:4 “kindness…appeared,” framing the letter with divine initiative.

12 – Three tenses of salvation: past (grace appeared), present (training), future (hope).

13 – “Great God and Savior Jesus Christ” affirms Christ’s deity, paralleling John 1:1 and 2 Peter 1:1.

14 – Christ’s purpose language mirrors Exodus 19:5; believers are His “special possession.”

15 – Authority comes from truth itself, not personality; compare Jeremiah 1:7–8.

Grace as Trainer: How Salvation Produces Lifestyle

• Grace saves (Ephesians 2:8–9) and trains (Ephesians 2:10).

• Negative instruction: “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions” (cf. 1 John 2:15–17).

• Positive instruction: “live sensible, upright, and godly lives” (cf. Micah 6:8; Romans 12:1–2).

• Future focus: “blessed hope” keeps present conduct aligned with coming glory (1 John 3:2–3).

Role Models in the Church: Generational Discipleship

• Older teaching younger establishes continuity (Psalm 145:4).

• Gender-specific mentoring respects design distinctions (Genesis 2:18; 1 Peter 3:7).

• Self-control as core virtue counters Crete’s stereotype (“liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons,” 1:12).

Slavery in the First Century and Paul’s Counsel

• Roughly one-third of the Roman Empire’s population were slaves.

• Household codes (Ephesians 5–6; Colossians 3–4) address social realities while subverting them with gospel principles—dignity, equality before God (Galatians 3:28).

• Trustworthy service adorned the message, often leading masters to faith (see 1 Peter 2:18–19).

Crete: Geography, Culture, and Archaeology

• The island sits 160 km south of mainland Greece, with high mountains and harbors cited in Acts 27:8–12.

• Archaeological finds show temples to Zeus and Dionysus; Paul counters with sobriety and self-control.

• Inscriptions reveal civic emphasis on patronage and honor; Paul redirects honor to Christ.

Key Word Studies

• “Sound” (hugianō): healthy, wholesome (2:1, 2).

• “Self-controlled” (sōphrōn/sōphroneō): disciplined mind (vv. 2, 5, 6, 12).

• “Adorn” (kosmeō): to beautify, as in 1 Peter 3:3–4; the life makes the doctrine attractive.

• “Blessed hope” (makarios elpis): confident expectation bringing joy now (Romans 5:2).

Links to the Wider Bible Story

• Exodus-Redemption Motif: Titus 2:14 mirrors God redeeming Israel (Exodus 6:6–7).

• Covenant People: “people for His own possession” echoes Deuteronomy 7:6 and 1 Peter 2:9.

• Second Coming Anticipation: paralleled in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Revelation 22:20.

• Good Works Prepared: compare 2 Timothy 3:17 and James 2:14–18.

Living Titus 2 Today

• Churches thrive when every age group serves: grandparents mentor, parents model, youth imitate.

• Workplace integrity remains a frontline witness; punctuality and honesty preach loudest.

• Grace-powered training frees from legalism: we obey not to earn favor but because favor already “appeared.”

• Hope keeps perspective—political turmoil, cultural decay, personal trials all shrink beside the “glorious appearance” ahead.

Connections to Additional Scriptures
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

Ephesians 5:21-33
Instructions on relationships within the family, emphasizing love and respect.

Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit, highlighting qualities like self-control and love.

1 Peter 2:18-21
Encouragement for slaves to submit to their masters, even when it is difficult, as a testimony to Christ.
Teaching Points
Sound Doctrine
Titus 2:1 states, But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine. This emphasizes the importance of teaching and adhering to biblical truths.

Roles and Responsibilities
The chapter outlines specific instructions for older men, older women, young women, young men, and slaves, highlighting the importance of each group in the church community.

Older Men
They are called to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance (Titus 2:2).

Older Women
They should be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good (Titus 2:3).

Young Women
Encouraged to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and subject to their own husbands (Titus 2:4-5).

Young Men
Urged to be self-controlled and to set an example by doing what is good (Titus 2:6-7).

Slaves
Instructed to be submissive to their masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative (Titus 2:9).

The Grace of God
Titus 2:11-12 reminds us that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, teaching us to live godly lives.
Practical Applications
Embrace Sound Doctrine
Regularly study and apply biblical teachings to ensure your life aligns with God's Word.

Mentorship
Encourage older members of the church to mentor younger ones, fostering a community of growth and accountability.

Self-Control
Practice self-control in all areas of life, recognizing it as a fruit of the Spirit and a testimony to others.

Role Fulfillment
Embrace and fulfill your God-given roles and responsibilities within your family and church community.

Grace-Filled Living
Let the grace of God guide your actions and interactions, reflecting His love and salvation to others.
People
1. Older Men
Description: They are instructed to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance. The Greek word for "older men" is "πρεσβύτας" (presbytās), which implies maturity and wisdom expected from elder males in the community.

2. Older Women
Description: They are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, and to teach what is good. The Greek term "πρεσβύτιδας" (presbytidas) is used, indicating women of advanced age who are expected to model virtuous behavior.

3. Young Women
Description: They are encouraged to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind, and subject to their husbands. The Greek word "νέας" (neas) refers to younger women, highlighting their roles within the family and community.

4. Young Men
Description: They are urged to be self-controlled. The Greek term "νεωτέρους" (neōterous) is used, focusing on the importance of self-discipline and integrity for younger males.

5. Titus (as a Teacher)
Description: Titus himself is instructed to set an example by doing what is good, showing integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech. Although not explicitly named in this section, the instructions are directed to him as the leader and teacher.

6. Slaves
Description: They are advised to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted. The Greek word "δούλους" (doulous) is used, referring to bondservants or slaves, emphasizing their conduct as a testimony to their faith.
Places
1. Older Men
Titus 2:2 addresses older men, instructing them to be "temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance." The Greek word for "older men" is "πρεσβύτας" (presbytās), which implies a position of respect and wisdom within the community.

2. Older Women
In Titus 2:3, older women are advised to be "reverent in behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good." The term "πρεσβύτιδας" (presbytidas) is used, indicating their role as mentors and examples to younger women.

3. Younger Women
Titus 2:4-5 speaks to younger women, encouraging them to "love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and subject to their own husbands." The Greek context emphasizes the importance of family and household management.

4. Young Men
In Titus 2:6, young men are urged to be "self-controlled." The Greek word "νεωτέρους" (neōterous) suggests a focus on developing discipline and maturity.

5. Slaves
Titus 2:9-10 addresses slaves, instructing them to be "submissive to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith." The Greek term "δούλους" (doulous) reflects the social structure of the time and the call for integrity and respect within it.
Events
1. Teach Sound Doctrine (Titus 2:1)
Paul instructs Titus to "speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine." The Greek word for "sound" (ὑγιαινούσῃ, hygiainousē) implies healthy or wholesome, emphasizing the importance of teaching that promotes spiritual well-being.

2. Instructions for Older Men (Titus 2:2)
Older men are encouraged to be "temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance." The Greek word for "self-controlled" (σώφρονας, sōphronas) suggests a disciplined and prudent lifestyle.

3. Instructions for Older Women (Titus 2:3)
Older women are to be "reverent in behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good." The term "reverent" (ἱεροπρεπεῖς, hieroprepēis) indicates a demeanor fitting for holiness.

4. Training Younger Women (Titus 2:4-5)
Older women are to train younger women to "love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and subject to their own husbands." The Greek word for "pure" (ἁγνάς, hagnas) denotes moral purity and chastity.

5. Instructions for Young Men (Titus 2:6)
Young men are urged to be "self-controlled." The emphasis on self-control (σώφρονα, sōphrona) is repeated, highlighting its importance across different groups.

6. Titus as an Example (Titus 2:7-8)
Titus is encouraged to "set an example by doing what is good" and to show "integrity, dignity, and sound speech." The Greek word for "integrity" (ἀφθαρσίαν, aphtharsian) suggests incorruptibility.

7. Instructions for Slaves (Titus 2:9-10)
Slaves are instructed to be "submissive to their masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not stealing, but showing all good faith." The term "well-pleasing" (εὐαρέστους, euarestous) implies a desire to please and serve faithfully.

8. The Grace of God (Titus 2:11-12)
The passage speaks of the grace of God that "brings salvation to all men," teaching believers to "deny ungodliness and worldly passions" and to live "sensibly, righteously, and godly." The Greek word for "sensibly" (σωφρόνως, sōphronōs) again emphasizes self-control and prudence.

9. The Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13)
Believers are encouraged to look forward to the "blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." The term "blessed hope" (μακαρίαν ἐλπίδα, makarian elpida) refers to the joyful expectation of Christ's return.

10. Christ's Redemptive Work (Titus 2:14)
Jesus Christ "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 Greek word for "redeem" (λυτρώσηται, lytrōsētai) indicates liberation through a ransom.

11. Encouragement to Exhort and Rebuke (Titus 2:15)
Titus is instructed to "speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority." The Greek word for "authority" (ἐπιταγῇ, epitagē) suggests a command or directive, underscoring the importance of maintaining doctrinal integrity.
Topics
1. Sound Doctrine (Titus 2:1)
Paul instructs Titus to "speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine." The Greek word for "sound" (ὑγιαινούσῃ, hygiainousē) implies being healthy or wholesome, emphasizing the importance of teaching that promotes spiritual health.

2. Instructions for Older Men (Titus 2:2)
Older men are encouraged to be "temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance." The Greek term for "self-controlled" (σώφρονας, sōphronas) suggests a disciplined and prudent lifestyle.

3. Instructions for Older Women (Titus 2:3)
Older women are to be "reverent in behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good." The emphasis is on living a life that reflects holiness and integrity.

4. Training Younger Women (Titus 2:4-5)
Older women are tasked with training younger women to "love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and subject to their own husbands." The Greek word for "managers of their households" (οἰκουργούς, oikourgous) highlights the role of women in maintaining and nurturing the home.

5. Instructions for Young Men (Titus 2:6)
Young men are urged to be "self-controlled." This brief but powerful instruction underscores the importance of discipline and restraint in the lives of young men.

6. Example of Good Works (Titus 2:7-8)
Titus himself is to be "an example of good works, with integrity, dignity, and sound speech that is beyond reproach." The Greek word for "integrity" (ἀφθαρσίαν, aphtharsian) conveys incorruptibility and sincerity.

7. Instructions for Slaves (Titus 2:9-10)
Slaves are instructed to be "submissive to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith." The focus is on demonstrating Christian character and integrity in all circumstances.

8. The Grace of God (Titus 2:11-14)
Paul speaks of the grace of God that "brings salvation to all men," teaching believers to "deny ungodliness and worldly passions" and to live "sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age." The Greek word for "sensibly" (σωφρόνως, sōphronōs) again emphasizes self-control and prudence.

9. The Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13)
Believers are encouraged to look forward to "the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This hope is central to Christian eschatology and provides motivation for holy living.

10. Zealous for Good Works (Titus 2:14)
Christ "gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works." The Greek word for "zealous" (ζηλωτὴν, zēlōtēn) indicates an enthusiastic and passionate commitment to doing good.
Themes
1. Sound Doctrine
Titus 2:1 emphasizes the importance of teaching "what is consistent with sound doctrine." The Greek word for "sound" (ὑγιαινούσῃ, hygiainousē) implies health and wholeness, suggesting that doctrine should promote spiritual well-being and integrity.

2. Roles and Responsibilities of Older Men
In Titus 2:2, older men are instructed to be "temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance." These qualities reflect a mature Christian character that serves as a model for younger generations.

3. Roles and Responsibilities of Older Women
Titus 2:3-4 advises older women to be "reverent in behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good." They are to mentor younger women, highlighting the importance of intergenerational discipleship within the church.

4. Guidance for Younger Women
Younger women are encouraged in Titus 2:4-5 to "love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and subject to their own husbands." This reflects a focus on family and home life as a primary ministry.

5. Guidance for Younger Men
Titus 2:6 calls younger men to be "self-controlled." The Greek word for self-control (σωφρονέω, sōphroneō) suggests a sound mind and disciplined life, which is crucial for spiritual growth and leadership.

6. Exemplary Conduct of Titus
Titus 2:7-8 urges Titus to "set an example by doing what is good" and to show "integrity, dignity, and sound speech." This underscores the importance of leaders living out the teachings they impart to others.

7. Instructions for Slaves
In Titus 2:9-10, slaves are instructed to be "submissive to their masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not stealing, but showing all good faith." This reflects a call to integrity and witness in all circumstances.

8. The Grace of God and Salvation
Titus 2:11-12 speaks of the grace of God that "brings salvation to all men" and teaches us to "deny ungodliness and worldly passions." The Greek word for grace (χάρις, charis) emphasizes unmerited favor, which transforms lives.

9. The Blessed Hope
Titus 2:13 refers to "the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This theme highlights the anticipation of Christ's return as a source of encouragement and motivation for holy living.

10. Redemption and Purification
Titus 2:14 describes Jesus Christ who "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." This underscores the transformative purpose of Christ's sacrifice.
Answering Tough Questions
1. Titus 2:9 – Why does Paul instruct slaves to obey their masters, seemingly endorsing slavery in the process?

2. Titus 2:4–5 – Does urging women to be homemakers and obedient to their husbands conflict with modern views on gender equality?

3. Titus 2 – Is there concrete historical or archeological evidence confirming Paul as the author, given scholarly debates on the authenticity of the Pastoral Epistles?

4. Titus 2 – How do we reconcile its emphasis on good works with other passages that stress salvation by faith alone?

5. Titus 2 – Are the social structures and moral codes presented here merely cultural artifacts that clash with today’s ethical and societal standards?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. How does Paul's message in Titus 2 relate to today's society? How can you apply his instructions in your own life?

2. How does the concept of sound doctrine influence our behavior according to Titus 2?

3. What specific roles and responsibilities does Paul identify for older men, older women, young men, young women, and slaves? How do these apply in a modern context?

4. How does Titus 2 guide you in managing relationships within different age groups and social statuses in your community?

5. How can we renounce ungodliness and worldly passions in our day-to-day lives?

6. In what ways can we demonstrate the qualities of self-control, love, and patience that Paul emphasizes?

7. How does the idea of being 'a people for His own possession' shape your identity as a Christian?

8. What does the anticipation of Christ's return mean to you personally?

9. How can you 'declare these things' with authority in your context as Titus was urged to?

10. In what ways does our conduct reflect our belief and understanding of Christ's sacrifice and redemption?

11. How do we balance the focus on good works with the understanding that salvation is through God's grace?

12. How does the teaching about Christ's redemption affect your view of sin and grace?

13. How might the instructions given to slaves in Titus 2 inform Christian attitudes towards work and employment today?

14. In what ways can Christian communities uphold the sound doctrine and good works called for in Titus 2?

15. How does Titus 2 inform your understanding of godly leadership within the church and society?

16. How might the instructions for older women to mentor younger women look in a modern context?

17. In what ways could you take action to ensure that your behavior doesn't cause the teaching about God our Savior to be reviled?

18. How can the message of Christ’s redemption and purification influence our actions and thoughts in the current time?

19. How can the instructions for different social groups in Titus 2 be applied to promote unity in diverse church congregations?

20. How does Titus 2 challenge you to consider the role of sound doctrine in shaping your daily conduct and expectations for the future?



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