Titus 2:7-8 In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing soundness, gravity, sincerity,… Having propounded the several precepts fitted to all ages of men and women, the last whereof was unto young men, our apostle here inserteth a precept unto Titus himself, whence it is probably gathered that Titus was now a young man, as Timothy also was, in the same office of an evangelist; and being a minister, in him he closely again instituteth every minister, notwithstanding he hath been most ample in that argument, as though ministers could never sufficiently be instructed. In these two verses we will consider two things. 1. A precept. 2. An enforcement of it. I. THE PRECEPT IS, That Titus show himself an example to others. For as all the persons formerly taught, so more especially the last sort, namely, young men, for the slipperiness of their age need the benefit of good example as well as good doctrines and counsel. And this exhortation is enlarged by setting down wherein Titus must become an example, which is done, first, more generally, "in all things," we read it, "above all things"; others, "above all men," which readings may be true, and grounds of good instruction, but I take the first aptest to the place. Secondly, by a more particular enumeration of shining virtues, as — 1. Uncorrupt doctrine. 2. Good life fruitful in good works; and these not one or two, or now and then in good moods, but there must be a constant trading in them throughout a grave and pare conversation. 3. There must be joined gracious speeches and words, for I take it fitliest interpreted of private communication, described by two necessary adjuncts. 1. It must be wholesome. 2. Unblameable, or not liable to reproof. II. THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE PRECEPT IS TAKEN FROM THE END OR FRUIT OF IT, which is twofold. 1. Shame. 2. Silence to the withstanders and opposers.And thus the general scope of the verses is as if he had more largely said, "That this thy doctrine, O Titus, thus aptly applied to all sorts of men, may carry more weight and authority with it, see thou that (considering thou art set in a more eminent place, and clearer sun, and hast all eyes beholding and prying into thee) thou show thyself a pattern and express type wherein men may behold all these graces shining in thy own life: let them look in thy glass, and see the lively image of a grave and pure conversation, which may allure them to the love of the doctrine which thou teachest: let them hear from thy mouth in thy private conferences and speech nothing but what may work them to soundness; at the least, keep thou such a watch over thy tongue, as that nothing pass thee which may be reprehended, and hence will it come to pass that although thou hast many maliciously minded men, seeking by all means to oppose thy doctrine and life, and to destroy the one by the other, these shall either be put to silence and have nothing to say, or if they take boldness to speak anything, it being unjust, the shame shall be removed from thee and fall justly upon themselves; and all the reproach shall return home to their own doors." (T. Taylor, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, |
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