speak the things
The directive to "speak" highlights the importance of verbal teaching and proclamation in the early church. This reflects the oral culture of the time, where teachings were often communicated through spoken word rather than written texts. It also underscores the role of leaders as communicators of truth, aligning with the apostolic tradition of preaching.

that are consistent with
This phrase suggests alignment and harmony with established truths. It implies a standard or benchmark against which teachings are measured. The early church faced numerous heresies, and this phrase calls for teachings that align with the core tenets of the faith, as handed down by the apostles.

sound doctrine
"Sound doctrine" refers to teachings that are healthy, correct, and life-giving. In the context of the early church, this would include the foundational truths of the gospel, such as the divinity of Christ, salvation by grace, and the resurrection. The term "sound" suggests teachings that promote spiritual health and growth, contrasting with false teachings that lead to spiritual decay. This aligns with Paul's emphasis on maintaining the purity of the gospel message, as seen in other epistles like 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy.

- This little word signals a sharp contrast. Paul has just described “rebellious and full of empty talk and deception” teachers who “must be silenced” (Titus 1:10-11).

- “But” turns Titus away from the error swirling around Crete and points him in the opposite direction—toward truth.

- Scripture often uses a pivot like this to separate falsehood from faithfulness. Ephesians 4:14 warns that believers must not be “tossed about by every wind of teaching,” reinforcing the need for a clear break from error.

- The phrase personalizes the charge. While others may mislead, Titus is called to stand firm.

• 1 Timothy 4:12 urges a young pastor, “set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

• 2 Timothy 4:5 echoes, “But you, be sober in all things…fulfill your ministry.”

- The assignment is individual: responsibility begins with the shepherd before it spreads to the flock. Titus cannot control every voice on the island, but he must control his own.

- Ministry starts with words. God created by speaking (Genesis 1), and He still shapes hearts through faithful proclamation.

• Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.”

• Colossians 4:6 instructs, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”

• 1 Peter 4:11 adds, “If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the oracles of God.”

- Paul’s directive is active. Titus must open his mouth—teaching cannot remain an unspoken conviction.

- “Consistent” implies harmony: words and life must match, and every doctrine must align with the rest of Scripture.

• 1 John 2:6 declares, “Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.”

• Philippians 1:27 says, “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

- In other words, no contradictions, no private interpretations, no pet theories—only truth that fits seamlessly with the whole counsel of God.

- “Sound” means healthy, life-giving, able to withstand scrutiny.

• 1 Timothy 1:10 condemns practices “averse to sound teaching.”

• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns of a coming day when people “will not tolerate sound doctrine,” preferring myths.

• Acts 2:42 shows the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching,” demonstrating what sound doctrine produces: unity, growth, perseverance.

• 2 John 1:9 cautions that anyone who does not remain “in the teaching of Christ does not have God.”

- Titus must make sure every lesson—whether on family life, church leadership, or personal holiness—flows from and points back to the unchanging truths of Scripture.

Titus 2:1 draws a bright line: turn away from deceptive voices and embrace your personal duty to teach. Open your mouth and share words that harmonize with the whole Bible—words that nourish, protect, and strengthen the church. Sound doctrine is not optional; it is the bloodstream of Christian life. Stay faithful to it, and those you serve will thrive.

(1) But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.--To introduce a regular organisation and the principle of a central church government into the numerous but scattered Christian congregations in Crete was Titus' first work. The second and equally weighty mission the Apostle Paul charged him to execute was the refutation of a school of professed Christian teachers, who were promulgating doctrines at variance with the teaching of St. Paul and his brother Apostles, and were also, by their example and lives, fatally lowering the tone of Christian life. It was to the latter point--the evil moral influence of these teachers--that the attention of Titus was especially directed. False doctrinal teaching was bringing forth already its sure fruit, in the form of a life utterly unlike the pattern life of the Master. In contrast to this erroneous and misleading teaching, Titus is directed to exhort the varied ages, the different sexes, the bond and the free, to live lives which will bring no dishonour upon their Christian profession. The strictly practical nature of these charges is remarkable. Before touching upon doctrine, he presses home to these various ages and ranks the necessity of a quiet, useful life. The "sound doctrine" by which Titus was bidden to regulate his teaching is an expression peculiar to these Pastoral Epistles (see Note on 1Timothy 1:10), and stands in clear contrast to the sickly, unhealthy teaching, fanciful and false, of the misleading teachers of Crete.