Titus

Titus 2 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered

A response and reply to the notes on Titus 2 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).

King James Version

SAB comment

My comment

1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

(2:4-5) "Teach the young women to be ... obedient to their own husbands."

Why is this verse women-unfriendly? It is not a command without limits. Clearly, obedience doesn't stretch as far as transgressing God's command. It's obeying in what is just and right. See also Ephesians 5:22.

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

(2:9-10) "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things."
Should we serve God alone?
Does God approveof slavery?
What the Bible says about slavery

On all points, see Ephesians 6:5.

10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

"The grace of God ... hath appeared to all men."
At the time this statement was written, only a very small minority had seen or heard about Jesus. And still today there are those who have never heard his name.

As usual the phrase “all men” means “man of all kinds,” or “all different kinds of men.” It had appeared to both Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, servants and masters.

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

"The great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"
Is Jesus God?

What clearer can one say that Jesus is God? See the verses where the author of the SAB reads something different such as 1 Tim. 2:5 and John 14:28.

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.