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Created page with "{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Titus | subtopics = Apostle Paul, Titus | opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}..."
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Titus |
subtopics = [[Apostle Paul]], [[Text:EBD:Titus|Titus]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Titus, Epistle to|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on the Epistle to the Titus]] |
}}
Read the book of [[Text:EBD:Titus, Epistle to|Titus]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Titus 1|1]]
[[Titus 2|2]]
[[Titus 3|3]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Titus 1|1]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Titus 2|2]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Titus 3|3]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Epistle to Titus]]'''
This epistle chiefly contains directions to Titus concerning the elders of the Church, and the manner in which he should give instruction; and the latter part tells him to urge obedience to magistrates, to enforce good works, avoid foolish questions, and shun heresies. The instructions the apostle gave are all plain and simple. The [[Christian]] [[religion]] was not formed to answer worldly or selfish views, but it is the wisdom of [[God]] and the power of [[God]].
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
The apostle salutes Titus.
(1-4)
The qualifications of a faithful pastor.
(5-9)
The evil temper and practices of false teachers.
(10-16)
'''Verses''' 1-4
All are the servants of [[God]] who are not slaves of [[sin]] and [[Satan]]. All [[gospel]] truth is according to [[godliness]], teaching the [[fear]] of [[God]]. The intent of the [[gospel]] is to raise up [[hope]] as well as faith; to take off the mind and [[heart]] from the world, and to raise them to heaven and the things above. How excellent then is the [[gospel]], which was the matter of [[Divine]] promise so early, and what thanks are due for our privileges! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of [[God]]; and whoso is appointed and called, must preach the word. Grace is the free favour of [[God]], and acceptance with him. Mercy, the fruits of the favour, in the [[pardon]] of [[sin]], and freedom from all miseries both here and hereafter. And [[peace]] is the effect and fruit of [[mercy]]. Peace with [[God]] through [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] who is our Peace, and with the creatures and ourselves. Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and [[peace]], and all good, spring out of this.
'''Verses''' 5-9
The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and oVerseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and [[God]]'s stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to be, as servants of [[Christ]], and able ministers of the letter and practice of the [[gospel]]. And here are described the spirit and practice becoming such as should be examples of good works.
'''Verses''' 10-16
False teachers are described. Faithful ministers must oppose such in good time, that their folly being made manifest, they may go no further They had a base end in what they did; serving a worldly interest under pretence of [[religion]]: for the [[love]] of money is the root of all evil. Such should be resisted, and put to shame, by sound doctrine from the Scriptures. Shameful actions, the reproach of heathens, should be far from [[Christians]]; falsehood and lying, envious craft and cruelty, brutal and sensual practices, and idleness and sloth, are sins condemned even by the light of nature. But [[Christian]] meekness is as far from cowardly passing over [[sin]] and error, as from [[anger]] and impatience. And though there may be national differences of character, yet the [[heart]] of man in every age and place is deceitful and desperately wicked. But the sharpest reproofs must aim at the good of the reproved; and soundness in the [[faith]] is most desirable and necessary. To those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; they abuse, and turn things lawful and good into sin. Many profess to know [[God]], yet in their lives deny and reject him. See the miserable state of hypocrites, such as have a form of [[godliness]], but are without the power; yet let us not be so ready to fix this charge on others, as careful that it does not apply to ourselves.
----
'''Chapter''' 2
''Chapter Outline''
The duties which become sound doctrine.
(1-8)
Believing servants must be obedient.
(9, 10)
All is enforced from the holy design of the [[gospel]], which concerns all [[believer]]s.
(11-15)
'''Verses''' 1-8
Old disciples of [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] must behave in every thing agreeably to the [[Christian]] doctrine. That the aged men be sober; not thinking that the decays of nature will justify any excess; but seeking comfort from nearer communion with [[God]], not from any undue indulgence. Faith works by, and must be seen in love, of [[God]] for himself, and of men for [[God]]'s sake. Aged persons are apt to be peevish and fretful; therefore need to be on their guard. Though there is not express Scripture for every word, or look, yet there are general rules, according to which all must be ordered. Young women must be sober and discreet; for many expose themselves to fatal [[temptations]] by what at first might be only want of discretion. The reason is added, that the word of [[God]] may not be blasphemed. Failures in duties greatly reproach [[Christianity]]. Young men are apt to be eager and thoughtless, therefore must be earnestly called upon to be sober-minded: there are more young people ruined by pride than by any other sin. Every godly man's endeavour must be to stop the mouths of adversaries. Let thine own conscience answer for thine uprightness. What a [[glory]] is it for a [[Christian]], when that mouth which would fain open itself against him, cannot find any evil in him to speak of!
'''Verses''' 9, 10
Servants must know and do their duty to their earthly masters, with a reference to their heavenly one. In serving an earthly master according to [[Christ]]'s will, He is served; such shall be rewarded by him. Not giving disrespectful or provoking language; but to take a check or reproof with silence, not making confident or bold replies. When conscious of a fault, to excuse or justify it, doubles it. Never putting to their own use that which is their master's, nor wasting the goods they are trusted with. Showing all good fidelity to improve a master's goods, and promote his thriving. If ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? Lu 16:12. True [[religion]] is an honour to the professors of it; and they should adorn it in all things.
'''Verses''' 11-15
The doctrine of [[grace]] and [[salvation]] by the [[gospel]], is for all ranks and conditions of men. It teaches to forsake sin; to have no more to do with it. An earthly, sensual conversation suits not a heavenly calling. It teaches to make conscience of that which is good. We must look to [[God]] in [[Christ]], as the object of our [[hope]] and worship. A [[gospel]] conversation must be a godly conversation. See our duty in a very few words; denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and godly, notwithstanding all snares, temptations, corrupt examples, ill usage, and what remains of [[sin]] in the [[believer]]'s heart, with all their hinderances. It teaches to look for the glories of another world. At, and in, the glorious appearing of [[Christ]], the blessed [[hope]] of [[Christians]] will be complete: To bring us to [[holiness]] and happiness was the end of [[Christ]]'s death. [[Jesus]] [[Christ]], that great [[God]] and our [[Saviour]], who saves not only as [[God]], much less as Man alone; but as [[God]]-man, two natures in one person. He loved us, and gave himself for us; and what can we do less than [[love]] and give up ourselves to him! Redemption from [[sin]] and sanctification of the nature go together, and make a peculiar people unto [[God]], free from guilt and condemnation, and purified by the [[Holy Spirit]]. All Scripture is profitable. Here is what will furnish for all parts of duty, and the right discharge of them. Let us inquire whether our whole dependence is placed upon that [[grace]] which saves the lost, [[pardon]] s the guilty, and sanctifies the unclean. And the further we are removed from boasting of fancied good works, or trusting in them, so that we [[glory]] in Christ alone, the more zealous shall we be to abound in real good works.
----
'''Chapter''' 3
''Chapter Outline''
Obedience to magistrates, and becoming behaviour towards all, are enforced from what [[believer]]s were before conversion, and what they are made, through [[Christ]].
(1-7)
Good works to be done, and useless disputes avoided.
(8-11)
Directions and exhortations.
(12-15)
'''Verses''' 1-7
Spiritual privileges do not make void or weaken, but confirm civil duties. Mere good words and good meanings are not enough without good works. They were not to be quarrelsome, but to show meekness on all occasions, not toward friends only, but to all men, though with wisdom, Jas 3:13. And let this text teach us how wrong it is for a [[Christian]] to be churlish to the worst, weakest, and most abject. The servants of sin have many masters, their lusts hurry them different ways; pride commands one thing, covetousness another. Thus they are hateful, deserving to be hated. It is the misery of sinners, that they hate one another; and it is the duty and happiness of saints to [[love]] one another. And we are delivered out of our miserable condition, only by the [[mercy]] and free [[grace]] of [[God]], the merit and sufferings of [[Christ]], and the working of his Spirit. [[God]] the Father is [[God]] our [[Saviour]]. He is the fountain from which the [[Holy Spirit]] flows, to teach, regenerate, and save his fallen creatures; and this blessing comes to mankind through [[Christ]]. The spring and rise of it, is the kindness and [[love]] of [[God]] to man. Love and [[grace]] have, through the [[Spirit]], great power to change and turn the [[heart]] to [[God]]. Works must be in the saved, but are not among the causes of their [[salvation]]. A new principle of [[grace]] and [[holiness]] is wrought, which sways, and governs, and makes the man a new creature. Most pretend they would have heaven at last, yet they care not for [[holiness]] now; they would have the end without the beginning. Here is the outward sign and seal thereof in baptism, called therefore the washing of regeneration. The work is inward and spiritual; this is outwardly signified and sealed in this ordinance. Slight not this outward sign and seal; yet rest not in the outward washing, but look to the answer of a good conscience, without which the outward washing will avail nothing. The worker therein is the [[Spirit]] of [[God]]; it is the renewing of the [[Holy Spirit|Holy Ghost]]. Through him we mortify [[sin]], perform duty, walk in [[God]]'s ways; all the working of the [[Divine]] life in us, and the fruits of righteousness without, are through this blessed and holy Spirit. The [[Spirit]] and his saving gifts and graces, come through [[Christ]], as a [[Saviour]], whose undertaking and work are to bring to grace and glory. Justification, in the [[gospel]] sense, is the free forgiveness of a sinner; accepting him as righteous through the righteousness of [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] received by faith. [[God]], in justifying a sinner in the way of the [[gospel]], is gracious to him, yet just to himself and his law. As [[forgiveness]] is through a perfect righteousness, and satisfaction is made to justice by [[Christ]], it cannot be merited by the sinner himself. Eternal life is set before us in the promise; the [[Spirit]] works [[faith]] in us, and [[hope]] of that life; [[faith]] and [[hope]] bring it near, and fill with [[joy]] in expectation of it.
'''Verses''' 8-11
When the [[grace]] of [[God]] towards mankind has been declared, the necessity of good works is pressed. Those who believe in [[God]], must make it their care to maintain good works, to seek opportunities for doing them, being influenced by [[love]] and gratitude. Trifling, foolish questions must be avoided, and subtle distinctions and vain inquiries; nor should people be eager after novelties, but [[love]] sound doctrine which tends most to edifying. Though we may now think some sins light and little, if the [[Lord]] awaken the conscience, we shall feel even the smallest sin heavy upon our souls.
'''Verses''' 12-15
[[Christianity]] is not a fruitless profession; and its professors must be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by [[Jesus]] [[Christ]], to the [[glory]] and praise of [[God]]. They must be doing good, as well as keeping away from evil. Let "ours" follow some honest labour and employment, to provide for themselves and their families. [[Christian]]ity obliges all to seek some honest work and calling, and therein to abide with [[God]]. The apostle concludes with expressions of kind regard and fervent [[prayer]]. Grace be with you all; the [[love]] and favour of [[God]], with the fruits and effects thereof, according to need; and the increase and feeling of them more and more in your souls. This is the apostle's wish and [[prayer]], showing his affection to them, and desire for their good, and would be a means of obtaining for them, and bringing down on them, the thing requested. Grace is the chief thing to be wished and prayed for, with respect to ourselves or others; it is "all good."
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Epistle to Titus]]
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Titus |
subtopics = [[Apostle Paul]], [[Text:EBD:Titus|Titus]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Titus, Epistle to|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on the Epistle to the Titus]] |
}}
Read the book of [[Text:EBD:Titus, Epistle to|Titus]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Titus 1|1]]
[[Titus 2|2]]
[[Titus 3|3]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Titus 1|1]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Titus 2|2]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Titus 3|3]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Epistle to Titus]]'''
This epistle chiefly contains directions to Titus concerning the elders of the Church, and the manner in which he should give instruction; and the latter part tells him to urge obedience to magistrates, to enforce good works, avoid foolish questions, and shun heresies. The instructions the apostle gave are all plain and simple. The [[Christian]] [[religion]] was not formed to answer worldly or selfish views, but it is the wisdom of [[God]] and the power of [[God]].
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
The apostle salutes Titus.
(1-4)
The qualifications of a faithful pastor.
(5-9)
The evil temper and practices of false teachers.
(10-16)
'''Verses''' 1-4
All are the servants of [[God]] who are not slaves of [[sin]] and [[Satan]]. All [[gospel]] truth is according to [[godliness]], teaching the [[fear]] of [[God]]. The intent of the [[gospel]] is to raise up [[hope]] as well as faith; to take off the mind and [[heart]] from the world, and to raise them to heaven and the things above. How excellent then is the [[gospel]], which was the matter of [[Divine]] promise so early, and what thanks are due for our privileges! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of [[God]]; and whoso is appointed and called, must preach the word. Grace is the free favour of [[God]], and acceptance with him. Mercy, the fruits of the favour, in the [[pardon]] of [[sin]], and freedom from all miseries both here and hereafter. And [[peace]] is the effect and fruit of [[mercy]]. Peace with [[God]] through [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] who is our Peace, and with the creatures and ourselves. Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and [[peace]], and all good, spring out of this.
'''Verses''' 5-9
The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and oVerseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and [[God]]'s stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to be, as servants of [[Christ]], and able ministers of the letter and practice of the [[gospel]]. And here are described the spirit and practice becoming such as should be examples of good works.
'''Verses''' 10-16
False teachers are described. Faithful ministers must oppose such in good time, that their folly being made manifest, they may go no further They had a base end in what they did; serving a worldly interest under pretence of [[religion]]: for the [[love]] of money is the root of all evil. Such should be resisted, and put to shame, by sound doctrine from the Scriptures. Shameful actions, the reproach of heathens, should be far from [[Christians]]; falsehood and lying, envious craft and cruelty, brutal and sensual practices, and idleness and sloth, are sins condemned even by the light of nature. But [[Christian]] meekness is as far from cowardly passing over [[sin]] and error, as from [[anger]] and impatience. And though there may be national differences of character, yet the [[heart]] of man in every age and place is deceitful and desperately wicked. But the sharpest reproofs must aim at the good of the reproved; and soundness in the [[faith]] is most desirable and necessary. To those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; they abuse, and turn things lawful and good into sin. Many profess to know [[God]], yet in their lives deny and reject him. See the miserable state of hypocrites, such as have a form of [[godliness]], but are without the power; yet let us not be so ready to fix this charge on others, as careful that it does not apply to ourselves.
----
'''Chapter''' 2
''Chapter Outline''
The duties which become sound doctrine.
(1-8)
Believing servants must be obedient.
(9, 10)
All is enforced from the holy design of the [[gospel]], which concerns all [[believer]]s.
(11-15)
'''Verses''' 1-8
Old disciples of [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] must behave in every thing agreeably to the [[Christian]] doctrine. That the aged men be sober; not thinking that the decays of nature will justify any excess; but seeking comfort from nearer communion with [[God]], not from any undue indulgence. Faith works by, and must be seen in love, of [[God]] for himself, and of men for [[God]]'s sake. Aged persons are apt to be peevish and fretful; therefore need to be on their guard. Though there is not express Scripture for every word, or look, yet there are general rules, according to which all must be ordered. Young women must be sober and discreet; for many expose themselves to fatal [[temptations]] by what at first might be only want of discretion. The reason is added, that the word of [[God]] may not be blasphemed. Failures in duties greatly reproach [[Christianity]]. Young men are apt to be eager and thoughtless, therefore must be earnestly called upon to be sober-minded: there are more young people ruined by pride than by any other sin. Every godly man's endeavour must be to stop the mouths of adversaries. Let thine own conscience answer for thine uprightness. What a [[glory]] is it for a [[Christian]], when that mouth which would fain open itself against him, cannot find any evil in him to speak of!
'''Verses''' 9, 10
Servants must know and do their duty to their earthly masters, with a reference to their heavenly one. In serving an earthly master according to [[Christ]]'s will, He is served; such shall be rewarded by him. Not giving disrespectful or provoking language; but to take a check or reproof with silence, not making confident or bold replies. When conscious of a fault, to excuse or justify it, doubles it. Never putting to their own use that which is their master's, nor wasting the goods they are trusted with. Showing all good fidelity to improve a master's goods, and promote his thriving. If ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? Lu 16:12. True [[religion]] is an honour to the professors of it; and they should adorn it in all things.
'''Verses''' 11-15
The doctrine of [[grace]] and [[salvation]] by the [[gospel]], is for all ranks and conditions of men. It teaches to forsake sin; to have no more to do with it. An earthly, sensual conversation suits not a heavenly calling. It teaches to make conscience of that which is good. We must look to [[God]] in [[Christ]], as the object of our [[hope]] and worship. A [[gospel]] conversation must be a godly conversation. See our duty in a very few words; denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and godly, notwithstanding all snares, temptations, corrupt examples, ill usage, and what remains of [[sin]] in the [[believer]]'s heart, with all their hinderances. It teaches to look for the glories of another world. At, and in, the glorious appearing of [[Christ]], the blessed [[hope]] of [[Christians]] will be complete: To bring us to [[holiness]] and happiness was the end of [[Christ]]'s death. [[Jesus]] [[Christ]], that great [[God]] and our [[Saviour]], who saves not only as [[God]], much less as Man alone; but as [[God]]-man, two natures in one person. He loved us, and gave himself for us; and what can we do less than [[love]] and give up ourselves to him! Redemption from [[sin]] and sanctification of the nature go together, and make a peculiar people unto [[God]], free from guilt and condemnation, and purified by the [[Holy Spirit]]. All Scripture is profitable. Here is what will furnish for all parts of duty, and the right discharge of them. Let us inquire whether our whole dependence is placed upon that [[grace]] which saves the lost, [[pardon]] s the guilty, and sanctifies the unclean. And the further we are removed from boasting of fancied good works, or trusting in them, so that we [[glory]] in Christ alone, the more zealous shall we be to abound in real good works.
----
'''Chapter''' 3
''Chapter Outline''
Obedience to magistrates, and becoming behaviour towards all, are enforced from what [[believer]]s were before conversion, and what they are made, through [[Christ]].
(1-7)
Good works to be done, and useless disputes avoided.
(8-11)
Directions and exhortations.
(12-15)
'''Verses''' 1-7
Spiritual privileges do not make void or weaken, but confirm civil duties. Mere good words and good meanings are not enough without good works. They were not to be quarrelsome, but to show meekness on all occasions, not toward friends only, but to all men, though with wisdom, Jas 3:13. And let this text teach us how wrong it is for a [[Christian]] to be churlish to the worst, weakest, and most abject. The servants of sin have many masters, their lusts hurry them different ways; pride commands one thing, covetousness another. Thus they are hateful, deserving to be hated. It is the misery of sinners, that they hate one another; and it is the duty and happiness of saints to [[love]] one another. And we are delivered out of our miserable condition, only by the [[mercy]] and free [[grace]] of [[God]], the merit and sufferings of [[Christ]], and the working of his Spirit. [[God]] the Father is [[God]] our [[Saviour]]. He is the fountain from which the [[Holy Spirit]] flows, to teach, regenerate, and save his fallen creatures; and this blessing comes to mankind through [[Christ]]. The spring and rise of it, is the kindness and [[love]] of [[God]] to man. Love and [[grace]] have, through the [[Spirit]], great power to change and turn the [[heart]] to [[God]]. Works must be in the saved, but are not among the causes of their [[salvation]]. A new principle of [[grace]] and [[holiness]] is wrought, which sways, and governs, and makes the man a new creature. Most pretend they would have heaven at last, yet they care not for [[holiness]] now; they would have the end without the beginning. Here is the outward sign and seal thereof in baptism, called therefore the washing of regeneration. The work is inward and spiritual; this is outwardly signified and sealed in this ordinance. Slight not this outward sign and seal; yet rest not in the outward washing, but look to the answer of a good conscience, without which the outward washing will avail nothing. The worker therein is the [[Spirit]] of [[God]]; it is the renewing of the [[Holy Spirit|Holy Ghost]]. Through him we mortify [[sin]], perform duty, walk in [[God]]'s ways; all the working of the [[Divine]] life in us, and the fruits of righteousness without, are through this blessed and holy Spirit. The [[Spirit]] and his saving gifts and graces, come through [[Christ]], as a [[Saviour]], whose undertaking and work are to bring to grace and glory. Justification, in the [[gospel]] sense, is the free forgiveness of a sinner; accepting him as righteous through the righteousness of [[Christ|Jesus Christ]] received by faith. [[God]], in justifying a sinner in the way of the [[gospel]], is gracious to him, yet just to himself and his law. As [[forgiveness]] is through a perfect righteousness, and satisfaction is made to justice by [[Christ]], it cannot be merited by the sinner himself. Eternal life is set before us in the promise; the [[Spirit]] works [[faith]] in us, and [[hope]] of that life; [[faith]] and [[hope]] bring it near, and fill with [[joy]] in expectation of it.
'''Verses''' 8-11
When the [[grace]] of [[God]] towards mankind has been declared, the necessity of good works is pressed. Those who believe in [[God]], must make it their care to maintain good works, to seek opportunities for doing them, being influenced by [[love]] and gratitude. Trifling, foolish questions must be avoided, and subtle distinctions and vain inquiries; nor should people be eager after novelties, but [[love]] sound doctrine which tends most to edifying. Though we may now think some sins light and little, if the [[Lord]] awaken the conscience, we shall feel even the smallest sin heavy upon our souls.
'''Verses''' 12-15
[[Christianity]] is not a fruitless profession; and its professors must be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by [[Jesus]] [[Christ]], to the [[glory]] and praise of [[God]]. They must be doing good, as well as keeping away from evil. Let "ours" follow some honest labour and employment, to provide for themselves and their families. [[Christian]]ity obliges all to seek some honest work and calling, and therein to abide with [[God]]. The apostle concludes with expressions of kind regard and fervent [[prayer]]. Grace be with you all; the [[love]] and favour of [[God]], with the fruits and effects thereof, according to need; and the increase and feeling of them more and more in your souls. This is the apostle's wish and [[prayer]], showing his affection to them, and desire for their good, and would be a means of obtaining for them, and bringing down on them, the thing requested. Grace is the chief thing to be wished and prayed for, with respect to ourselves or others; it is "all good."
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Epistle to Titus]]
