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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
2:1-3:8 Christian Living in Contrast to the False Teachers. Paul describes proper Christian living rooted in the gospel, which is in direct contrast to the behavior of the false teachers (1:10-16) but in conformity to what is required of true church leaders (1:5-9). This is the primary concern of the letter: right doctrine leads to right behavior. This section is composed of two parallel units (2:1-15 and 3:1-8) that describe right behavior, root this behavior in the gospel, and close with a charge to Titus to teach these things with authority.
2:1-10 Proper Living by Age and Gender Groups. Paul describes "what accords with sound doctrine" (v. 1), i.e., the type of living that corresponds with the gospel. Some argue that the behavior commanded here is not universally required but is culturally bound to the . They argue that the ground for this behavior is to avoid offense (see note on 2:5, 8, 10). However, v. 1 roots this behavior not in cultural ideas but in "sound doctrine" itself. Paul addresses the behavior of the church according to typical groups within the family structure (older men, older women, younger women, younger men, slaves), with special attention to age and gender. While there are similarities in what is expected of each group, there are also distinctives.
2:1 But as for you indicates the sharp contrast that must exist between people, on one hand, whose deeds disprove their claim to know God (1:16), and Titus, on the other hand, who must teach the people to live in a way that accords with sound doctrine, i.e., that will affirm rather than deny their claim to know God.
2:2 The overall picture of older men is of Christian dignity and vibrant faith.
2:3-5 The instruction to older women and young women is intertwined because part of the role of a Christian older woman is to train (Gk. sōphronizō, "to give instruction in wise behavior and good judgment") the younger women. The topics comprising the teaching of the older women in vv. 4-5 are very practical and focused on the domestic sphere. Working at home does not prohibit working outside the home (cf. Prov. 31:16, 18, 24) but it does indicate that Paul expects wives to carry the primary responsibility for the day-to-day care of their homes and children. Yet this is to be done while being submissive to their own husbands, supporting their husbands' leadership role in the family. See notes on Eph. 5:22; 5:23-24. While other instructions could be included, the focus here is on older women helping younger women learn about being godly wives and mothers.
2:5, 8, 10 In each of these verses, important statements are made concerning the desired result of "gospel living." Such living keeps Christians from providing any legitimate grounds for the gospel (the word of God) to be reviled (v. 5; cf. v. 8). More positively, such living highlights the attractiveness of the gospel ("adorns," v. 10). In keeping with the overall thrust of the letter, this kind of living "proves" the gospel. Doctrine of God our Savior (v. 10) sets up the description of this doctrine in vv. 11-14. On God as "Savior," see note on 2 Tim. 1:8-10; and chart.
