Titus 2:15 - Meaning and Application

The apostle closes the chapter, as he began it, with a summary charge to Titus. He gives Titus both the content and the manner of a minister’s teaching, and then adds a personal instruction about Titus himself.

The content of a minister’s teaching must be “these things,” meaning the truths and duties already given. It must not be Jewish fables and traditions, but the gospel: avoiding sin and living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Ministers must stay close to God’s Word in their preaching. If anyone speaks, let him speak as speaking the very words of God (1 Peter 4:11), not the ideas and inventions of his own mind.

The manner of teaching must be by doctrine, exhortation, and reproof, all with authority. Scripture is useful for teaching sound truth, exposing sin and error, correcting what is wrong, and training people in right living (2 Timothy 3:16). In that way, the man of God, whether Christian or minister, may be complete and fully prepared for every good work, both in his own life and in what he teaches others. This is what fits him for every part of his duty and helps him carry it out well.

“These things” are to be spoken and taught, and ministers must not hold back from declaring the whole counsel of God. These great and necessary truths and duties of the gospel must be pressed on people with earnestness. Ministers must not speak of heavenly truth in a cold or careless way, as if it were small or unimportant. They must urge it with seriousness, so that people will hear and heed it, not be hearers only and deceive themselves, but doers of the word and blessed in it.

They must also rebuke those who oppose the truth, contradict it, refuse it, or keep it while living against it. Some hear the Word without a believing and obedient heart, and then go on in stubborn disobedience, proving themselves unfit for any good work. Such people must be reproved with all authority, as men who speak in God’s name and carry his warnings and discipline. Those who think lightly of that do so at their own risk. Ministers are to stand and correct people in public duty, openly and faithfully.

There is also a special word for Titus himself: “Let no one despise you.” That is, give no reason for contempt, and do not allow it without correction. The one who despises God’s servant is not really despising a man, but God. Or the meaning may be this: speak and urge these truths on everyone as their case requires, rebuke sin with courage and faithfulness, and watch your own conduct carefully. Then no one will have cause to despise you.

The best way for ministers to avoid contempt is to keep close to Christ’s doctrine and follow his example. They should preach well, live well, and do their duty with wisdom and courage. That will best protect both their good name and their peace of mind.

There may also be an instruction here for the people. Though Titus was young and only the apostle’s delegate, they were not to look down on him. Instead, they were to regard and respect him as a faithful minister of Christ, and support him in his work. They were to know those who labor among them, who are over them in the Lord, and who warn them, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). They should pay attention to their teaching, respect their person, support them in their calling, and help, as far as they can, the work of God and the salvation of souls.