Albert Barnes Commentary Titus 1:16

"They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." — Titus 1:16 (ASV)

They profess that they know God. This refers particularly to the Jewish teachers mentioned in Titus 1:14. All these individuals were professors of religion and claimed to have a special knowledge of God.

But in works they deny him. Their conduct is such that it shows they have no real acquaintance with him.

Being abominable. This refers to their conduct. The word used here—bdeluktoi—occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means that which is detestable, or to be held in abhorrence.

And disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. The marginal reading is void of judgment. Regarding the word used here—adokimov—see Romans 1:28 and 2 Corinthians 13:5.

This means here that, in reference to everything good, their conduct was such that it could not be approved, or it deserved disapproval. It was for this reason—stemming from the character of the people of the island of Crete and of those who claimed to be teachers there enforcing the obligation of the Mosaic law—that it was so important for Titus to exercise special care. This care was needed in introducing men into the ministry and in completing the arrangements planned for organizing the churches there.

Yet, is this character confined to them? Are there none now who profess that they know God, but in works deny him; whose conduct is such that it ought to be abhorred; who are disobedient to the plain commands of God; and whose character, regarding all that pertains to true piety, is to be disapproved by the truly pious, and will be by God at the last day? Alas! Taking the church at large, there are many such people. The fact that such persons exist is the great hindrance to the triumphs of religion on the earth. "The way to heaven is blocked up by dead professors of religion."