Charles Ellicott Commentary Titus 2:1

"But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine:" — Titus 2:1 (ASV)

II.

But speak you the things which become sound doctrine.—To introduce a regular organization and the principle of a central church government into the numerous but scattered Christian congregations in Crete was Titus’ first work. The second and equally weighty mission the Apostle Paul charged him to execute was the refutation of a school of professed Christian teachers, who were spreading doctrines contrary to the teaching of St. Paul and his brother Apostles, and were also, by their example and lives, fatally lowering the tone of Christian life.

It was to the latter point—the evil moral influence of these teachers—that the attention of Titus was especially directed. False doctrinal teaching was already bringing forth its sure fruit, in the form of a life utterly unlike the pattern life of the Master. In contrast to this erroneous and misleading teaching,

Titus is directed to exhort the varied ages, the different sexes, the bond and the free, to live lives which will bring no dishonor upon their Christian profession. The strictly practical nature of these charges is remarkable. Before touching upon doctrine, he emphasizes to these various ages and groups the necessity of a quiet, useful life.

The “sound doctrine” by which Titus was instructed to regulate his teaching is an expression peculiar to these Pastoral Epistles (see Note on 1 Timothy 1:10) and stands in clear contrast to the sickly, unhealthy teaching, fanciful and false, of the misleading teachers of Crete.