Charles Ellicott Commentary Titus 2:3

"that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;" — Titus 2:3 (ASV)

The aged women likewise.—St. Paul, faithful to what had now become one of the guiding principles of Christianity, the equal position of women in the city of God, as fellow-heirs with men in the citizenship of the city that has foundations, reminds the elder women of Crete of their own high duties in the company of believers.

These women must now remember that the position Christ and His disciples had claimed for them in the world was not without its grave responsibilities.

These aged women of the flock, like the elders just exhorted, also had much to do for Christ.

That they be in behaviour as becometh holiness.—That is, that they should show themselves as it becometh holiness; or, more literally, in demeanour reverend. The Greek word translated “in behaviour,” or “in demeanour,” includes dress, appearance, conversation, and manner; it includes an outward deportment dependent on something more internal.

The elder Christian woman, in her whole bearing, should exhibit a certain dignity of sacred demeanour; there should be something in her general appearance, in her dress, in her speech, and in her everyday behaviour, which the younger and more thoughtless sister could respect and reverence—an ideal she might hope one day to reach herself, if the Master spared her for so long.

For an admirable explanation of these words, see 1 Timothy 2:9–10.

Not false accusers.—Or better, perhaps, not slanderers. St. Paul knew well how easily old age yields to this temptation. Old age is at times intolerant, censorious, even bitter, forgetful especially of the days of youth; but Christ’s aged saints must use their voice for better things than these.

Not given to much wine.—This warning was probably called for, owing to the evil habits and customs of the Cretans.

Teachers of good things.—Or, teachers of what is good. Beza’s translation, “mistresses of honour” (honestatis magistrœ), is unique and expressive. This does not mean that these aged women should occupy the place of public teachers, but that they should, by occasionally speaking a kind, warning word and, better still, by the golden silence of a useful, honoured life, teach their younger sisters lessons of truth, faith, and love.