Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Titus 1:2

"in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal;" — Titus 1:2 (ASV)

The intended connection of v.2 is not quite certain. The NIV translators have added the words “a faith and knowledge” to make explicit their understanding of the connection—that the Christian life is grounded in the hope of eternal life. As with all of God’s elect, Paul’s life and service were firmly rooted in “hope” (GK 1828), which eagerly and confidently awaits the realization of “eternal life”— life not only endless but having an eternal quality. Believers already possess eternal life , but its full and perfect realization awaits the return of the Prince of Life.

This hope is not a vague, pious aspiration but is sure because it is grounded in the absolute trustworthiness of God. The character of the God “who does not lie” (GK 950) assures the fulfillment of his promise. This characterization places

God in contrast with the notorious deceptiveness of the Cretans (1:12).

God promised this eternal life before the ages of time, begun at creation, started to roll (cf. 2 Timothy 1:9). This promise existed within the Godhead before he created the world. In other words, it is rooted in God’s eternal purpose for humankind.