Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Titus 2:11

"For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men," — Titus 2:11 (ASV)

God’s program of redemption is rooted in his “grace” (GK 5921), his free favor and spontaneous action toward needy sinners to deliver and transform them. This grace has been manifested as a historical reality in Christ’s birth, life and ministry, atoning death, and resurrection. “Appeared” (GK 2210) conveys the image of grace suddenly breaking in on our moral darkness, like the rising sun (this verb is used of the sun in Ac 27:20).

The effect of the manifestation was redemptive, not destructive. The adjective rendered “that brings salvation” (GK 5403) asserts its saving efficacy; this salvation is available to all people, though its personal application is dependent on one’s response of faith. Its universal scope justifies the application of its ethical demands to all classes of its professed recipients.