Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Titus 2:15

"These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee." — Titus 2:15 (ASV)

“Teach” looks back to 2:1, where the same word is used. As his central duty, Titus must continually present practical instructions to the various groups in their proper doctrinal setting. As part of his teaching he must “encourage” (GK 4151) or exhort the hearers to appropriate and practice the instruction, and “rebuke” (GK 1794) or convict those who are slack or fail to respond. He must perform these duties “with all authority,” for the message is apostolic and authentic and its authority must be stressed. The Gospel must not be presented as an optional opinion to be accepted or rejected as its hearers may please. The minister’s authority rests in the nature of his message; he is not raised above the truth but the truth above him.

As the apostolic representative in Crete, Titus must “not let anyone despise” him or belittle his message and authority. He must not permit his message and work to be disdainfully rejected. Since this letter would be read in the churches, the remark was intended as much for the Cretans as for Titus himself.