Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Titus 2:8

"sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us." — Titus 2:8 (ASV)

Titus must also demonstrate “soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.” The content of his teaching and ordinary conversation must have two characteristics. (1) It must have “soundness” (GK 5617), conforming to healthful doctrine (cf. 1:9, 13; 2:1–2). (2) Such soundness will ensure that no critic will be able to point out anything in it justly open to censure or rebuke. Paul hints at the picture of a courtroom where the judge can find no basis for the accusation of the plaintiff.

Paul concludes his personal remarks to Titus with another purpose clause.

The expression “those who oppose you” is apparently left intentionally vague to leave room for all types of critics. When the objections are examined, the anticipated result is that the critic “may be ashamed,” i.e., made to look foolish because he is shown to have no case. An accusation of something morally “bad” or worthless “about us” (including Paul and Christians generally) will be found to be groundless.

Paul’s ethical instructions are now addressed to a distinct social group that overlaps groups divided by age and sex. Slaves formed a significant element in the apostolic churches and the welfare of the faith demanded that they too accept their spiritual responsibility as believers. Paul here makes no distinction between slaves who had Christian masters and those who did not (see comments on 1 Timothy 6:1–2).