John Calvin Commentary Titus 2:7

"in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine [showing] uncorruptness, gravity," — Titus 2:7 (ASV)

In all things shewing thyself For doctrine will otherwise carry little authority, if its power and majesty do not shine in the life of the bishop, as in a mirror. He wishes, therefore, that the teacher may be a pattern, which his scholars may copy.

A pattern of good works in doctrine, uprightness, gravity In the original Greek, the style here is involved and obscure, and this creates ambiguity. First, he uses the words in doctrine, and then adds, in the accusative case, integrity, gravity, etc.

Without mentioning the interpretations given by others, I will state what appears to me to be the most probable. First, I connect these words, of good works in doctrine; for, after having instructed Titus that, in teaching, he should inculcate the practice of good works, he wishes that good works, which correspond to this doctrine, may be visible in his life. Consequently, the preposition in means that they should be suitable, or should correspond, to the doctrine.

What follows is not at all obscure; for, in order that he may exhibit a representation of his doctrine in morals, he tells him to be “upright and grave.”