Titus 1:13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Titus 1:6-16

The apostle here gives Titus directions about ordination, showing whom he should ordain, and whom not. I. Of those whom he should ordain. He points out their qualifications and virtues; such as respect their life and manners, and such as relate to their doctrine: the former in the Titus 1:6, 7, 8, and the latter in the Titus 1:9. 1. Their qualifications respecting their life and manners are, (1.) More general: If any be blameless; not absolutely without fault, so none are, for there is none... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Titus 1:13-16

1:13-16 For that very reason correct them with severity, that they may grow healthy in the faith and not pay attention to Jewish fables and to rules and regulations made by men who persist in turning their backs on the truth. "To the pure all things are pure." But to those who are defiled and who do not believe, nothing is pure, because their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny their profession by their deeds, because they are repulsive and... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Titus 1:13-16

When a man gets into this state of impurity, he may know God intellectually but his life is a denial of that knowledge. Three things are singled out here about such a man. (i) He is repulsive. The word (bdeluktos, Greek #947 ) is the word particularly used of heathen idols and images. It is the word from which the noun bdelugma ( Greek #946 ), an abomination, comes. There is something repulsive about a man with an obscene mind, who makes sniggering jests and is a master of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Titus 1:13

This witness is true ,.... The apostle confirms what the poet had said; he knew it to be fact from his own experience, and by the observation he had made when in the island: he does not say, that all that Epimenides had said, in the poem referred to, was true; but this character, which he had given of the Cretians, and which he cites, and uses to a good purpose; from whence it may be observed, that the writings of the Heathen poets may be read with profit, and be used to advantage, if... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Titus 1:13

This witness is true - What Epimenides said of them nearly 600 years before continued still to be true. Their original character had undergone no moral change. Rebuke them sharply - Αποτομως· Cuttingly, severely; show no indulgence to persons guilty of such crimes. That they may be sound in the faith - That they may receive the incorrupt doctrine, and illustrate it by a holy and useful life. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Titus 1:13

Verse 13 13.This testimony is true. (230) How worthiness soever the witness may have been, (231) yet the truth which has been spoken by him is acknowledged by Paul. The inhabitants of Crete, of whom he speaks with such sharpness were undoubtedly very wicked. The Apostle, who is wont to reprove mildly those who deserved to be treated with extreme severity, would never have spoken so harshly of the Cretans, if he had not been moved by very strong reasons. What term more reproachful than these... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Titus 1:1-16

The ministry of character. The pastoral Epistles, and this chapter in particular, bring prominently before us the Christian ministry as of commanding importance in the scheme of Christianity. Christianity, the sum and substance of Christian doctrine, was to be diffused among all nations; and the great instrument for maintaining it in efficiency and power was to be the ministry. But in describing the ministerial qualifications the apostle lays so much stress upon the personal character of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Titus 1:10-13

The character of the adversaries at Crete. They were within the communion of the Christian Church. It was, therefore, all the more necessary that the ministers should be holy, laborious, and uncorrupt. I. THE MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THESE ADVERSARIES . "For there are many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision." 1. They were refractory. Though standing in Church relationships, they refused all obedience, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Titus 1:10-14

The sins of the sect and the sins of the tribe. "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision," etc. In the preceding verses Paul stated one purpose for which he left Titus in Crete, viz. to set in order "the things that are wanting," and to ordain elders in every city. He recognized at once, not only the importance of order in the new community, but also the importance of appointing men who, intellectually and morally, were qualified... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Titus 1:13

Testimony for witness, A.V.; for which cause for wherefore, A.V.; reprove for rebuke, A.V. Sharply ( ἀποτομῶς ); elsewhere only in 2 Corinthians 13:10 (see also Romans 11:22 ). That they may be sound (see Titus 2:2 ). The faithful pastor must use severity when it is necessary to the spiritual health of the flock, just as the skilful surgeon uses the knife to save the patient's life. read more

Group of Brands