Titus 1:13

“This witness is true, etc.] 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 carefully and prudently attended to; for what is truth, let it come from whom, or by what means it will, ought to be received. Wherefore rebuke them sharply: not merely upon the testimony of the poet, but upon…”

“This witness--"This testimony (though coming from a Cretan) is true." sharply--Gentleness would not reclaim so perverse offenders. that they--that those seduced by the false teachers may be brought back to soundness in the faith. Their malady is strifes about words and questions (Tit 3:9; Ti1 6:4).”

“This witness is true - That is, this testimony long before borne by one of their own number, was true when the apostle wrote to Titus. The fact that this was the general Character of the people, was a reason why he should be on his guard in introducing men into the ministry, and in the arrangement of affairs pertaining to the church. That it was true, see proofs in Wetstein. Wherefore rebuke them - Notes, 2 Timothy 4:2. Sharply - ἀποτόμως apotomōs - “cuttingly, severely” - from ἀποτέμνω apotemnō, “to cut off.” The word is used here in the sense of severity, meaning that the reproof should be such as would be understood, and would show them plainly the wickedness of such traits of…”

“1:13 This is true: See study note on 1:12. • Being strong in the faith is here defined as rejecting false teachings (cp. 1:9).”

“rebuke: Tit 2:15; Pro 27:5; Co2 13:10; Ti1 5:20; Ti2 4:2 that: Tit 2:2; Lev 19:17; Psa 119:80, Psa 141:5; Co2 7:8-12; Ti1 4:6 Titus 1:14”