Titus 2:1

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Titus 2:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine:
Titus 2:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Titus 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.] Concerning sound doctrine, and the form of it, (see Gill on “<550113>2 Timothy 1:13”). The things which become it are a good life and conversation, the various duties incumbent on professors of religion, according to their different station, age, and sex, which are observed in some following verses; these become the Gospel of Christ, and are ornamental to the doctrine of God our Saviour; and these are to be spoken of by the ministers of Christ, in their proper places, and at proper times; who ought not to be dumb, and keep silence at any time, but especially when there are many unruly and vain talkers: sound doctrine ought to be spoken…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“DIRECTIONS TO TITUS: HOW TO EXHORT VARIOUS CLASSES OF BELIEVERS: THE GRACE OF GOD IN CHRIST OUR GRAND INCENTIVE TO LIVE GODLY. (Tit 2:1-15) But . . . thou--in contrast to the reprobate seducers stigmatized in Tit 1:11, Tit 1:15-16. "He deals more in exhortations, because those intent on useless questions needed chiefly to be recalled to the study of a holy, moral life; for nothing so effectually allays men's wandering curiosity, as the being brought to recognize those duties in which they ought to exercise themselves" [CALVIN]. speak--without restraint: contrast Tit 1:11, "mouths . . . stopped." doctrine--"instruction" or "teaching."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But speak thou - In thine own ministry. In the previous chapter he had given him instructions as to the kind of persons who were to be put into the sacred office. Here he gives him special instructions in regard to his own preaching. “The things which become sound doctrine.” To wit, those which he proceeds immediately to specify. On the phrase sound doctrine, see the notes at 1 Timothy 1:10; compare 2 Timothy 4:3. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wholesome - Restoring and preserving spiritual health. Titus 2:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:1-15 Wholesome teaching was especially urgent on account of the false teachers, who had wreaked havoc on “whole families” (1:11). In 2:1-10, Paul addresses different groups within the household of faith, showing his concern for the public testimony of the church (2:5, 8, 10; see also 1 Tim 5:1–6:2). Paul then elaborates on the coming of Christ (Titus 2:11-14) before giving a direct charge to Titus (2:15).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Tit 2:11-14, Tit 1:9, Tit 3:8; Ti1 1:10, Ti1 6:3; Ti2 1:13 Titus 2:2”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification