By COGwriter
Around 65 A.D., the Apostle Paul sent his epistle, letter, to Titus from Greece when Titus was in Crete.
Although he is not mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, Titus was noted in Galatians (cf. Galatians 2:1, 3) where Paul wrote of journeying to Jerusalem with Barnabas, accompanied by Titus. Titus was then dispatched to Corinth, Greece. Titus was later left on the island of Crete to help organize the church there, and later met back with the Apostle Paul in Nicopolis in northwestern Greece. He soon went to Dalmatia (now part of Croatia). According to Eusebius of Caesarea in the Ecclesiastical History, he served as the first bishop of Crete.
Paul's letter to Titus reminds all that God can be trusted and contains instruction on appointment of leaders, examples of different age groups in church, attitude toward government, avoiding foolish questions and the handling of heretics and the argumentative.
This article quotes each and every verse in the Apostle Paul's letter.
Chapter 1, Verse 1
Paul, a
bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of
God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with
godliness,
Paul starts out with saying that he is basically a slave of God, but also again explains his position.
Verse 2:
in hope of eternal
life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,
Notice that God's elect have the hope of eternal life. That is a real hope, and one that the faithful will attain.
Notice also that God cannot lie.
The Apostle Paul also wrote:
4 ... let God be true but every man a liar. (Romans 3:4)
20 ... keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. (1 Timothy 6:20-21, KJV)
This is important when we hear claims that are supposed to disprove the biblical account of anything.
Jesus said the devil is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44), and since Satan deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9), it is little wonder that many push wrong information as correct.
Satan wants YOU to fall away and uses many ways, including things called science, to try to disuade you from believing and obeying God in all aspects of your life.
Now to 1:3:
3 but has in
due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me
according to the commandment of God our Savior;
Not only Paul, but the Christian church has commandments to preach from Jesus:
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
Continuing:
4 To Titus,
a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
Titus was a faithful Christian. We are all to be one too. And yes, we all need God's grace and mercy, and accepting His way brings peace.
Notice also that the Father and Jesus are mentioned. Paul mentions the Father and Jesus in every introduction of every book he wrote (Rom 1:7;I Cor 1:3;II Cor 1:2;Gal 1:3;Eph 1:2; Phil 1:2;Col 1:2;I The 1:1;II Thes 1:2;I Tim 1:2;II Tim 1:2;Ti 1:1;Phi 1:3;Heb 1:1-2;), but he never mentions the Holy Spirit--this is a binitarian position. If the Holy Spirit was a co-equal member of the trinity, could this possibly be blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-29)? Obviously, Paul is not doing that, so this is another point to consider. The New Testament church was binitarian, not trinitarian.
Even a trinitarian scholar has admitted that the Bible has a binitarian view, and does not teach what is now considered to be the trinity:
The binitarian formulas are found in Rom. 8:11, 2 Cor. 4:14, Gal. 1:1, Eph. 1:20, 1 Tim 1:2, 1 Pet. 1:21, and 2 John 1:13...No doctrine of the Trinity in the Nicene sense is present in the New Testament...There is no doctrine of the Trinity in the strict sense in the Apostolic Fathers...(Rusch W.G. The Trinitarian Controversy. Fortress Press, Phil., 1980, pp. 2-3).
The above book endorses the trinity, yet admits that it was NOT part of the original faith (Jude 3).
Verse 5:
5 For this
reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that
are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—
Titus was set there to be the leader and set up structure -- hierarchical governance.
There are standards that Paul tells Titus.
We in the CCOG have been criticized for not ordaining more men. Unlike most other COG groups, we have refused to ordain any man who is divorced and remarried. But we believe that although divorced people can serve in many ways, and they do in the CCOG, being ordained is not one of them.
Notice Verse 6:
6 if a man is
blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused
of dissipation or
insubordination.
Now the man will not be perfect, but have less blame than others. Should have a wife and his children must be faithful.
One thing that is interesting here is that the next verse Paul ties this in with bishops/overseers.
Yet you have heresies in the Greco-Roman Catholic churches regarding this.
In the Roman Catholic Church, other than certain exceptions it has made for the accepting of former Anglican priests (and some others) their priests and bishops cannot be married. In the second verse of 1 Timothy 4, there was a prophecy from the Apostle Paul warning about those who forbid to marry, yet the Church of Rome has been one to wrongly do this.
Notice these passages from the Roman Catholic approved Rheims New Testament, as well as something from Paul's epistle to Titus:
1. FAITHFUL saying. If a man desire a Bishops office, he desireth a good work.
2. It behoveth therefore a Bishop to be irreprehensible, the husband of one wife,
sober, wise, comely, chaste, a man of hospitality, a teacher,
3. Not given to wine, no fighter, but modest, no quarreler, not covetous,
4. Well ruling his own house, chaving his children subject with all charity.
5. But if a man know not to rule his own house: how shall he have care of the Church of
God? (1 Timothy 3:1-5).5. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest reform the things that are
wanting, and shouldst ordain priests by cities, as I also appointed thee:
6. If any be without crime, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not in the
accusations of riot, or not obedient.
7. For a Bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not angry, nor
given to wine, no striker, nor covetous of filthy lucre (Titus 1:5-7).
Note that the term translated as priest in verse 4, presbyter, simply means elder--though the Church of Rome prefers the term priest. Also notice that the Bishop is also allowed to be married.
Paul specifically confirmed that the apostles had a wife and that he had a right to have a wife in the first century when he wrote:
4. Have not we power to eat and drink?
5. Have we not power to lead about a woman a sister, as also the rest of the Apostles, and
our Lords brethren, and Cephas?
6. Or I only and Barnabas have not we power to do this? (1 Corinthians 9:4-6, DRB).
While Polycrates confirmed this for the second century when he wrote
Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who fell asleep in Hierapolis; and his two aged virgin daughters, and another daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests at Ephesus ... All these observed the fourteenth day of the passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith. And I also, Polycrates, the least of you all, do according to the tradition of my relatives, some of whom I have closely followed. For seven of my relatives were bishops; and I am the eighth. And my relatives always observed the day when the people put away the leaven. I, therefore, brethren, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord (Eusebius. Church History. Book V, Chapter 25).
Polycrates probably would not have been one of a line of bishops if all bishops and church leaders practiced celibacy. Note that since the Apostle Philip had at least three daughters, he could not have practiced celibacy.
Now everyone is aware that Peter had a wife (see Matthew 8:14).
Hippolytus notes that in the third century, celibacy was not required for the clergy (and least not by his rival, Roman Bishop Callistus):
About the time of this man, bishops, priests, and deacons, who had been twice married, and thrice married, began to be allowed to retain their place among the clergy (Hippolytus. Refutation of All Heresies, Book IX, Chapter VII. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 5. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1886. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).
Even The Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges that from the beginning, celibacy was not a requirement for church leaders:
Turning now to the historical development of the present law of celibacy, we must necessarily begin with St. Paul's direction (1 Timothy 3:2, 12, and Titus 1:6) that a bishop or a deacon should be "the husband of one wife". These passages seem fatal to any contention that celibacy was made obligatory upon the clergy from the beginning (Thurston H. Transcribed by Christine J. Murray. Celibacy of the Clergy. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).
Celibacy became an ideal for the clergy in the East gradually, as it did in the West. In the fourth century we still find St. Gregory Nazianzen's father, who was Bishop of Nanzianzos, living with his wife, without scandal. But very soon after that the present Eastern rule obtained. It is less strict than in the West. No one can marry after he has been ordained priest (Paphnutius at the first Council of Nicaea maintains this; the first Canon of the Synod of Neocaesarea in 314 or 325, and Can. Apost., xxvi. The Synod of Elvira about 300 had decreed absolute celibacy for all clerks in the West, Can. xxxiii, ib., pp. 238-239); priests already married may keep their wives (the same law applied to deacons and subdeacons: Can. vi of the Synod in Trullo, 692), but bishops must be celibate. As nearly all secular priests were married this meant that, as a general rule, bishops were chosen from the monasteries, and so these became, as they still are, the road through advancement may be attained (Fortesque A. Transcribed by Marie Jutras. Eastern Monasticism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Copyright © 1911 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).
Here is a statement from that Synod of Elvira (about 305 A.D.) that is a little different than the above indicates:
We decree that all bishops, priests, and deacons, and all clerics engaged in ministry are forbidden entirely to live with their wives and to beget children: whoever shall do so shall be deposed from clerical dignity. (Bacchiocchi S. THE CATHOLIC PRIESTS CHILD SEX-ABUSE SCANDAL. Endtime Issues No. 82, 4 April 2002)
Thus the celibacy requirement for clergy did not come to be an enforced issue until the fourth century. It, however, contradicts the biblical teaching on this matter and has never been a requirement for the true Church of God.
When the subject came up in the fourth century, a Greco-Roman bishop denounced it:
Paphnutius then was bishop of one of the cities in Upper Thebes: he was a man of such eminent piety, that extraordinary miraclas were done by him. In the time of the persecution he had been deprived of one of his eyes. The emperor honoured this man exceedingly, and often sent for him to the palace, and kissed the part where the eye had been torn out. So devout was the emperor Constantine. Having noticed this circumstance respecting Paphnutius, I shall explain. another thing which was wisely ordered in consequence of his advice, both for the good of the church and the honour of the clergy. It seemed fit to the bishops to introduce a new law into the church, that those who were in holy orders, I speak of bishops, presbyters, and deacons, should have no conjugal intercourse with the wives which they had married prior to their ordination. And when it was proposed to deliberate on this matter, Paphnutius having arisen in the midst of the assembly of bishops, earnestly entreated them not to impose so heavy a yoke on the ministers of religion: asserting that " marriage is honourable among all, and the nuptial bed undefiled;" so that they ought not to injure the church by too stringent restrictions. " For all men," said he, " cannot bear the practice of rigid continence ; neither perhaps would the chastity of each of their wives be preserved." He termed the intercourse of a man with his lawful wife chastity. It would be sufficient, he thought, that such as had previously entered on their sacred calling should abjure matrimony, according to the ancient tradition of the church: but that none should be separated from her to whom, while yet unordained, he had been legally united...The whole assembly of the clergy assented to the reasoning of Paphnutius (Socrates Scholasticus. Book 1, Chapter XI. A History of the Church in Seven Books: From the Accession of Constantine, A.D. 305, to the 38th Year of Theodosius II, Inluding a Period of 140 Years. Published by S. Bagster, 1844. Original from Harvard University, pp. 53-54)
So as late as the early fourth century, the idea of required celibacy was opposed by most of the clergy. Note: Some have questioned the above account. But here is what one Orthodox scholar, L. Cleenewerch has written on that:
“This statement would seem to settle the matter now as it did then, if it was not for the fact that the Paphnutius story is now under suspicion of being a legend invented by Socrates himself ... It should be admitted, though, that the reasons for rejecting the ‘Paphnutius intervention’ are rather weak: the improbability of his presence at the Council, and the suspected sympathy of Socrates for the Novatians who opposed the lex continentiae. Yet, Socrates Scholasticus is recognized as a reliable and intellectually honest historian”, pp. 374,375.)
It also appears that celibate orders are unbiblical and not really part of the earliest traditions. Noted historian Latourette wrote:
"Although it has been prominent in the churches in which the majority of Christians have been enrolled, monasticism was unknown in the first two centuries of Christianity...In a least one place in the New Testament those who forbade Christians to marry ... were deemed untrue to the faith". (Latourette K.S. A History of Christianity, Volume 1: Beginnings to 1500. Harper Collins, San Francisco, 1975, p. 223).
The Church of Rome has long had problems with priests and celibacy as the following Roman Catholic source admits:
September 5, 2018 ...
In the 11th century, there was a serious crisis that mirrors our present one. Rampant corruption manifested itself in widespread clerical immorality and homosexual practices. Pope Gregory VII and his collaborators, coming from a monastic tradition, purified the Church thoroughly, stringently enforcing the apostolic practice of clerical celibacy and creating the morally purified Church of the high medieval period.
By the 16th century, immorality had crept back into the ranks of the clergy, as members of the hierarchy, including a few popes, engaged regularly in activities that contravened their vows. https://aleteia.org/2018/09/05/when-did-priestly-celibacy-begin-anyway/
Clerical celibacy was NOT the apostolic practice.
The Roman Catholic Church in the 20th century put this out in a paper:
HOLY VIRGINITY and that perfect chastity which is consecrated to the service of God is without doubt among the most precious treasures which the Founder of the Church has left in heritage to the society which He established. This assuredly was the reason why the Fathers of the Church confidently asserted that perpetual virginity is a very noble gift which the Christian religion has bestowed on the world. They rightly noted that the pagans of antiquity imposed this way of life on the Vestals only for a certain time; and that, although in the Old Testament virginity is ordered to be kept and preserved, it is only a previous requisite for marriage ... Further, the Fathers of the Church, such as Cyprian, Athanasius, Ambrose, John Chrysostom, Jerome, Augustine, and many others, have sung the praises of virginity. And this doctrine of the Fathers, augmented through the course of centuries by the Doctors of the Church and the masters of asceticism, helps greatly either to inspire in the faithful of both sexes the firm resolution of dedicating themselves to God by the practice of perfect chastity and of persevering thus till death, or to strengthen them in the resolution already taken...And while this perfect chastity is the subject of one of the three vows which constitute the religious state, and is also required by the Latin Church of clerics in major orders (Pope Pius XII. Sacra Virginitas, Encyclical on Consecrated Virginity. Promulgated on March 25, 1954).
Thus, the Roman Church, though admitting that permanent virginity is not a biblical position, wants to insist on this.
1 Timothy 4:1-3 warns that some will forbid marriage, which is what the Roman Church seems to be doing here.
I would also add here, that telling the faithful to have fish, and not other meats on Friday, seems to be related to the second statement in 1 Timothy 4 (a related article of interest The New Testament and Unclean Meats).
Even in the 21st century, the Church of Rome has admitted that celibacy was not the original position of the Apostles and that it might change back:
Pope Benedict XVI's choice as the church's top official for priests has said that celibacy "is not a dogma," and that the Catholic church "can reflect" on the subject. ...
Cardinal Claudio Hummes, 72, of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was nominated prefect of the Congregation for Clergy Oct. 31. He made the comments as he left for Rome in an interview with the Brazilian publication Estado de Sao Paulo.
"Even if celibates are part of our history and of Catholic culture, the church can reflect on the question of celibacy, because it's not a dogma but a disciplinary norm," Hummes said.
Hummes, a Franciscan, recalled that several apostles were married, and that the discipline of priestly celibacy in the Western church developed several centuries after the institution of the priesthood itself..."In the church, it has always been clear that the obligation of celibacy for priests is not a dogma, but a disciplinary norm. It is also clear that this is true for the Latin church, but not for the Oriental rites, where it is normal that priests are married in the communities in union with the Catholic church..." (Allen JL. Curial cardinal says celibacy can be discussed. National Catholic Reporter, Dec 15, 2006).
Thus, celibacy can be concluded to be an unbiblical requirement that Rome imposed outside of the Bible.
In 2017, the then Pope Francis seeming authorized debate on celibacy for the priesthood. But it is still the policy of the Church of Rome.
Now, what about the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church?
Well, they do allow their priests to be married.
But, once their libidos start to dimish, and if they are at least 50 years of age, they are allowed to become bishops, but ONLY if they depart from their wives.
Then, the Orthodox priests who covet being a bishop must betray their wives to do so. They should also consider that the Bible warns:
13“This is another thing you do: you cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and with groaning, because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. 14“Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15“But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit. And what did that one do while he was seeking a godly offspring? Take heed then to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of your youth. 16“For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the LORD of hosts. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” (Malachi 2:13-16, NASB)
What the Orthodox priests do to become bishops is treacherous.
This is absurd and wrong.
They are NOT holding to the beliefs of the Bible nor that of the original catholic church.
They are not being blameless.
Yet, 1:7:
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not
quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for
money,
A steward has the responsibility of managing something that belongs to someone else. Stewards also have to give an account. The bishop/overseer is the steward of what belongs to God--those who respond to God's call in this age. And the overseer can be called into account about he does or does not do. Bishops are to have some control over their tempers, not be drunkards, not be violent, and not possessing a lust for money.
On the positive side, they are to:
Chapter 1, verse 8:
8 but
hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy,
self-controlled,
9 holding
fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound
doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
Of course, whether one is an overseer or not, all Christians should strive to be hospitable, loving what is good, be sober-minded, strive for more self-control, and be faithful to the word of God.
We are all to believe sound doctrine.
The Apostle Peter wrote:
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15, KJV)
And while that ability is needed in all ages, notice the following end time prophecy:
32 ... the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. (Daniel 11:32, ESV)
33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; (Daniel 11:33)
The old Radio Church of God taught:
Daniel prophesied: "The people that do KNOW their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Dan. 11:32). Such a statement could refer only to God's people. Now notice what follows: "And they THAT UNDERSTAND among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days" (verse 33). Here is a very brief summary of how God's Church has been persecuted down through the centuries.
Some commentators has incorrectly applied this to the Jews. But it could not refer to the Jewish people of our day! The Jews do not KNOW their God, nor do they UNDERSTAND, nor do they instruct many in the ways of God.
This prophecy concerns GOD'S CHURCH. (Neff L. Beware of False Brethren! Good News, January 1960)
Others have also taught it:
Dan. 11:32-33
"Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. [God grant that we will be such faithful people of God.] And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering."
God's people will be persecuted but will warn the world. They will do a mighty work at the time of the end, just at the time when this great false leader will come in and place the abomination of desolation
(Meredith RC. Gospel of Matthew--Program 27, Bible Study https://members.lcg.org/bible-studies/gospel-matthew-program-27).
Sadly, many have forgotten this prophecy--or at least what to do about it--even though it is to be fulfilled within the next decade or so.
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Paul is disappointed that the Christians he was communicating with had not grown more in knowledge. (Hebrews 5:12)
Notice that Christians are supposed to be able to be teachers--yes that ability to instruct is also a New Testament concept. Those who learned as they should have are subject to being used by God to instruct many. This includes women per Titus 2:3.
When Jesus returns, His people are called volunteers:
2 The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!3 Your people shall be volunteers
In the day of Your power; (Psalms 110:2-3)
Do you want to be one of the volunteers of Jesus?
You should.
Isaiah teaches that God's people are to be His witnesses:
10 "You are My witnesses," says the Lord, (Isaiah 43:10a)
29. But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "We are obligated to obey God rather than men. 30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. 31. Him has God exalted by His right hand to be a Prince and Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel. 32. And we are His witnesses of these things, as is also the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him." (Acts 5:29-32, A Faithful Version)
How can Philadelphian Christians be witnesses, take action, and instruct many if they are not prepared?
First, notice that Jesus also says that the Holy Spirit will assist:
18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. (Matthew 10:18-20)
9 "But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Mark 13:9-13)
So does that mean you have no part to play?
No.
The Holy Spirit will bring to mind things you have studied, but will assist you with your wording as Jesus also said:
25. I have spoken these things to you while I am yet present with you. 26. But when the Comforter comes, even the Holy Spirit, which the Father will send in My name, that one shall teach you all things, and shall bring to your remembrance everything that I have told you. (John 14:25-26 AFV)
You need to be prepared as the Apostle Peter wrote to be able to give answers to those who ask.
The Apostle Paul wrote the following:
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV)
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV)
The Bible is the word of truth. Christians need to study diligently, which includes not only reading the Bible and paying attention to sermons, but also to read church literature.
One of the reasons is that parts of the Bible are not always easy to understand, as the Apostle Peter pointed out:
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation -- as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. (2 Peter 3:14-16, NKJV)
Notice again one is to be 'diligent' so one will not be moved by untaught and unstable people.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, (1 Corinthians 1:4-5)
Christians need to be enriched with knowledge.
This also means that God's people need to be taught. As well as gain understanding:
he Apostle Paul wrote:
20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. (1 Corinthians 14:20)
Yes, brethren, the Christian life is not to be static.
We are to grow in grace & knowledge (2 Peter 3:18), understanding (1 Corinthians 14:20), while building character (Romans 5:1-4).
Remember, Jesus told the Laodiceans that they were self-satisfied (Revelation 3:13-19), yet Philadelphian Christians do not face that condemnation.
We are to learn as Peter also wrote:
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18)
One does not grow in grace and knowledge without gaining knowledge. Growing in grace and knowledge not only helps us spiritually, but helps us be able to better help others and give love to make things better. Which is actually why God put humans on the earth (see also The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?).
Peter also wrote:
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-11)
Christians are to add knowledge, at least partially so we will NOT be unfruitful.
The Apostle Paul taught that as well:
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:9-10)
The knowledge is to be used to be fruitful--not just for your own sake. That is, being fruitful, for you assist in reaching many--via the church--but also possibly yourself.
As Jesus taught:
20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. (Mark 4:20)
Are you one who has been sown in good ground?
THere are those that have not allowed that to happen.
1:
10 For there
are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those
of the circumcision,
11 whose
mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which
they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
Related to this, the late evangelist John Ogwyn stated, "Things have not changed a lot since the first century" (https://www.hwalibrary.com/cgi-bin/get/hwa.cgi?action=getbstudyjo&InfoID=1504359884&InfoType=BSJO&SearchWhat=KeyWord&SearchFor=Israel%20good%20news&NoShow=&page=68&return=search)
We still have improper critics who have persuaded themselves that they are right. They have hardened their hearts and often demonstrate a root of bitterness.
Those who, for example, made false claims about CCOG leaders and witch doctors come to immediate mind. But there are others as well.
Moving on to verse 12:
12 One of
them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars,
evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
In our time, "a prophet of their own" teaches, that Habakkuk 2:1-8 relates to the destruction of the Beast, which is in conflict with many scriptures (see Commentary on Habakkuk and the End of the United States. ), yet they take comfort that they are right on this and the CCOG is wrong. Sadly, they are deceived on this.
Next verse:
13 This
testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound
in the faith,
HWA wrote:
Now notice Titus 1:4-5 and 2:15 — Paul wrote to Titus (UNDER PAUL), "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith (even as those under me in THE WORK today, are MY own sons, directly or indirectly, in the Lord), ...from God the Father (first in rank) and the Lord Jesus Christ (second in rank) our Savior. For this cause left I (next in rank — to Gentiles — under Christ) thee (under Paul's authority in the Work) in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders (under Titus who is under Paul, who is under Christ) in every city as I had appointed thee."
Paul gave reason, in the following verses, for GOVERNMENT and AUTHORITY in the Church — "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers ... whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses (even as those fighting against order and government in God's Church are doing today), teaching things they ought not (as right now), for filthy lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, (lazy gluttons — RSV), ... This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith." And Paul adds, chapter 2:15, "...and REBUKE, with ALL AUTHORITY."
Yes, God's Government is NECESSARY in His Church, and He PUT IT THERE! (Armstrong HW. May 02, 1974 - Brethren & Co-Workers Letter).
So, the rebuke seems to be two-fold. One was to their prophet, but the other was telling the Christians in Crete that they needed to stop being lazy and to work.
Verse 14:
14 not giving
heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the
truth.
There apparently were Jewish fables about the Cretans, but sadly there are men who turn people from the truth. And sometimes they look good. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians:
12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)
Let me add that there are various claimed COG leaders that have been taking crowns away from those who are supposed to be Philadelphians--and Jesus told the Philadelphian Christians:
9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (Revelation 3:9-11)
Jesus would not have made that warning if it were not possible.
Sadly, we have seen people deceived to no longer be Philadelphian or even to be real Christians.
1:15:
15 To the
pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing
is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.
Many who left the CCOG failed to see things as pure. Yes, their consciences are defiled. Plus, while they think they are right, they have also failed to properly strive to fulfill Matthew 24:14 and 28:19-20.
Finishing chapter 1 with verse 16:
16 They
profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being [d]abominable,
disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
Chapter 2, Verse 1
1 But as
for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
Yes, those who preach are to speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine. Which, means of course, teaching things consistent with scripture as well as to actually teach the Bible. As Paul wrote Timothy:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
And that is one reason we have striven to teach each verse of this book as well as the others we have covered in the New Testament.
Next, Paul goes into specific ways different groups of Christians are to act.
Verse
2:
2 that
the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in
patience;
So, it is not just those that are bishops/overseers that are to be sober, have self-control, be patient, and love others.
Next
verse:
3 the
older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not
given to much wine, teachers of good things—
Like bishops/overseers, women are told not to be "given to much wine," Notice not only should they have reverent behaviour and not be slanders, they are to be "teachers of good things."
Verse
4:
4 that
they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
Notice that women are to love their husbands and their children.
Continuing
in chapter 2, verse 5:
5 to
be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own
husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
Now to be discreet includes not only watching their words, but dressing properly. Women are to be homemakers, good, and obedient to their husbands.
Those words are not popular in modern society.
Next
verse:
6 Likewise, exhort
the young men to be sober-minded,
Yes, young men are told to behave properly.
Verse 7:
7 in all things
showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in
doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
Young men are to show a pattern of good works, have integrity, be reverent, and not be corrupt.
Continuing to verse 8:
8 sound speech that
cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing
evil to say of you.
Young men are also told have proper speech, so are not to be vulgar. But young men should be proper examples so none can say evil of them.
Verse 9:
9 Exhort bondservants
to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not
answering back,
10 not pilfering, but showing all
good fidelity, that they may
adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Employees are to obey and please their bosses. But, of course, all are to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29) if there is a conflict.
Employees are not to back talk or steal. That is the doctrine of God our Savior. This is one of the times that the New Testament refers to Jesus as God.
Verse 11:
11 For the
grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
Has the grace of God that brings salvation clearly appeared to all men yet?
No, of course not.
Thus, there is certainly a prophetic implication of this passage by Paul.
What about the expression ‘has appeared’? Does that mean that God’s grace has been seen already by everyone?
No.
There is a mistranslation of word order.
Here is the literal word order with Strong’s numbers:
2014................1063..3588...5485 ..3588 ....2316..... <9999 >......... 4992................3956….. 444
hath appeared…For…the....grace.....of........God….that bringeth…salvation........... to all…men
(Interlinear Transliterated Bible. Copyright (c) 1994 by Biblesoft).
Thus, a more literal translation of Titus 2:11 is:
11 It has appeared then that the grace of God brings salvation to all men.
(The word ‘then’ is a translation of Strong’s word 1063—the Greek word γάρ—per Danker, p. 190.)
The following translations of Titus 2:11 seem to convey this concept better than the NKJV:
11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. (NLT)
11 God has shown us undeserved grace by coming to save all people. (CEV)
Titus 2:11 means that God’s grace is intended to save more than the elect in this age. All will be given an opportunity, an offer of salvation.
Let's look at a different translation:
11 For the grace of God has appeared with salvation for all people, (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
God will offer salvation to all people, not just some.
This is something that the Greco-Roman Catholics used to teach, but something that the bulk of Protestants never taught, yet that is what the Bible teaches.
God is fair and has a plan that makes sense.
All will have a real opportunity for salvation.
Notice, though, what the New Testament and the Old Testament plainly teach:
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:6, NKJV. Note this verse is translated precisely the same in the Roman Catholic Douay-Rheims Bible, DRB)
10 … And all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (Isaiah 52:10; also the same in the DRB)
Some have called versions of this teaching “the age to come” (cf. Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; Hebrews 6:5) or the Greek word ἀποκαταστάστεως, transliterated as ‘apokatastasis’ (sometimes also spelled in English as ‘apocatastasis’).
More on this can be found in the free eBook: Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation.
Yet most who profess Christianity simply do not properly understand or teach these verses.
But if they paid enough attention to Titus 2:11, they would perhaps consider that there is some error in their understanding.
Continuing 2:12:
12 teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly in the present age,
All Christians are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. We will than be better examples as well to assist those that will be called in the age to come.
Verse 13:
13 looking for the
blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus
Christ,
Yes, we are to have the blessed hope of Jesus returning. The Apostle Paul wrote those in Thessalonica:
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Yes, this blessed hope should be comforting to us.
2:14a
14a who gave Himself for us,
Jesus gave Himself for us. Totally.
Paul wrote to the Philippians that Jesus:7... emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men, (Philippians 2:7, Literal Standard Version)
Jesus emptied Himself of His Divinity when was on the earth and did not regain it until His resurrection.
He risked everything for us.
Jesus truly came in the flesh and truly died. That is something that trinitarians do not fully grasp.
Why did He do that? He did so