Titus 2 15

Titus 2:15 kjv

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Titus 2:15 nkjv

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Titus 2:15 niv

These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Titus 2:15 esv

Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Titus 2:15 nlt

You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don't let anyone disregard what you say.

Titus 2 15 Cross References

VerseTextReference
2 Tim 4:2"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."Direct parallels to reprove, rebuke, and exhort
1 Tim 4:11"Command and teach these things."Direct command to teach with authority
1 Tim 4:12"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example..."Against being disregarded, emphasizing example
Acts 20:27"For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God."Proclaiming all truth without hesitation
Acts 20:31"Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone..."Constant exhortation and warning
Matt 7:29"for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes."Jesus' authority in teaching
John 7:16"My teaching is not My own, but His who sent Me."Authority from God, not self-derived
1 Cor 11:2"Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions as I delivered them to you."Upholding received doctrine
1 Cor 14:37"If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord."Apostolic command and authority
2 Cor 10:8"For if I boast a little more of our authority, which the Lord gave us for building you up and not for destroying you..."Authority for edification given by the Lord
Heb 13:7"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."Respect for those who proclaim God's Word
1 Thess 5:12-13"We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you..."Respect for spiritual leaders
Prov 10:17"Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray."Value of heeding instruction and reproof
Prov 9:8"Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you."Wisdom in giving and receiving reproof
Psa 19:7-8"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul... The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart."The power and efficacy of God's word
Ezra 7:10"For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel."Example of teaching with authority from devotion
Ezek 33:7-9"So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel... warn them from Me."The prophet's duty to speak God's word
Isa 58:1"Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression..."Unrestrained declaration of truth
Titus 1:9"He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it."Prerequisite for effective teaching and rebuke
Titus 2:1"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine."The content Titus is to teach

Titus 2 verses

Titus 2 15 Meaning

Titus 2:15 serves as a direct command from Paul to Titus, summarizing his instructions regarding the teaching ministry in Crete. It mandates Titus to diligently proclaim the sound doctrine previously outlined in chapter 2, specifically addressing various groups within the church and guiding them in godly living. Furthermore, it empowers Titus to do so with unwavering spiritual authority, given by God, ensuring that no one dismisses or undervalues his message or his role as an elder. This verse emphasizes both the content of the teaching (the "these things") and the manner in which it is delivered: with persuasion, conviction, correction, and a steadfast demand for respect toward the divine truth being communicated.

Titus 2 15 Context

Titus 2:15 forms the concluding imperative of Paul's practical instructions to Titus regarding the various age and status groups within the Cretan churches (Titus 2:2-10) and the foundational theological motivation for such a lifestyle (Titus 2:11-14). Having detailed how older men and women, younger men and women, and bondservants should conduct themselves, and having reminded Titus of the grace of God that trains believers for godly living and the blessed hope of Christ's return, Paul now brings these teachings to a powerful conclusion. The "these things" directly refers to the specific teachings and examples given in Titus 2:1-14. This verse underscores the necessity for Titus, as an appointed leader, to actively and authoritatively communicate these truths to the Cretan believers. It also serves as a polemic against the easy-going attitude, lax morality, and rebellious spirit prevalent in Cretan society and possibly infiltrated into the churches, contrasting with the demanded authoritative teaching and godly living. The historical context shows Crete as a challenging mission field, necessitating strong, clear leadership and instruction to counter corrupt influences.

Titus 2 15 Word analysis

  • These things: (Gr. tauta, ταῦτα) - Refers to the whole body of sound doctrine and ethical instruction detailed throughout Titus chapter 2, concerning right living for various groups in the church, grounded in the grace of God. It signifies the practical application of theology.
  • speak: (Gr. lalei, λάλεῖ) - Means "to talk, declare, proclaim." It emphasizes the public, audible declaration of the message. This isn't just about internal understanding, but about outward communication to the congregation. It denotes a continuous, ongoing activity.
  • exhort: (Gr. parakalei, παρακαλεῖ) - Derived from parakaleō, meaning "to call alongside," "to urge," "to encourage," "to admonish." It encompasses both comforting and warning, with the aim of drawing someone toward a desired action or belief. It's persuasion aimed at shaping behavior.
  • and reprove: (Gr. kai elenche, καὶ ἔλεγχε) - From elegchō, which means "to expose, convict, refute, rebuke, correct." This is a strong term for confrontation where necessary. It implies bringing someone to the realization of their fault or error, leading to correction, often by exposing the truth to them. It demands a bold and unwavering stand against sin or false doctrine.
  • with all authority: (Gr. meta pasēs epitagēs, μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς) - Epitagē refers to an "order, command, injunction, authority," especially from a higher source. It highlights the divine source of Titus's mandate, not his personal opinion. The phrase "with all authority" underscores the gravity and weight with which Titus's ministry should be conducted, deriving from the commission he received from Paul, which ultimately comes from God. This counteracts any challenge to his leadership or the message.
  • Let no one disregard you: (Gr. mēdeis sou periphroneitō, μηδεὶς σου περιφρονείτω) - Periphroneō means "to think over," "to despise," "to look down upon," "to treat with contempt or scorn." This is a clear imperative for Titus to ensure his teaching is received with the proper respect due to God's messenger and His Word. It implies taking necessary actions to prevent people from viewing him as inconsequential or his message as trivial. It is an appeal for respectful attentiveness from the church members and serves as a reminder for Titus to act in a manner worthy of that respect.

Titus 2 15 Bonus section

The phrase "Let no one disregard you" carries a double emphasis. It is both an instruction to Titus to act in such a way that he is not disregarded (e.g., by consistent character, clear teaching, and unwavering courage) and a command to the Cretan believers not to disregard him (e.g., by recognizing his God-given authority and the truth of his message). This mutual responsibility highlights the dynamics between a spiritual leader and the congregation. Disregarding a godly minister who speaks God's truth is tantamount to disregarding God Himself.

Titus 2 15 Commentary

Titus 2:15 provides the ministerial mandate for effective church leadership, flowing directly from the preceding chapters outlining Christian conduct and sound doctrine. It underscores that the role of a pastor involves active, public proclamation (speak), fervent encouragement and pastoral guidance (exhort), and, when necessary, firm and decisive correction (reprove). This three-pronged approach ensures a balanced and comprehensive teaching ministry. Crucially, all these actions are to be performed "with all authority," an authority not born of personal charisma or human power, but derived directly from God through apostolic appointment, making the message inherently weighty and deserving of submission. The final directive, "Let no one disregard you," is not a plea for personal recognition for Titus, but an instruction for him to uphold the dignity and gravity of the message he carries, thereby ensuring that the divine truth and its messenger are treated with the respect they warrant. This command challenges leaders to exercise their spiritual authority confidently in truth and holiness, preventing casual dismissal of God's Word.