In this chapter Paul exhorts Titus to the full responsibility of his pastoral office toward all members of the assembly in regard to conversation, general behaviour, godliness and duties toward one another. The nature of the gospel of Christ (v. 11), the power and efficacy of the gospel (v. 12) and the expectations of the gospel hope (v. 13) will produce a godly life (2 Cor. 5:17; 1 John 3:10,11).
(Vs. l.) "Speak out with all boldness" (not fearing men nor seeking to please them) "that there are a life to be lived, an attitude to be shown and duties to be performed which are becoming to the gospel of God's grace and are the fruit of the Spirit of God, who indwells every believer" (Gal. 5:22; 1 John 3:17,18).
(Vs. 2.) The "aged men" are men of the church who are older in years. "Exhort them to be sober" (vigilant, especially watchful over themselves - their conduct, conversation and faithfulness in doctrine and spirit), for they are leaders and examples of younger members. "They should be grave" (serious about spiritual and eternal matters). Foolishness, frivolity and unstableness are unbecoming to older believers. "They should be temperate in eating, drinking and all things that pertain to the flesh." Sometimes age causes people to give in and become addicted to more concern for the body and less for the soul. Exhort them, though they be unhealthy in body and weak in the flesh, that they be sound in faith and mind, strong in their love for Christ and his people and examples of patience, not only in bearing the infirmities of old age, but also the infirmities of others!
(Vs. 3.) "Exhort the older women in the church to behave in clothing, speech, conduct and spirit as is becoming the character they bear and the name of Christ which they profess.
"Not false accusers." Older women who know not Christ are prone to gossip (talk too much about others), and in so doing often raise reports and false charges which cause division and misunderstanding.
"Not given to much wine." Intemperance is scandalous in any believer, but especially in the female.
"Teachers of good things" – both by example and by instruction, but in their houses privately, for it is not the duty of women to teach and instruct publicly in the church. Let them teach "good things", not old wives' fables, superstitions and traditions not in keeping with Scripture.
(Vs. 4, 5.) The older woman ought to teach the young women to be good wives, good mothers and godly women!
"To be sober." The word here is "wise and prudent".
"To love their husbands." Many mothers and older women have been the cause of divorce, division and unhappiness in the homes of their daughters and friends by bad example, poor counsel and advice and a rebellious spirit against their husbands and all men in general (1 Cor. 7:1-5; Eph. 5:22-25). "Teach the young women to respect, obey, assist and submit to their husbands."
"To love their children" - not with a foolish, ungoverned affection that makes idols and rebels of them, but with a godly love that brings them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord with firm discipline and instruction (Prov. 13:24).
"To be discreet." Women are not men, nor are they to try to act like or compete with men. Let them be feminine, ladylike and gentle, neither dressing like men nor assuming the role of leader and spokesperson.
"Chaste" – in body, words and actions, having their favours and affections to their own husbands.
"Keepers at home." While the husband is the head of the home, the provider and the spiritual leader, the woman is perhaps the most important single factor and figure in a home. The home's happiness and unity depend largely on her love, her good management, her care and concern for every family member and her presence there at all times. She cannot fulfil this important place and be "a gadder abroad"!
"Good" – kind to their husbands, children, friends and guests who pass through their homes.
"Obedient to their own husbands," as unto the Lord and in the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife and God's voice of authority in the home.
"That the word of God be not blasphemed." When those who profess to be believers in Christ and children of God behave in manner contrary to grace and the gospel of Christ, it causes unbelievers not only to doubt their profession and ridicule their religion, but also to question the truth of the gospel. "Is this what your Christ has made you? Is this what your Bible teaches? Then I want no part of it, for it must be a joke!"