ACS Devotional Titus 2:15

Titus 2:15: 15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

When the Apostle Paul tells Titus to “declare these things”(15a) he is referring to the things he has mentioned in the context in chapter 2:1-14. These are all things that deal with sound doctrine, Christian character and the edification of fellow believers in the pursuit of godliness.

There should be little doubt to what Titus is being commanded to speak to the congregations of Crete. The term for “teach” in verse 1 and “declare” in verse 15 are the same in the Greek language. The ESV translates them differently but they both are imperative verbs used by the Apostle Paul. Titus is fully expected to comply with the Apostolic command in his pastoral ministry.

Why is this objective critical for the life and ministry of the Church?

What could become some of the alternatives in the modern day that take precedent over “these things” in the Church? Why is this the case?

Titus is to exhort and rebuke using the sound doctrine and Christian character as the standard of Christian practice. Both terms are again imperative commands given to Titus from the Apostle Paul.

The command to “exhort” denotes the idea to urge strongly, appeal to (BAGD). Yarbrough states, There was much in Crete that was detestable and alarming. Titus’s labor should promote a buoyant attitude, not a sense of fear, hopelessness, or defeat. It should encourage (Robert W. Yarbrough, The Letters to Timothy and Titus, pg. 534).

The command to “rebuke” denotes the idea to express strong disapproval of someone’s action (BAGD). Same root term being used up in 1:9 to indicate the responsibility of Titus to “rebuke” those who contradict sound doctrine. Same form is being used up in 1:13 where Titus is being commanded to “rebuke Cretans sharply” in exercise of his pastoral ministry. Yarbrough again states, Paul is not calling for anything from Titus that he has not modeled himself in the establishment and oversight of other congregational bodies (Robert W. Yarbrough, The Letters to Timothy and Titus, pg. 535).

What does this tell us about the nature of pastoral ministry?

Titus is to declare, exhort, and rebuke “with all authority” in pastoral ministry. This is probably due to Paul’s understanding of Christ being the authoritative head of His Church.

That authority was then bequeathed to the Apostles and then here it is being delegated to Titus by the Apostolic authority of Paul himself (See 1:3). Yarbrough again states, Titus should not pull any punches. Paul is an apostle of Jesus Christ (1:1), and Titus stands in a succession of those who lead in his name. While he should embody gracious treatment of others, he cannot waffle or let himself by pushed around by the ignorant or unruly (Robert W. Yarbrough, The Letters to Timothy and Titus, pg. 535).

This is a great reminder that pastoral authority doesn’t come from merely the office itself but from the One who calls and appoints to the office. How does this truth help when it comes to pastoral ministry?

Titus is to let no one disregard him in carrying out his pastoral ministry. The idea behind the term “disregard” denotes to have disdain for, look down on (BAGD). It appears that Paul understands that there must be a level of respect that needs to be upheld by those under the pastoral care of Titus. This appears to be, at least in part the responsibility of Titus. This could be one of the critical reasons for Titus to maintain the pursuit of the character of an Elder (1:6-9).