ADORNING THE DOCTRINE OF GOD
Click chart to enlarge
Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission
Another chart by Charles Swindoll - click chart on right side of page to enlarge
MAX ALDERMAN
James Rosscup writes that "This was the great work in the life of the versatile Dean of Canterbury. An outcome of this production was the New Testament for English Readers (4 vols.). Alford was a Calvinist, conservative and premillennial, though not dispensational. He takes a literal interpretation of the thousand years in Rev. 20 and has a famous quote there, is strong on sovereign election as in Ro 8:29, 30 and 1Pe 1:2, but, unfortunately, holds to baptismal regeneration in such texts as Titus 3:5 and John 3:5. He shows a great knowledge of the Greek text and faces problems of both a doctrinal and textual nature." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
John Piper writes ""When I’m stumped with a...grammatical or syntactical or logical [question] in Paul, I go to Henry Alford. Henry Alford...comes closer more consistently than any other human commentator to asking my kinds of questions."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon writes that this text "is an invaluable aid to the critical study of the text of the New Testament. You will find in it the ripened results of a matured scholarship, the harvesting of a judgment, generally highly impartial, always worthy of respect, which has gleaned from the most important fields of Biblical research, both modern and ancient, at home and abroad. You will not look here for any spirituality of thought or tenderness of feeling; you will find the learned Dean does not forget to do full justice to his own views, and is quite able to express himself vigorously against his opponents; but for what it professes to be, it is an exceedingly able and successful work. The later issues are by far the most desirable, as the author has considerably revised the work in the fourth edition. What I have said of his Greek Testament applies equally to Alford’s New Testament for English Readers,* which is also a standard work." (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)
JOSEPH ALLEINE (1671)
DON ANDERSON
- Theology of Titus - Wesley L Gerig
- 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica The Epistle to Titus
- Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Titus epistle to
- Easton's Bible Dictionary Titus, Epistle to
- Fausset Bible Dictionary Titus, the Epistle to
- Holman Bible Dictionary Titus, Epistle to
- Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Titus, Epistle to
- Morrish Bible Dictionary Titus, Epistle to
- Smith Bible Dictionary Titus, Epistle to
- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Titus, Epistle to
- McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Titus, Epistle To
JOSEPH BENSON
- Titus 1:1-4 Standing for the Truth
- Titus 1:5-7 Appointing Godly Leaders
- Titus 1:8-9 Leading By Example
- Titus 1:10-16 Dealing With the Disgruntled
ERNEST FAULKNER BROWN
D Edmond Hiebert - Westminster Commentaries. London: Methuen & Co. (1917). A concise, conservative, phrase-by-phrase interpretation by a missionary in India who understands the positions of Timothy and Titus in the light of his own missionary experience.
- Titus Commentary - diagrams
- Titus 1:1-4 Called into His Service
- Titus 1:1-4 Bible Study Questions
- Titus 1:1 Our Calling
- Titus 1:1-4 Called into Service (pdf)
- Titus 1:1-3 Our Mission
- Titus 1:4 Our Task
- Titus 1:1-9 Handout (pdf)Titus 1:5-9 Introduction
- Titus 1:5-9 Bible Study Questions
- Titus 1:5 Organization of the Church
- Titus 1:5-9 Transformed by Godly Standards (pdf)
- Titus 1:6-9 Standards for Christian Leaders
- Titus Map
James Rosscup - Calvin was not only a great theologian but also a great expositor, and his insight into Scripture contributed to his grasp of doctrinal truth. His commentaries are deep in spiritual understanding, usually helpful on problem passages, and refreshing in a devotional sense to the really interested reader. He usually offers good help on a passage. The present work skips Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, II and III John and Revelation. Calvin is amillennial on long-range prophecy, but in other respects usually has very contributive perception on passages and doctrinal values edifying to the believer. He also can be very wordy, but the serious and patient glean much.
D Edmond Hiebert - Valuable for insights into Reformation day views.
- Titus 1:1-4
- Titus 1:5-6
- Titus 1:7-9
- Titus 1:10-12
- Titus 1:13-16
- Titus 1:15-16 The Word Our Only Rule -sermon
D Edmond Hiebert - Greek text. The introductions provide a satisfactory study of the problems connected with the Pastorals from a conservative viewpoint. The exegetical notes on the text of the epistles are thorough, thoughtful, and scholarly.
Cyril Barber - This....1886 commentary from the Cambridge Greek Testament series readily interacts with critical issues raised by the publication of the NT texts of Tischendorf and Tregelles. Plummer then treats these letters in a most commendable way, providing some unique insights into the thought of the apostle and the nuances of the original text. (The Minister's Library, Volume 2)
James Rosscup writes "Though old, this is a good study from the Greek text which will be helpful in any more advanced study of the epistles. There are other works more highly recommended, however." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)
D Edmond Hiebert - The introduction adequately treats the critical problems from a conservative position. Full and informative notes on the text; valuable appendixes.
- Titus 1 Commentary - A. E. Humphreys
DONALD CANTRELL
JOHN CHRYSOSTOM - Homilies
- Homilies on Titus 1 - Titus 1:1-4, Titus 1:5-6, Titus 1:12-14
- Titus 1 Commentary
- Titus Introduction to the Pastoral Epistles
- Titus - What Do We Know About Crete and the Cretans?
- Titus Introduction and Outline
- Titus - What Do We Know About Titus?
STEVEN COLE
- Titus 1:1-4 God's People in a Pagan World
- Titus 1:5 Who Runs This Church?
- Titus 1:6-8 Qualified Elders
- Titus 1:9 Elders: Men of the Word
- Titus 1:10-16 Guarding the Flock
- Titus 1:1 Paul, Bondservant, Apostle
- Titus 1:1b The Chosen, Knowledge Of The Truth
- Titus 1:2-3 Eternal Life Was Promised In Eternity Past
- Titus 1:4 Five Attributes Of Titus The Minister
- Titus 1:5 Appointing Elders
- Titus 1:6 Above Reproach
- Titus 1:6b Husband Of One Wife
- Titus 1:6c Children Who Believe
- Titus 1:7a Stewardship
- Titus 1:7b Not Quick-tempered
- Titus 1:7c Not Addicted To Wine
- Titus 1:7d Not Pugnacious
- Titus 1:7e No Sordid Gain; Hospitable; Loving What Is Good
- Titus 1:8a Sensible
- Titus 1:8b Just, Devout, Self-Controlled
- Titus 1:9-2:1 Stand Against False Teachers With The Word
SAMUEL DAVIES
Titus 1:16 (cf Lk 6:46, 2 Ti 2:19) A professed atheist—is a monster that we do not often meet with. But the more absurd and astonishing phenomenon of a practical atheist; one who is orthodox in principle—but an infidel in practice—we find wherever we turn!
- Titus 1:1-4 What an Apostle is For
- Titus 1:1-2; Biblical Priorities For the life of the Church (4)
- Titus 1:5-9 What Elders are For
- Titus 1:10-16 Empty Talkers
EASY ENGLISH
- Titus 1 Commentary - H. D. M. Spence
Hiebert - Greek text. Important for linguistic study of the epistles. Defends Johannine authorship. The viewpoint is essentially conservative.
Rosscup - This is a thorough exegesis of the Greek text. It is considered to be one of the standard tools for exegetical study.
- Titus 1 Commentary - Newport J. D. White
PATRICK FAIRBAIRN - The Pastoral Epistles , 1874
John Cereghin - What a good translation, full defense of the apostolic authorship of the epistles, fruitful comments and profitable dissertations, this volume is as complete a guide to the smaller epistles as one could desire. This old, standard treatment shows how pastors may use the Greek text to aid their exposition. A fine work in spite of its age. Uses Tischendorf's Greek text. Holds that Christ was a substitutionary ransom for sin (117); stresses the divine inspiration of Scripture (379); concludes with three appendixes on problem passages (405ff). Very thorough commentary on the Greek text. Defends Pauline authorship (1- 19); favors view that Jesus Christ is called "our great God and Saviour" (283); attacks the idea of baptismal regeneration (295); has a special appendix on the treatment of slavery in the New Testament (432).
D Edmond Hiebert - Uses the Greek text of Tischendorf and the author's translation on facing pages. A voluminous (nearly 450 pages) exposition by a conservative Scottish theologian. Still worth consulting but devoid of the results of recent scholarship.
- Titus 1:1-4 Commentary
- Titus 1:5-6 Commentary
- Titus 1:6 Commentary
- Titus 1:7-9 Commentary
- Titus 1:10-16 Commentary
- Titus Commentary - Verse by Verse (Mp3 & transcripts)
GENE GETZ - principles from the respecitive passages
Cyril Barber on Getz's written work on Titus - Published first in 1978 by Zondervan. This practical study now takes its place alongside the author's other "Measure of" books. It is a pleasing series of meditations on Paul's letter to his youthful prot6# and edifies as well as instructs the reader. (The Minister's Library - Volume 2)
- Titus 1:1-4; Trustworthy Coworkers: All spiritual leaders should have dedicated coworkers whom they can trust to fulfill difficult ministry assignments. Video
- Titus 1:5-6; Interpreting Scripture Accurately: When using the qualities Paul outlined for selecting leaders, we must be sure to define and interpret each quality accurately. Video
- Titus 1:7-9; Doctrine of Character: When using Paul's criteria for selecting spiritual leaders, we should allow a certain amount of freedom so as to be culturally relevant, but we should never compromise God's standards for maturity. Video
- Titus 1:10-16; Bold Confrontation: Spiritual leaders should confront false teachers with patience and gentleness, but when there is no positive response, they are to take more direct and decisive action. Video
- Book of Titus
- What should we learn from the life of Titus?
- What are the qualifications of elders and deacons?
- What does it mean to be above reproach / blameless?
- Why is sound doctrine so important?
DONALD GUTHRIE
- Holman Christian Standard Bible Study Bible - Well done conservative notes. Includes access to Holman NT Commentary on each Gospel (see Library in left gutter).
HOMILETICS
R F HORTON
- Titus Century Bible Commentary - brief comments
- Titus 1 Commentary
- Titus 1 Commentary - click to go to next page
D Edmond Hiebert - Lock, Walter, "A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles." The International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark (1924). Greek text. Lock leans to the conservative view but makes no pronouncements on the vexing critical problems. The notes on the Greek text are rather thin. Not up to the high standard of this series.
James Rosscup - He is staunchly evangelical, showing good broad surveys based on diligent study, practical turns, even choice illustrations. In prophecy he is premillennial dispensational....Many preachers have found that Ironside works, read along with heavier books on details of exegesis, help them see the sweep of the message and prime their spirits for practical relevance.
Rosscup - This is a helpful old set of 1863 for laypeople and pastors to have because it usually comments at least to some degree on problems. Though terse, it provides something good on almost any passage, phrase by phrase and is to some degree critical in nature. It is evangelical. There is also a 1-volume edition, briefer at some points (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1961). Especially in its multi-volume form this is one of the old evangelical works that offers fairly solid though brief help on many verses. Spurgeon said, “It contains so great a variety of information that if a man had no other exposition he would find himself at no great loss if he possessed this and used it diligently” (Commenting and Commentaries, p. 3). Things have changed greatly since this assessment! It is primarily of help to pastors and lay people looking for quick, though usually somewhat knowledgeable treatments on verses.
Spurgeon - A really standard work. We consult it continually, and with growing interest. Mr. Fausset’s portion strikes us as being of the highest order.
My Comment - This is one of the best older (Pre-1800) works on interpretation of prophecy as it tends to interpret the text literally and not allegorically.
- Titus 1:1-4 The Common Faith
- Titus 1:5-9 Paul and the Elders
- Titus 1:10-16 The Shepherds and the Sheep Stealers
- Introduction to The Letter to Titus
- Titus 1:1-4 Introductory Greetings to Titus
- Titus 1:5-9 Instruction Concerning Elders in the Church
- Titus 1:10-16 Instruction Concerning False Teachers in the Church
John Cereghin - A careful exposition by a voluminous Plymouth Brethren scholar of the 19th century.
D Edmond Hiebert - Oosterzee, J. J. Van, "The Pastoral Letters," J. P. Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures. Translated from the German. (1863). The abundant material is in three sections: exegetical and critical; doctrinal and ethical; homiletical and practical. A full evangelical treatment by a Dutch Reformed minister and theologian of the past century.
James Rosscup - The treatments of books within this evangelical set vary in importance. Generally, one finds a wealth of detailed commentary, background, and some critical and exegetical notes. Often, however, there is much excess verbiage that does not help particularly. On the other hand, it usually has something to assist the expositor on problems and is a good general set for pastors and serious lay people though it is old.
J P LILLEY TITUS EXPOSITORY COMMENTARY
D Edmond Hiebert - A scholarly, conservative work (published in 1901) giving a comprehensive discussion of the Pastorals as a group as well as the individual epistles. A verse-by-verse exposition characterized by spiritual warmth and practical appeal.
- Titus Introduction - from MacArthur Study Bible
- Titus 1:1 Commitments of a Powerful Leader,. 1
- Titus 1:1-3 Commitments of a Powerful Leader, Pt. 2
- Titus 1:3 Commitments of a Powerful Leader, 3
- Titus 1:4 Commitments of a Powerful Leader, 4
- Titus 1:5-6 The Moral Character of a Pastor
- Titus 1:6: Required Character for a Pastor: Family Leadership
- Titus 1:7 The Qualifications for a Pastor, 1: Noble Character
- Titus 1:7-8 The Qualifications for a Pastor, 2: Noble Character
- Titus 1:9 The Qualifications for a Pastor, 3: Teaching Skill
- Titus 1:10-11 Men Who Must Be Silenced, Pt. 1
- Titus 1:12-16 Men Who Must Be Silenced, Pt. 2
- Titus 1:1 - Our Daily Homily
- Titus 1 Commentary
ROBERT MORGAN
- Titus 1:2 before the world
- Titus 1:3 God our Saviour
- Titus 1:4 Titus
- Titus 1:5 ordain elders
- Titus 1:9 Holding fast gainsayers
- Titus 1:10 the circumcision
- Titus 1:12 prophet of their own slow bellies
- Titus 1:14 Jewish fables
- Titus 1:15 nothing pure
- Titus 1:3 Proclaiming the Word
- Titus 1:5-9 Elders in the Church
- Titus 1:10-16 Empty Professions, or How to Wreck a Church
- Titus 1:1 His Choice
- Titus 1:1-9 Cupcake Self-Discipline
- Titus 1:2 Reserved In Heaven
- Titus 1:2 Why Keep the Faith?
- Titus 1:2 Before The Beginning
- Titus 1:2 Fantastic Offers
- Titus 1:5
- Titus 1:5-16 Rocks in a Hard Place
- Titus 1:5-16 Smooth Talkers
- Titus 1:7 Marching Into A Dead End
- Titus 1:7 Marching Into A Closet
- Titus 1:8 Pursuing Hospitality
- Titus 1:12 Small Thing, Big Impact
- Titus 1:13-16
- Titus 1:15 A Cleansed Conscience
ASHTON OXEDEN, 1862
MATT POSTIFF - sermon notes
- Outline (doc, pdf)
- Titus 1:1-4 (doc, pdf)
- Titus 1:5-8 (doc, pdf)
- Titus 1:9 (doc, pdf)
- Titus 1:10-11 (doc, pdf)
- Titus 1:12-16 (doc, pdf)
- Titus 1:1–4, Titus 1:1, Titus 1:2, Titus 1:3, Titus 1:4
- Titus 1:5–9, Titus 1:5, Titus 1:6, Titus 1:7, Titus 1:8, Titus 1:9
- Titus 1:10–16, Titus 1:10, Titus 1:11, Titus 1:12
- Titus 1:13, Titus 1:14, Titus 1:15, Titus 1:16
- Titus 1:1-4 Paul's Greeting
- Titus 1:5 Elder Biblical Basis
- Titus 1:6 Elder Marital Status
- Titus 1:7-9 Elder's Character
- Titus 1:10-16 False Teachers
JOHN SCHULTZ
CLAUDE STAUFFER - SERMON NOTES
- Titus 1: Exposition
- Titus 1:2 What God Cannot Do
- Titus 1:4 Five Links in a Golden Chain
- Titus 1:15 A Searching Test
JUSTIN TAYLOR
- The Salutation - Titus 1:1-4
- God's elect - Titus 1:1
- The Apostles: Can There Be Apostles Today?
- The hope of eternal life - Titus 1:2
- God our Savior - Titus 1:3
- Titus - Titus 1:4
- Paul's Instructions for Titus - Titus 1:5-3:11
- Instruction: Organization of the Church on Crete - Titus 1:5-9
- Organizational Responsibility - Titus 1:5
- Church Leadership Qualifications: Elders - Titus 1:6-9
- The husband of but one wife - Titus 1:6
- Since an overseer - Titus 1:7
- Self-controlled - Titus 1:8
- Teaching and sound doctrine - Titus 1:9
- Instruction: Dealing With False Teachers - Titus 1:10-16
- Those of the circumcision group - Titus 1:10
- Ruining whole households - Titus 1:11
- Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons - Titus 1:12
- Jewish myths - Titus 1:13-14
- To the pure, all things are pure - Titus 1:15
- They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him - Titus 1:16
- Titus 1:1
- Titus 1:2
- Titus 1:3
- Titus 1:4
- Titus 1:5
- Titus 1:6
- Titus 1:7
- Titus 1:8
- Titus 1:9
- Titus 1:10
- Titus 1:11
- Titus 1:12
- Titus 1:13
- Titus 1:14
- Titus 1:15
- Titus 1:16
OCTAVIUS WINSLOW
Titus 1:2 - LOOK upon all the Lord's covenant dealings with you as but preparatory to your approaching emancipation from all sin, suffering, and sorrow. Welcome your trials—they are sent by your Father. Welcome the stroke of His rod—it is a Parent smiting. Welcome whatever detaches you from earth, and wings your spirit heavenward. Welcome the furnace that consumes the dross and the tin, and brings out the precious gold and silver, to reflect in your soul, even now, the dawnings of future glory. Oh! be submissive, meek, and quiet, under God's chastening and afflicting hand, and receive all His dispensations as only tending to fit you more perfectly for "the inheritance of the saints in light." Let his "hope of eternal life" cheer and comfort the bereaved of the Lord, from whose hearts have fled the loved and sanctified ones of earth, to the eternal heaven. Oh! how full of consolation is this prospect! Where have the departed fled, who sleep in Jesus? They have but exchanged the region of darkness and shadow for the regions of light and glory. They have gone from the scene of impurity, defilement, and sin, to the place of perfect holiness, complete sanctification, and eternal love. Then dry your tears—then press the consolations of the gospel to your sorrowing heart, and look up with that eye of faith that pierces the penetrates the dark clouds that intervene between them and you, and behold them now "partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." And oh! yourselves anticipate the blessed moment when the Savior shall send, not an enemy, but a friend—for such is death to the Christian—to open the cage that imprisons your spirit, and let you escape to the abodes of eternal glory. Oh! anticipate and, by anticipating, be preparing, day by day, for its realization; anticipate the happy moment which releases you from "the body of sin and death," and ushers you into the full enjoyment of "eternal life." Such is heaven, and such is the consummation of the inner life. As that life descended from God so to God it shall ultimately and finally return. It shall never, never die. Not a spark shall be quenched, nor shall a pulse cease to beat—not a thought that it has conceived, nor a desire it has cherished, nor a prayer it has breathed, nor a work it has accomplished, nor a victory it has won, shall die; all, all shall survive in ever-growing, ever-enduring glory.
The babe in grace shall be there! The young man, strong in overcoming the wicked one, shall be there! The father, matured in experience, and laden with the golden fruits of age, shall be there! All, all shall reach heaven at last—the end and the consummation of the life of God in their souls. Oh, to have this heaven in our hearts now! Heaven is love—the place of love—the perfection of love. And what is God's love in our hearts but the foretaste of heaven—the foretaste of heaven—the first gatherings of the vintage—the pledge and earnest of all that is to come?