Titus 3 Resources

TITUS RESOURCES
Commentaries, Sermons, Illustrations, Devotionals
See Disclaimer


ADORNING THE DOCTRINE OF GOD
Click chart to enlarge
Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission
See Summary Chart by Charles Swindoll
Chart below from Michael J. Penfold

Focus

Appoint Elders

Set Things in Order

Divisions

Ordain
Qualified Elders 
Titus 1:1-9+

Rebuke
False Teachers
Titus 1:10-16+

Speak
Sound Doctrine
Titus 2:1-15+

Maintain
Good Works
Titus 3:1-15+

Topics

Protection of
Sound Doctrine

Practice of
Sound Doctrine

Topics

Organization

Offenders

Operation

Obedience

Place 

Probably Written from either Corinth or Nicopolis (cf. Titus 3:12).

Time 

Circa 63 AD

   Modified from Talk Thru the Bible

COMMENTARIES
AND OTHER RESOURCES
ARCHIVE.ORG

Explanation - The following list includes not only commentaries but other Christian works by well known evangelical writers. Most of the resources below are newer works (written after 1970) which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/contact. The resources are listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name and some include reviews of the particular resource. 


COMMENTARIES ON 1 Timothy

The Bible Exposition Commentary - Ephesians through Revelation  -  Warren Wiersbe

Rosscup - One of America’s most appreciated staunchly evangelical Bible conference teachers gives diligent, refreshing expositions. These are all of his 23 separate, earlier books in the “Be” series on the New Testament. He strikes a particular appeal with lay people as he crystallizes sections, deals with some of the verses, handles certain problems and backgrounds and applies principles. He is premillennial.

Be faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) by Wiersbe, Warren Or here - Be ready

1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon : it's always too soon to quit! by Wiersbe, Warren 

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W

Cyril Barber - This is a book of exceptional merit. Pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers will profit from its use. Wiersbe introduces each book of the NT, provides an outline, and then furnishes his readers with a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the contents. The homiletic style is a “plus.” Recommended.

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings - Chapter by chapter. Helpful insights.

The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible : New Testament, King James Version - Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians - This is a very useful resource which always includes numerous related cross-references. It will be of aid to you preaching and teaching. 

Titus and Philemon by Hiebert, D. Edmond (David Edmond), 1910-1995

James Rosscup - These three works in the Everyman’s Bible Commentary series are fine brief commentaries by a careful conservative scholar. They are helpful on most verses and on certain problems, showing clarity in most cases.

Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles by Hendriksen, William, 

James Rosscup - As usual, Hendriksen is detailed and offers much aid in word meanings, possible views which he documents, and full discussion of the passages. His commentary is one of the finer works for serious students.

The pastoral epistles : an introduction and commentary by Guthrie, Donald,

James Rosscup - A recent work, this has a good introduction, but the commentary lacks detail. The author is better known for his three-volume work on New Testament introduction. This book is helpful, especially for an up-to-date conservative answer to critical views concerning introductory matters. The revisions are not extensive since the 1957 edition.

1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James by Morris, Leon,

Guard the truth : the message of 1 Timothy & Titus by Stott, John R. W

James Rosscup - An articulate and well-organized exposition of Second Timothy that is very suggestive for messages on the epistle. Though brief, Stott has quite good insight into the meaning of verses and has a rare ability to state truth succinctly.

Cyril Barber - The first volume in a new series entitled The Bible Speaks Today. Deserves to be read by all who are interested in living dynamically for Christ. Highly recommended. 

See also Fighting the good fight : 12 studies with commentary for individuals or groups by Stott, John R. W

1 & 2 Timothy and Titus : to guard the deposit by Hughes, R. Kent, Rosscup ranks the #3 (out of 6) expositional commentary. These always have excellent illustrations. 

Cyril Barber - The authors include personal anecdotes in these commentaries, and this gives their work a downto-earth quality. They adhere to the text and are not afraid to champion interpretations (e.g., of 1 Timothy 2:11-12) that are unpopular in today’s milieu. Anyone teaching or preaching on these “pastoral” epistles will find considerable help in these pages.

James Rosscup - Hughes does the Timothys, Chapell Titus, both giving frequently refreshing survey expositions along homiletically useful, applicational lines for pastors, teachers, students, and laity. Illustrations occur often, and solid explanation in between is not always present (cf. I Tim. 2:1–2; and v. 8, the significance of raised hands). On some texts basic explanation is quite good (2:11–15), yet on v. 15 the light hint at a meaning does not give much to go on (cf. also on 4:10, 16, or 2 Tim. 4:8, in the latter a vagueness on the NT “crown” concept). Overall, the treatments help mostly on often choice illustrations and pastoral applications, and this is well worth the time.

The letters to Timothy and Titus by MacDonald, William (2003) 148 pages.

Pastoral Epistles by Mounce, William D

James Rosscup - Here is one of the best three exegetical works in recent years for advanced students and teachers wanting detail (cf. also Marshall and Knight). The 641 big pages, in typical WBC form, provide much detailed grappling with grammar, word study, context, background, customs, etc., while showing helpful sources from voluminous awareness on issues. Mounce is open to Pauline authorship, and usually puts forth solid help by carefully explaining data.

Cyril Barber - Defends the Pauline authorship, but adopts a vacillating approach to passages dealing with gender roles. Some disturbing elements are to be noted in Mounce’s presentation, for example his statement that “there is no salvation apart from discipleship” (p. 434). This is a very full work and the judicious reader has much to gain from it.

The letters to Timothy and Titus by Towner, Philip H.,

James Rosscup - Favoring authorship by Paul (30–32), Towner provides a succinct, lucid commentary that sometimes explains verses or parts of them, sometimes ignores things (as “especially those who believe,” 4:10; “save both yourself and your hearers,” 4:16; or 2 Tim. 4:8, where the words do not really resolve Towner’s idea that a faithful life is necessary for receiving a crown, final righteousness, with this being of grace and not earned). Overall, the work seems below average, a mixture of being of some help and of little help, this depending on which verse. It will be of mediocre benefit only to those wanting a cursory, yet easily flowing guide. It grew out of Towner’s Ph. D. dissertation under I. Howard Marshall at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, but does not approach Marshall’s usual kind of serious explanation.

The Pastoral Epistles : studies in 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus by Kent, Homer Austin,

James Rosscup - This is a fairly detailed exposition that usually gives various views on many of the larger interpretive problems and provides reasons for the view favored. Kent uses his own translation. The outline is very clear, and the evangelical exposition is geared for Bible college students, pastors desiring a brief, knowledgeable survey that comes right to the point without being technical, and laymen wanting a commentary that will satisfy them without losing them.

Cyril Barber - This exemplary study has stood the test of time. Now, in this new, revised edition, Kent's commentary should continue to enjoy wide-spread acceptance. 2

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus by Johnson, Luke Timothy

James Rosscup - A highly regarded scholar provides clear results of great industry in older and newer thought. One gains access to much on word study, exegetical details, ways of grasping Paul’s meaning, and literature that probes issues. Johnson is confident that Paul was the author. The work is quite worthwhile in opening up many parts of the books.

Cyril Barber - Begins with the reasons for the neglect of the Pastorals, but ignores the effect those who have denied their Pauline authorship has had on others. Provides new ideas on the values inherent in these canonical works.

The interpretation of st. paul's epistles to the colossians, to the thessalonians, to timothy, to titus and to philemon by R.C.H. Lenski - Lutheran commentator who writes excellent notes. 

1 and 2 Timothy, Titus by Fee, Gordon D; Gasque, W. Ward

James Rosscup - This is a reworking of his 1984 work in the Good News Commentary (San Francisco: Harper and Row). As in his work on I Corinthians, Fee is clear in most cases (not easy to follow when he gets too terse), capable on Greek grammar and local setting, unity and integrity of the books. Each section has a summary. He aims to be of help to teachers, preachers and students. His belief is that Paul authored the books and wrote to meet specific situations in the churches, not to give a manual for the church as some have held. The work has switched from the GNT to the NIV. Fee is evangelical.

The communicator's commentary. 1, 2 Thessalonians, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus by Demarest, Gary W (Now published as the Preacher's Commentary)

First and second Timothy and Titus by Oden, Thomas C

Cyril Barber - Defends the Pauline authorship as well as two Roman imprisonments for the apostle Paul. Provides the kind of comments on the text that preachers will find most helpful.

1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by Gangel, Kenneth - This is more like a workbook with questions and short explanatory notes

Walking in power, love, and discipline - 1 Timothy  and 2 Timothy and Titus by Arthur, Kay,

The pastoral epistles : based on the Revised Standard Version by Hanson, Anthony T

The faithful sayings in the pastoral letters by Knight, George W. (George William), 1931-

Titus, patterns for church living by Draper, James T

The pastoral letters: commentary on the first and second letters to Timothy and the letter to Titus by Hanson, Anthony Tyrrell

The pastoral epistles : based on the Revised Standard Version by Hanson, Anthony Tyrrell

Cyril Barber - This totally new work is not to be confused with Hanson's Studies in the Pastoral Epistles (1968). His comments are incisive and worthy of serious consideration.

Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by Platt, David

1 and 2 Timothy/Titus : the NIV Application Commentary from Biblical text--to contemporary life by Liefeld, Walter L

A commentary on the Pastoral Epistles : I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus (Black's NT Commentaries) by Kelly, J. N. D.


STUDY BIBLES:

Note: The first 4 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function: 

(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial.  User reviews - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users. - 372 ratings

Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective   user reviews 

The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.

(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. . 3,194 ratings. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.

(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial.  917 ratings

(4) The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - only the New Testament (for OT see below to borrow) - 1126 pages. (1971) Everett F Harrison - Editor of New Testament. Uses the KJV.  Strictly speaking not a study Bible, but short notes are similar. KJV text in left column, commentary notes in right column. The comments are generally verse by verse, short, conservative and to the point. Pre-millennial.

Quote from Henry Alford (1810-1871 - not a dispensationalist!) on Revelation 20 - "It will have been long ago anticipated by the readers of this Commentary, that I cannot consent to distort words from their plain sense and chronological place in the prophecy, on account of any considerations of difficulty, or any risk of abuses which the doctrine of the millennium may bring with it. Those who lived next to the Apostles, and the whole Church for 300 years, understood them in the plain literal sense: and it is a strange sight in these days to see expositors who are among the first in reverence of antiquity, complacently casting aside the most cogent instance of consensus which primitive antiquity presents. As regards the text itself, no legitimate treatment of it will extort what is known as the spiritual interpretation now in fashion.”


Dictionary of Biblical Imagery - free for use online with no restrictions (i.e., you do not need to borrow this book). Editors Leland Ryken, J C Wilhoit, Tremper Longman III - This is a potential treasure chest to aid your preaching and teaching as it analyzes the meaning of a host of Biblical figures of speech. Clue - use the "One-page view" which then allows you to copy and paste text. One downside is there is no index, so you need to search 3291 pages for entries which are alphabetical. 

Zondervan NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages  - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. One hour limit

NIV Study Bible by Barker, Kenneth L; Burdick, Donald W (1995) 2250 pages. This is the first edition. This resource has been fully revised in 2020. One hour limit 

Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." One hour limit.

Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. The 2-column format runs verse by verse for the most part, usually in a helpfully knowledgeable manner, and there are several special sections such as “Prayer” in Acts and “Legalism” in Galatians. The premillennial view is evident on Acts 1:63:20Romans 11:26Galatians 6:16, Revelation 20, etc.

HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit

Life Application Study Bible: Old Testament and New Testament: New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes especially with application of texts. 4,445 ratings One hour limit

The MacArthur Study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes for conservative, literal perspective. 1,275 ratings

ESV Study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel 6,004 ratings

The David Jeremiah Study Bible - (2013) 2208 pages. 2,272 ratings Logos.com - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."

Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). 214 ratings Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary. Conservative. Notes are generally verse by verse but brief. 

Rosscup - Conservative and premillennial scholars here have been experts in their fields. The work contains brief introductions and attempts to give a verse-by-verse exposition, though it does skip over some verses. The treatments vary with the authors, but as a whole it is a fine one-volume commentary for pastors and students to use or give to a layman. Outstanding sections include, for example: Whitcomb on Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther; Culver on Daniel; Ladd on Acts; Harrison on Galatians; Johnson on I Corinthians; and Ryrie on the Johannine Epistles.

The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes by well known creationist. 45 ratings 

New Bible Commentary - (1994) See user reviews

Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages.  424 ratings Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion. 

The Experiencing God Study Bible: the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page! Read some of the 48 ratings

NLT Study Bible (Illustration Version) 

Disciple's Study Bible: New international version 54 ratings Not that helpful for verse by verse study. Focuses on application of Christian doctrines. 10,000 annotations; doctrinal summaries, "Life Helps" section relate doctrine to everyday discipleship. 

The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.

The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler

NIV Archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages 950 ratings (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)

"Readers who desire a more intimate knowledge of the historical context of the Bible will appreciate the NIV Archaeological Study Bible. Full of informative articles and full-color photographs of places and objects from biblical times, this Bible examines the archaeological record surrounding God’s Word and brings the biblical world to life. Readers’ personal studies will be enriched as they become more informed about the empires, places, and peoples of the ancient world. Features include: • Four-color interior throughout • Bottom-of-page study notes exploring passages that speak on archaeological and cultural facts • Articles (520) covering five main categories: Archaeological Sites, Cultural and Historical Notes, Ancient Peoples and Lands, the Reliability of the Bible, and Ancient Texts and Artifacts • Approximately 500 4-color photographs interspersed throughout • Detailed book introductions that provide basic, at-a-glance information • Detailed charts on pertinent topics • In-text color maps that assist the reader in placing the action "

NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)

The Holman Illustrated Study Bible 120 ratings Includes the excellent Holman maps but otherwise of little help in serious study.

Zondervan King James Version Commentary - New Testament

NIV Celebrate Recovery Study Bible

Daily Study Bible for Women : New Living Translation

The Woman's Study Bible : the New King James Version

The Study Bible for Women : Holman Christian Standard Bible

Daily Study Bible for Men : New Living Translation

NIV Topical Study Bible : New International Version

Ryrie Study Bible - Charles Ryrie (1978) 2142 pages. Conservative.  216 ratings 

Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition (1994) 2232 pages

The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible : New American standard study by Strong, James, 1822-1894; Zodhiates, Spiros 

The New Inductive Study Bible : updated New American Standard Bible - Introductions of each book give suggestions how to perform an inductive study on that specific book. Not strictly speaking a "study Bible" with notes but a Bible to help you study inductively. Has wide margins for making notes. This is one that works best in "paper," not digitally. 

With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe - 428 ratings

Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - Judges by Andrew Boling (20 pages); editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages. User reviews. (See also Boling's 380 page commentary on Judges the Anchor Bible Series)

Halley's Bible Handbook Henry H. Halley - (2000) 2720 pages (much larger than original edition in 1965 and no time limit on use). (Halley's Bible handbook : an abbreviated Bible commentary - one hour limit 1965 872 pages)

Rosscup - A much-used older evangelical handbook bringing together a brief commentary on Bible books, some key archaeological findings, historical background, maps, quotes, etc. It is helpful to a lay Bible teacher, Sunday School leader, or pastor looking for quick, pertinent information on a Bible book. This is the 72nd printing somewhat revised. Halley packed in much information. Unger’s is better overall, but that is not to say that Halley’s will not provide much help on basic information.

The Shaw Pocket Bible Handbook - Editor - Walter Elwell (1984) 408 pages.

"This hardback is small in size but packed full of content: Brief summaries of every book of the bible, cultural, archaeological and historical info, word definitions, pictures, maps and charts." Worth checking! 

MORE SERMONS AND
COMMENTARIES

HENRY ALFORD

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 8:2930 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)

DON ANDERSON - TITUS Mp3, Study Guide, Study Notes

This material is very helpful if you are preaching or teaching through Titus. 

  • Titus Study Guide
  • https://web.archive.org/web/20170103001423/http://bibleteachingresources.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/775.-Titus.pdf

Click for Mp3's of Lessons on Titus

  1. Titus 3:1-7 – study 6  41:04
  2. Titus 3:8-11 – study 7  41:06
  3. Titus 3:12-15 – study 8 41:35

Titus Teacher Notes

Titus Lecture Notes - notes used to prepare the "Teacher Notes" - includes comments, illustrations, etc

PAUL APPLE

BAKER EVANGELICAL DICTIONARY - et al

WILLIAM BARCLAY

ALBERT BARNES

James Rosscup writes that Barnes "includes 16 volumes on the Old Testament, 11 on the New Testament. The New Testament part of this old work was first published in 1832–1851. Various authors contributed. It is evangelical and amillennial...Often the explanations of verses are very worthwhile." (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An Annotated Bibliography of Selected Works)

C H Spurgeon "Albert Barnes is a learned and able divine, but his productions are unequal in value, the gospels are of comparatively little worth, but his other comments are extremely useful for Sunday-school teachers and persons with a narrow range of reading, endowed with enough good sense to discriminate between good and evil....Placed by the side of the great masters, Barnes is a lesser light, but taking his work for what it is and professes to be, no minister can afford to be without it, and this is no small praise for works which were only intended for Sunday-school teachers." (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)

BRIAN BELL

CHRIS BENFIELD

JOHANN BENGEL

Spurgeon comments on the goal to make Bengel's Gnomon (listed above) more accessible -- "Such is the professed aim of this commentary, and the compilers have very fairly carried out their intentions. The whole of Bengel’s Gnomon is bodily transferred into the work, and as 120 years have elapsed since the first issue of that book, it may be supposed that much has since been added to the wealth of Scripture exposition; the substance of this has been incorporated in brackets, so as to bring it down to the present advanced state of knowledge. We strongly advise the purchase of this book, as it...will well repay an attentive perusal. Tischendorf and Alford have contributed largely...to make this one of the most lucid and concise commentaries on the text and teachings of the New Testament" (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students, Vol. 4: Commenting and Commentaries; Lectures Addressed to the students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle)

JOSEPH BENSON

JOHN HENRY BERNARD

BETHANY BIBLE

BRIAN BILL

HORATIUS BONAR

ERNEST FAULKNER BROWN THE PASTORAL EPISTLES TITUS

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.

PAUL BUCKNELL

JOHN BUNYAN

JOHN CALVIN

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. 

CAMBRIDGE BIBLE FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES - A. E. Humphreys

D Edmond Hiebert - The introduction adequately treats the critical problems from a conservative position. Full and informative notes on the text; valuable appendixes.

CAMBRIDGE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT

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)

ALAN CARR

RICH CATHERS

CENTURY BIBLE COMMENTARY

ADAM CLARKE

Click critique of his theological persuasion.

James Rosscup - This old, conservative Wesleyan Methodist work is good devotionally and aggressive for righteous living. Laypeople can find it still valuable today. It is Arminian in viewpoint and thus helpful, for example, in showing the reader how this approach deals with texts involving the eternal security question. The work contains much background material from many sources on all books of the Bible.

Spurgeon - Adam Clarke is the great annotator of our Wesleyan friends; and they have no reason to be ashamed of him, for he takes rank among the chief of expositors. His mind was evidently fascinated by the singularities of learning, and hence his commentary is rather too much of an old curiosity shop, but it is filled with valuable rarities, such as none but a great man could have collected....If you have a copy of Adam Clarke, and exercise discretion in reading it, you will derive immense advantage from it, for frequently by a sort of side-light he brings out the meaning of the text in an astonishingly novel manner. I do not wonder that Adam Clarke still stands, notwithstanding his peculiarities, a prince among commentators. I do not find him so helpful as Gill, but still, from his side of the question, with which I have personally no sympathy, he is an important writer, and deserves to be studied by every reader of the Scriptures. He very judiciously says of Dr. Gill, “He was a very learned and good man, but has often lost sight of his better judgment in spiritualizing the text;” this is the very verdict which we pass upon himself, only altering the last sentence a word or two; “He has often lost sight of his better judgment in following learned singularities;” the monkey, instead of the serpent, tempting Eve, is a notable instance.

GEORGE CLARKE

STEVEN COLE

THOMAS CONSTABLE

W A CRISWELL

RON DANIEL

J N DARBY

JOHN DUMMELOW

J LIGON DUNCAN

EASY ENGLISH

CHARLES ELLICOTT - COMMENTARY FOR ENGLISH READERS - Editor

James Rosscup - Though concise in its statements, this old commentary reveals a thorough knowledge of the Greek and is very helpful in matters of grammar and word meanings.

THEODORE EPP

EXPLORE THE BIBLE

EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY- Alfred Plummer

EXPOSITOR'S GREEK TESTAMENT - Newport J. D. White

PATRICK FAIRBAIRN - The Pastoral Epistles , 1874

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.

DON FORTNER

A C GAEBELEIN

James Rosscup - This dispensationally oriented work is not verse-by-verse, but deals with the exposition on a broader scale, treating blocks of thought within the chapters. Cf. also Arno C. Gaebelein, Gaebelein’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (I Volume, Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux, 1985), the Annotated Bible revised. The author was a popular evangelical Bible teacher of the first part of the century, much like H. A. Ironside in his diligent but broad, practical expositions of Bible books. Gaebelein was premillennial and dispensational, and editor for many years of Our Hope Magazine.

TONY GARLAND

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 protege and edifies as well as instructs the reader. (The Minister's Library - Volume 2)

  • Titus 2:15-3:7;  Conquering Evil with Good: Without compromising our own faith, we are to do everything we can to demonstrate Christlike qualities to unbelievers. Video
  • Titus 3:13-15; Ample Honorarium: As local church communities, we are to care for the economic needs of faithful men and women who have been appointed to serve us. Video

JOHN GILL

James Rosscup - Gill (1697–1771), a pastor of England, wrote these which are two-column pages, ca. 900–1,000 pages per volume, Originally they were 9 volumes, folio. He also wrote Body of Divinity, 3 volumes, and several other volumes. His commentary is evangelical, wrestles with texts, is often wordy and not to the point but with worthy things for the patient who follow the ponderous detail and fish out slowly what his interpretation of a text is. He feels the thousand years in Revelation 20 cannot begin until after the conversion of the Jews and the bringing in of the fullness of the Gentiles and destruction of all antiChristian powers (volume 6, p. 1063) but in an amillennial sense of new heavens and new earth coming right after Christ’s second advent (1064–65), and the literal thousand years of binding at the same time. He feels the group that gathers against the holy city at the end of the thousand years is the resurrected wicked dead from the four quarters of the earth (i.e. from all the earth, etc. (1067).  

Spurgeon - Beyond all controversy, Gill was one of the most able Hebraists of his day, and in other matters no mean proficient...His ultraism is discarded, but his learning is respected: the world and the church take leave to question his dogmatism, but they both bow before his erudition. Probably no man since Gill’s days has at all equalled him in the matter of Rabbinical learning.

He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. 

GOSPEL COALITION - Alistair Begg, Justin Taylor, et al

GOT QUESTIONS

GRACE NOTES

L M GRANT Commentary on Titus

W H GRIFFITH-THOMAS

DAVE GUZIK - good modern commentary notes

MATTHEW HENRY

UNABRIDGED

Spurgeon - A Christian man wishing for the cream of expository writers could not make a better purchase. Ministers, as a rule, should not buy condensations, but get the works themselves.

James Rosscup - This evangelical work, devotional in character, has been in constant demand for about 280 years. Its insight into human problems is great, but it often does not deal adequately with problems in the text. The one-volume form eliminates the Biblical text and is thus less bulky. It has sold very well. The late Wilbur M. Smith, internationally noted Bible teacher, seminary professor and lover of books, tabbed this “The greatest devotional commentary ever written”. Henry was born in a Welch farmhouse, studied law, and became a Presbyterian minister near London. He wrote this commentary in the last 13 years before he died at 52 in 1714. The first of six volumes was published in 1708. He completed through Acts, and the rest of the New Testament was done by 14 clergymen. (Ed: Thus James are not the comments of Matthew Henry).

F B HOLE

DAVID HOLWICK

HOMILETICS

ALFRED HUMPHREYS

INTERNATIONAL CRITICAL COMMENTARY Walter Lock

D Edmond Hiebert - 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.

INTERVARSITY PRESS COMMENTARY - Philip H Towner

James Rosscup - Favoring authorship by Paul (30–32), Towner provides a succinct, lucid commentary that sometimes explains verses or parts of them, sometimes ignores things (as “especially those who believe,” 4:10; “save both yourself and your hearers,” 4:16; or 2 Tim. 4:8, where the words do not really resolve Towner’s idea that a faithful life is necessary for receiving a crown, final righteousness, with this being of grace and not earned). Overall, the work seems below average, a mixture of being of some help and of little help, this depending on which verse. It will be of mediocre benefit only to those wanting a cursory, yet easily flowing guide. It grew out of Towner’s Ph. D. dissertation under I. Howard Marshall at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, but does not approach Marshall’s usual kind of serious explanation.

HARRY A IRONSIDE

Cyril Barber - Continuously in print for 50 years, having made its debut in 1947. Ironside always has something good to say. He is easy to read, evangelical, and provides deft applications of the truth to life. One limitation of this revision is the use of the KJV when some other modern translation (e.g., NKJV) would have better served the needs of modern readers. Otherwise, this exposition is lucid and ideal for lay Bible study.

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.

John Cereghin - Ironside, Harry A., Expository Notes on the Epistles of James and Peter, 1947, 41 pages. Brief devotional exposition. He attacks hyper-Calvinism (68); denounces the error of “soul sleep” (73); suggests that angels may refer to Genesis 6 (82-83); teaches the Premillennial coming of Christ (98). A practical and devotional exposition. Reprinted from the 1904 edition. 

JAMIESON, FAUSSET, BROWN

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. 

S LEWIS JOHNSON

HAMPTON KEATHLEY  lll

WILLIAM KELLY

PAUL E KRETZMANN - Popular Commentary

LANGE'S COMMENTARY

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 (Lange's Commentary) 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.

JOHN MACARTHUR

ALEXANDER MACLAREN

J VERNON MCGEE - Through the Bible comments - Pithy style.

F B MEYER

HEINRICH MEYER Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament

D Edmond Hiebert - Greek text. A full exegetical treatment of these epistles by an evangelical German scholar of the past century (1893). Scholarly and technical, providing references to scholarly views of the authors own times.

HENRY MORRIS - Defender's Study Bible Notes

NET NOTES

PHIL NEWTON

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONALS

JOSEPH PARKER - The People's Bible 

GENE PENSIERO

J B PHILLIPS

J C PHILPOT

A W PINK

JOHN PIPER

PREACHER'S HOMILETICAL COMMENTARY

PRECEPT MINISTRY

RAY PRITCHARD

PULPIT COMMENTARY

REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE

ROBERT RAYBURN

RON RITCHIE

A T ROBERTSON

DON ROBINSON

GIL RUGH

J C RYLE - #2-7 Are the Chapters in Thoughts for Young Men (great read for old men!!!)

  1. Are You Regenerate?
  2. Reasons for Exhorting Young Men
  3. Dangers of Young Men
  4. General Counsels to Young Men
  5. Special Rules for Young Men
  6. Conclusion
  7. See the reviews, then take a few moments to soak in Ryle's wise "thoughts" -  395 ratings

SERMON AUDIO BE A BEREAN

  • Titus 3  270 pdf's 11/18/22 (audios also available)

SERMON BIBLE COMMENTARY

SERMONS BY VERSE - older expositions

CHARLES SIMEON

CHUCK SMITH

JAMES SMITH

C H SPURGEON

RAY STEDMAN

THEOLOGY OF WORK PROJECT

THIRD MILLENNIUM - OLD VERSION

DAVID THOMPSON TITUS SERMONS

BOB UTLEY

VERSE BY VERSE COMMENTARY - Bruce Hurt, MD

MARVIN VINCENT

THOMAS WATSON

DAVID THOMPSON SERMONS

TODAY IN THE WORD DEVOTIONALS

SERMONS BY VERSE - Older expositions

Political Duties T. Croskery Titus 3:1
Avoiding Evil Speaking W. Baxendale. Titus 3:1-2
Christian Duty T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Christian Gentleness T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Christian Meekness T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Christian Usefulness J. Burns, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Christians Should be Taught Good Citizenship Professor B. Pierce. Titus 3:1-2
Civil Duties J. O. Dykes, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Contention to be Avoided T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Cure for Evil Speaking A. W. Hare, M. A. Titus 3:1-2
Detraction W. Moodie, D. D., T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Duty D. Thomas, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Evil Speaking Archbishop Tillotson. Titus 3:1-2
Evil Speaking Isaac Barrow, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Gentleman Defined J.C. Hare. Titus 3:1-2
Honouring Authority H. W. Beecher. Titus 3:1-2
Meekness   Titus 3:1-2
Ministers Remembrancers T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Obedience to Civil Magistrates N. Emmons, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
On Evil Speaking J. Jortin, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Readiness to Good Works Explained and Recommended J. Benson. Titus 3:1-2
Sin of Evil Speaking F. W. Robertson, M. A. Titus 3:1-2
Subjection to Civil Rulers Henry Dove, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
Subjection to the State W.M. Statham Titus 3:1, 2
The Authority of Law F. Wagstaff. Titus 3:1-2
The Christian Citizen C. S. Robinson, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
The Christian Citizen Monday Club Sermons Titus 3:1-2
The Christian's Loyalty to Secular Government D. C. Hughes, M. A. Titus 3:1-2
The Might of Meekness J. O. Dykes, D. D. Titus 3:1-2
The Subject's Duty John Cleaver, M. A. Titus 3:1-2
To the Active Christian G. Brooks. Titus 3:1-2
Duty D. Thomas Titus 3:1-3
Of Evil-Speaking in General Isaac Barrow Titus 3:2
The Right Deportment of Christians Toward All Men T. Croskery Titus 3:2
A Significant Contrast J. O. Dykes, D. D. Titus 3:3
An Humiliating Retrospect T. Croskery Titus 3:3
Before Conversion and After T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:3
Foolish T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:3
Frowardness T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:3
Living in Malice and Envy, Hateful, and Hating One Another T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:3
Lusts and Pleasures T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:3
Malice T. Watson. Titus 3:3
Malice and Rancour G. Crabb. Titus 3:3
Malice Self-Destructive   Titus 3:3
The Difference Between the Present and the Past of Life T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:3
The Slavery of Sin Bp. Moberly. Titus 3:3
The Transforming Power of the Gospel F. Wagstaff. Titus 3:3
Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit J. Lawson. Titus 3:3
Various Kinds of Deceived Persons T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:3
Abundant Supply of Grace T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:4-7
Eminent Holiness The Evangelist Titus 3:4-7
God's Kindness   Titus 3:4-7
God's Kindness Only Partially Seen by the Soul   Titus 3:4-7
God's Love Incomparable John R. Miller. Titus 3:4-7
God's Love to Men Richard Newton. Titus 3:4-7
God's Method of Justification J. Bunting. Titus 3:4-7
Good Work, no Ground of Acceptance with God Major Whittle. Titus 3:4-7
Good Works not to be Relied On T. Secker. Titus 3:4-7
Heirs of Eternal Life T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:4-7
Looking for the Hope of Eternal Life Mrs. Bottome. Titus 3:4-7
Regeneration Weekly Pulpit Titus 3:4-7
Regeneration H. Quick. Titus 3:4-7
Relation of Justification to Regeneration R. W. Hamilton, D. D. Titus 3:4-7
Salvation O. McCutcheon. Titus 3:4-7
Salvation by Grace Expository Outlines Titus 3:4-7
Salvation Viewed from God's Side Bp. Jackson. Titus 3:4-7
Salvation, not of Works, But of Grace Homilist Titus 3:4-7
Salvation, not of Works, But of Grace D. Thomas Titus 3:4-7
Spiritual Washing   Titus 3:4-7
St. Paul's Gospel J. O. Dykes, D. D. Titus 3:4-7
That Being Justified by His Grace D. Thomas, D. D. Titus 3:4-7
The Difficulty of Removing the Pollution of Sin   Titus 3:4-7
The Disposition of God H. W. Beecher. Titus 3:4-7
The Finished Work of Christ   Titus 3:4-7
The Laver of Regeneration T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:4-7
The Laver of Regeneration A. Plummer, D. D. Titus 3:4-7
The Origin, Nature, Means, and End of Salvation T. Croskery Titus 3:4-7
The Power of God's Kindness J.W. Lance. Titus 3:4-7
The Renewing of the Holy Ghost D. Moore, M. A. Titus 3:4-7
The Renewing of the Holy Spirit E. H. Hopkins. Titus 3:4-7
The Source of Salvation F. Wagstaff. Titus 3:4-7
The Way of Salvation   Titus 3:4-7
Working Hard for Salvation   Titus 3:4-7
Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul Philip Doddridge Titus 3:5
The Mercy of God W.M. Statham Titus 3:5
Justification; Faith; Works D. Thomas Titus 3:7, 8
Creed and Conduct A. Maclaren, D. D. Titus 3:8
Good Works J. King, B. A. Titus 3:8
Good Works T. B. Baker, M. A. Titus 3:8
Good Works T. Selden. Titus 3:8
Morality the Proper Subject of Preaching W. Enfield. Titus 3:8
On the Necessity of Christian Morality D. Stevenson. Titus 3:8
On the Necessity of Good Works Abp. Tillotson. Titus 3:8
Practical Christianity Homilist Titus 3:8
Some Hints to Preachers F. Wagstaff. Titus 3:8
The Connection of Faith and Good Works R. Ferguson, LL. D. Titus 3:8
The Maintenance of Good Works the Fruit of Faith W. Taylor. Titus 3:8
The Necessary Connection Between Gospel Doctrine and Good Works T. Croskery Titus 3:8
The Practice of Good Works Thos. Whincop, D. D. Titus 3:8
Christian Character W.M. Statham Titus 3:8, 14
A Warning Against Frivolous and Disputative Teaching T. Croskery Titus 3:9
Avoiding Unprofitable Questions Memoir of Dr. Brock. Titus 3:9
Controversy Foolish and Unprofitable T. Adams. Titus 3:9
Foolish Questions Reproved B. Beddome, M. A. Titus 3:9
It is Better not to Try to Understand Too Much T. Adams. Titus 3:9
Profitless Questions   Titus 3:9
Religious Disputes B. Calamy. Titus 3:9
The Polemical and the Practical Christian   Titus 3:9
The Right and Wrong Use of Genealogies T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:9
Unanswerable Questions to be Avoided Otto Funcke. Titus 3:9
Condemning of Himself Saturday Magazine Titus 3:10-11
Contagion of False Doctrine C. H. Spurgeon. Titus 3:10-11
Dilution of the Truth C. H. Spurgeon. Titus 3:10-11
Heresy Hunters H. W. Beecher. Titus 3:10-11
Heresy not to be Trifled With C. H. Spurgeon. Titus 3:10-11
The Right Attitude of Christian Ministers Toward Divisive Errorists T. Croskery Titus 3:10, 11
The Treatment of Heresy F. Wagstaff. Titus 3:10-11
Treatment of Heretics T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:10-11
Treatment of Heretics A. Plummer, D. D. Titus 3:10-11
Wilful Heresy James Foster., T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:10-11
Personal Directions T. Croskery Titus 3:12, 13
Christianity Enjoins Courtesy T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:13
Sermon to the Legal Profession T. De Witt Talmage, D. D. Titus 3:13
Titus' Duty to His Fellow Ministers G. Lawson, D. D. Titus 3:13
A Last Reminder Concerning Good Works T. Croskery Titus 3:14
Christianity Fruitful T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:14
Fruifulness the True Test Jonathan Edwards. Titus 3:14
The Mutual Property and Purpose of Good Men Homilist Titus 3:14
Christian Love T. Taylor, D. D. Titus 3:15
Christian Love   Titus 3:15
Salutation and Conclusion T. Croskery Titus 3:15
Shake Hands   Titus 3:15
The Worthless, the Pernicious, and the Desirable in Social Life D. Thomas Titus 3:9-15

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