This section has 4 verses.
Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious
appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus
Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us
from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works.
We will begin with the Barclay commentary.
THE MORAL POWER OF THE INCARNATION
First the verses paraphrased:
Titus 2:11–14
For the grace of God, which brings salvation to all
men, has appeared, schooling us to renounce
godlessness and worldly desires for forbidden
things, and to live in this world prudently, justly
and reverently, because we expectantly await the
realization of our blessed hope – I mean the
glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour
Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us
from the power of all lawlessness, and to purify us
as a special people for himself, a people eager for
all fine works.
THERE are few passages in the New Testament which so
vividly set out the moral power of the incarnation
as this does. Its whole stress is the miracle of
moral change which Jesus Christ can work.
This miracle is repeatedly expressed here in the
most interesting and significant way. Isaiah once
exhorted his people: ‘Cease to do evil, learn to do
good’ (Isaiah 1:16–17). First, there is the negative
side of goodness, the giving up of that which is
evil and the liberation from that which is low;
second, there is its positive side, the acquisition
of the shining virtues which mark the Christian
life.
First, there is the renunciation of all godlessness
and worldly desires. What did Paul mean by worldly
desires? The early Church [member], John Chrysostom,
said that worldly things are things which do not
pass over with us into [the Kingdom] but are
dissolved together with this present world. People
are very short-sighted if they set their hearts and
expend all their energies on things which they must
leave behind when they quit this world. But an even
simpler interpretation of worldly desires is that
they are for things we could not show to God. It is
only Christ who can make not only our outward life
but also our inward heart fit for God to see.
That was the negative side of the moral power of the
incarnation; now comes the positive side. Jesus
Christ makes us able to live with the prudence which
has everything under perfect control, and which
allows no passion or desire more than its proper
place; with the justice which enables us to give
both to God and to our neighbours that which is
their due; with the reverence which makes us live in
the awareness that this world is nothing other than
the temple of God.
The dynamic of this new life is the expectation of
the coming of Jesus Christ. When a royal visit is
expected, everything is cleaned and decorated and
made fit for royal eyes to see. Christians are men
and women who are always prepared for the coming of
the King of Kings.
Finally, Paul goes on to sum up what Jesus Christ
has done, and once again he does it first negatively
and then positively.
Jesus has redeemed us from the power of lawlessness,
that power which makes us sin.
Jesus can purify us until we are fit to be the
special people of God. The word we have translated
as special (periousios) is interesting. It means
reserved for, and it was used for that part of the
spoils of a battle or a campaign which the king who
had conquered set apart especially for himself.
Through the work of Jesus Christ, Christians become
fit to be the special possessions of God.
The moral power of the incarnation is a tremendous
thought. Christ not only liberated us from the
penalty of past sin; he can enable us to live the
perfect life within this world of space and time;
and he can so cleanse us that we become fit in the
life to come to be the special possession of God.
~Barclay Commentary
Now to the other commentaries. We begin with the
general and go to the specific.
This from the Matthew Henry Main. This commentary
covers verses 11-14. I will give you the first part
of this commentary which discusses the meaning of
verse 11.
Here we have the grounds or considerations upon
which all the foregoing directions are urged, taken
from the nature and design of the gospel, and the
end of Christ's death.
I. From the nature and design of the gospel. Let
young and old, men and women, masters and servants,
and Titus himself, let all sorts do their respective
duties, for this is the very aim and business of
Christianity, to instruct, and help, and form
persons, under all distinctions and relations, to a
right frame and conduct. For this,
1. They are put under the dispensation of the grace
of God, so the gospel is called, Ephesians 3:2. It
is grace in respect of the spring of it - the free
favour and good-will of God, not any merit or desert
in the creature; as manifesting and declaring this
good-will in an eminent and signal manner; and as it
is the means of conveying and working grace in the
hearts of believers. Now grace is obliging and
constraining to goodness: Let not sin reign, but
yield yourselves unto God; for you are not under the
law, but under grace, Romans 6:12-14. The love of
Christ constrains us not to live to self, but to him
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15); without this effect, grace
is received in vain.
Quoted verses:
Ephesians 3:2
If ye have heard of the dispensation [stewardship,
administration] of the grace of God which is
given me to you-ward:
Romans 6:12-14
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body,
that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of
unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto
God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your
members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye
are not under the law, but under grace.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because
we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were
all dead:
15 And that he died for all, that they which live
should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto
him which died for them, and rose again.
2. This gospel grace brings salvation (reveals
and offers it to sinners and ensures it to believers)
- salvation from sin and wrath, from death and hell
[permanent death]. Hence it is called the
word of life; it brings to faith, and so to life,
the life of holiness now and of happiness hereafter.
The law is the ministration of death, but the gospel
the ministration of life and peace. This therefore
must be received as salvation (its rules minded,
its commands obeyed), that the end of it may be
obtained, the salvation of the soul. And more
inexcusable will the neglecters of this grace of God
bringing salvation now be, since,
3. It hath appeared, or shone out more clearly and
illustriously than ever before. The old dispensation
was comparatively dark and shadowy; this is a clear
and shining light; and, as it is now more bright, so
more diffused and extensive also. For,
4. It hath appeared to all men; not to the Jews
only, as the glory of God appeared at mount Sinai to
that particular people, and out of the view of all
others; but gospel grace is open to all, and all are
invited to come and partake of the benefit of it,
Gentiles as well as Jews. The publication of it is
free and general: Disciple all nations: Preach the
gospel to every creature. The pale [lack of
brightness or brilliance] is broken down; there
is no such enclosure now as formerly. The preaching
of Jesus Christ, which was kept secret since the
world began, now is made manifest, and by the
scriptures of the prophets, according to the
commandment of the everlasting God, made known to
all nations for the obedience of faith, Romans
16:25-26. The doctrine of grace and salvation by the
gospel is for all ranks and conditions of men (slaves
and servants, as well as masters), therefore
engaging and encouraging all to receive and believe
it, and walk suitably to it, adorning it in all
things. ~Matthew Henry Main
Quoted verse:
Romans 16:25-26
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you
according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus
Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery,
which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures
of the prophets, according to the commandment of the
everlasting God, made known to all nations for the
obedience of faith:
Now the Matthew Henry Concise. This commentary
covers the rest of Chapter 2, verses 11-15.
The doctrine of grace and salvation by the gospel,
is for all ranks and conditions of men. It teaches
to forsake sin; to have no more to do with it. An
earthly, sensual conversation suits not a heavenly
calling. It teaches to make conscience of that which
is good. We must look to God in Christ, as the
object of our hope and worship. A gospel
conversation must be a godly conversation. See our
duty in a very few words; denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and
godly, notwithstanding all snares, temptations,
corrupt examples, ill usage, and what remains of sin
in the believer's heart, with all their hinderances.
It teaches to look for the glories of another world.
At, and in, the glorious appearing of Christ, the
blessed hope of Christians will be complete: To
bring us to holiness and happiness was the end of
Christ's death. Jesus Christ, that great God and our
Saviour, who saves not only as God, much less as Man
alone; but as God-man, two natures in one person. He
loved us, and gave himself for us; and what can we
do less than love and give up ourselves to him!
Redemption from sin and sanctification of the nature
go together, and make a peculiar people unto God,
free from guilt and condemnation, and purified by
the Holy Spirit. All Scripture is profitable. Here
is what will furnish for all parts of duty, and the
right discharge of them. Let us inquire whether our
whole dependence is placed upon that grace which
saves the lost, pardons the guilty, and sanctifies
the unclean. And the further we are removed from
boasting of fancied good works, or trusting in them,
so that we glory in Christ alone, the more zealous
shall we be to abound in real good works. ~Matthew
Henry Concise
Here are some things from the Biblical Illustrator.
Each one is a recap of the discussion of the gospel.
The grace of
God that bringeth salvation
The gospel
I. What is here said of its nature.
1. The name. “The grace of God.”
2. The subject “Bringing salvation.”
3. The manifestation. “Hath appeared.”
(1) None are excluded from its benefits.
(2) None are exempt from its appointments.
II. Its influence.
1. How the gospel teaches.
(1) Precept.
(2) Example.
(3) Motive.
(4) Real and spiritual operation and efficiency.
2. What the gospel teaches.
(1) What it teaches us to deny? Ungodliness and
worldly lusts.
(2) What it teaches us to do? “To live soberly,
righteously, and godly in the present world.”
(3) What it teaches us to expect? “Looking for that
blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
(4) What it teaches us to acknowledge? “Who gave
Himself,” etc. ~Biblical Illustrator
Here is another piece from the Biblical Illustrator
about the salvation process we are discussing today:
The gospel of the grace of God
I. Its distinguishing characteristics. “The grace
of God.”
1. The gift.
2. Its objects.
3. Its purpose.
II. The universality of its appearance.
1. Adapted for all.
2. Revealed for all.
3. To be proclaimed to all.
III. The inestimable boon which it bestows.
“Salvation.”
1. From the condemning power of sin.
2. From the defilement of sin.
3. From the love of sin.
4. From the power of sin.
5. From the punishment of sin. ~Biblical
Illustrator
Here is another recap of the discussion:
The grace of God in bringing salvation to all men
I. The origin of salvation.
1. Man did not deserve it.
2. It was unsolicited.
3. It was entirely the result of Divine grace.
The grace of God
(1) Made all the arrangements necessary for
salvation. Devised the astounding plan. Fixed upon
the means, time, etc. The grace of God
(2) Brought the author of salvation. “Ye know the
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,” etc. (2 Corinthians
8:9).
(3) It brought the message of salvation. Gospel is
emphatically the gospel of the grace of God (Acts
20:24).
(4) It brings the application of salvation to the
soul. We are called by His grace—justified freely by
His grace—sanctified by His grace—kept and preserved
by its grace—and the topstone is brought on amid
ascriptions of Grace, grace unto it.”
Quoted verses:
2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he
became poor, that ye through his poverty might be
rich.
Acts 20:24 ...Paul discussing that he was
going to Jerusalem and not knowing the things that
would befall him there
But none of these things move me, neither count I my
life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my
course with joy, and the ministry, which I have
received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of
the grace of God.
II. The extent of salvation. The grace of God
bringeth salvation
1. To all classes and degrees of men. To the rich
and the poor; noble and ignoble; monarch and the
peasant; the ruler and the slave.
2. To men of all grades of moral guilt. It includes
the moralist, and excludes not the profane.
3. To men of all ages.
III. The influence of salvation on the moral
character of man. It teaches and enforces the
necessity of
1. The abandonment of ungodliness and worldly lusts.
2. Sobriety of conduct.
3. Righteousness of life.
4. Godliness of heart.
Application:
1. How we should rejoice in the riches and fulness
of Divine grace.
2. How necessary that we cordially receive the
invaluable boon it presents.
3. And how important that we practically exemplify
the moral lessons it communicates. ~Biblical
Illustrator
Now to the specific commentaries.
Most commentaries break this down into two parts:
1] For the grace of God.
2] That bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.
1] For the
grace of God.
For the grace of God - The favor of God, shown to
the undeserving; see the notes at Romans 1:7.
~Barnes Notes
Quoted verse:
Romans 1:7
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be
saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father,
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us read some of the commentary on Romans 1:7
Called to be saints - So called,
or influenced by God who had called them, as
to become saints. The word “saints,” ἅγιοι
hagioi, means those who are holy, or those
who are devoted or consecrated to God. The
radical idea of the word is what is
separated from a common to a sacred use, and
answers to the Hebrew word, קדושׁ qadowsh.
It is applied to any thing that is set apart
to the service of God, to the temple, to the
sacrifices, to the utensils about the
temple, to the garments, etc. of the
priests, and to the priests themselves. It
was applied to the Jews as a people
separated from other nations, and devoted or
consecrated to God, while other nations were
devoted to the service of idols. It is also
applied to Christians, as being a people
devoted or set apart to the service of God.
The radical idea then, as applied to
Christians, is, that “they are separated
from other men, and other objects and
pursuits, and consecrated to the service of
God.” This is the special characteristic of
the saints. And this characteristic the
Roman Christians had shown. ~Barnes Notes
Grace - This word properly means “favor.” It
is very often used in the New Testament, and
is employed in the sense of benignity or
benevolence; felicity, or a prosperous state
of affairs; the Christian religion, as the
highest expression of the benevolence or
favor of God; the happiness which
Christianity confers on its friends in this
and the future life; the apostolic office;
charity, or alms; thanksgiving; joy, or
pleasure; and the benefits produced on the
Christian’s heart and life by religion - the
grace of meekness, patience, charity, etc.,
“Schleusner.” In this place, and in similar
places in the beginning of the apostolic
epistles, it seems to be a word including
all those blessings that are applicable to
Christians in common; denoting an ardent
wish that all the mercies and favors of God
for time and eternity, blended under the
general name grace, may be conferred on
them. It is to be understood as connected
with a word implying invocation. I pray, or
I desire, that grace, etc. may be conferred
on you. ~Barnes Notes
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2] That bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men.
That bringeth salvation - Margin, to all men, hath
appeared. That is, in the margin, “the grace which
brings salvation to all men has been revealed.” The
marginal reading is most in accordance with the
Greek, though it will bear either construction. If
that which is in the text be adopted, it means that
the plan of salvation has been revealed to all
classes of men; that is, that it is announced or
revealed to all the race that they may be saved;
compare the notes at Colossians 1:23. If the other
rendering be adopted, it means that that plan was
fitted to secure the salvation of all men; that none
were excluded from the offer; that provision had
been made for all, and all might come and be saved.
Whichever interpretation be adopted, the sense here
will not be essentially varied. It is, that the
gospel was adapted to man as man, and therefore
might include servants as well as masters; subjects,
as well as kings; the poor, as well as the rich; the
ignorant, as well as the learned. ~Barnes Notes
So what we have here is an
introduction statement to the three verses to follow
in this section of Chapter 2. God has a plan.
He put us on this Earth to work out that plan.
He knows, as do we, that left alone, we would all
perish in a second death. He has brought us
favor and pardon and put us into the greatest
process ever conceived; the salvation process.
It is a part of His plan to offer this to everyone
who has ever lived.
This is the fact and the lesson of verse 11. |