Word Pictures in the New Testament
Titus
A.T. Robertson
1:1 According to the faith of God’s elect [kata pistin
eklektōn theou]. Here [kata] expresses the aim of Paul’s
apostleship, not the standard by which he was chosen as in
Php 3:14; a classic idiom, repeated here with [epignōsin, eusebeian,
epitagēn], “with a view to” in each case. For “God’s elect” see
Ro 8:33; Col 3:12. The knowledge [epignōsin]. “Full
knowledge,” one of Paul’s favourite words. For the phrase see
1Ti 2:4. Which is according to godliness [tēs kat’
eusebeian]. “The (truth) with a view to godliness.” The
combination of faith and full knowledge of the truth is to bring
godliness on the basis of the hope of life eternal.
1:2 God who cannot lie [ho apseudēs theos]. “The non-lying
God.” Old adjective [a] privative and [pseudēs], here only in
N.T. See 2Ti 2:13. In Polycarp’s last prayer. Promised
[epēggeilato]. First aorist middle indicative of [epaggellō].
Antithesis in [ephanerōsen de] (manifested) in verse
3 (first aorist active indicative of [phaneroō]. Same contrast in
Ro 16:25; Col 1:26. Before times eternal [pro chronōn aiōnōn].
Not to God’s purpose before time began (Eph 1:4; 2Ti 1:9),
but to definite promises (Ro 9:4) made in time (Lock). “Long ages ago.” See
Ro 16:25.
1:3 In his own seasons [kairois idiois]. Locative case. See
1Ti 2:6; 6:15. In the message [en kērugmati]. See
1Co 1:21; 2:4 for this word, the human proclamation (preaching) of
God’s word. Wherewith I was intrusted [ho episteuthēn].
Accusative relative [ho] retained with the first aorist passive
indicative of [pisteuō] as in 1Ti 1:11. See 1Ti 2:7. Of God
our Saviour [tou sōtēros hēmōn theou]. In verse
4 he applies the words “[tou sōtēros hēmōn]” to Christ. In
2:13 he applies both [theou] and [sōtēros] to Christ.
1:4 My true child [gnēsiōi teknōi]. See
1Ti 1:2 for this
adjective with Timothy. Titus is not mentioned in Acts, possibly
because he is Luke’s brother. But one can get a clear picture of
him by turning to 2Co 2:13; 7:6-15; 8:6-24; 12:16-18; Ga 2:1-3;
Tit 1:4f.; 3:12; 2Ti 4:10. He had succeeded in Corinth where
Timothy had failed. Paul had left him in Crete as superintendent
of the work there. Now he writes him from Nicopolis (Tit 3:12).
After a common faith [kata koinēn pistin]. Here [kata]
does mean standard, not aim, but it is a faith [pistin] common to a
Gentile (a Greek) like Titus as well as to a Jew like Paul and so
common to all races and classes (Jude 1:3). [Koinos] does not
here have the notion of unclean as in Ac 10:14; 11:8.
1:5 For this cause [toutou charin]. In N.T. only here and
Eph 3:1,14. Paul may be supplementing oral instruction as in
Timothy’s case and may even be replying to a letter from Titus
(Zahn). Left I thee in Crete [apeleipon se en Krētēi].
This is the imperfect active of [apoleipō], though MSS. give the
aorist active also [apelipon] and some read [kateleipon] or
[katelipon]. Both are common verbs, though Paul uses [kataleipō]
only in 1Th 3:1 except two quotations (Ro 11:4; Eph 5:31) and
[apoleipō] only here and 2Ti 4:13, 20. Perhaps [apoleipō]
suggests a more temporary stay than [kataleipō]. Paul had
apparently stopped in Crete on his return from Spain about A.D.
65. That thou shouldest set in order [hina epidiorthōsēi].
Late and rare double compound (inscriptions, here only in N.T.),
first aorist middle subjunctive (final clause with [hina] of
[epidiorthoō], to set straight [orthoō] thoroughly [dia]
in addition [epi], a clean job of it. The things that were
wanting [ta leiponta]. “The things that remain.” See
3:13; Lu 18:22. Either things left undone or things that survive. In both
senses the new pastor faces problems after the tornado has
passed. Parry takes it “of present defects” in Cretan character.
And appoint [kai katastēsēis]. Final clause still and first
aorist active subjunctive of [kathistēmi], the word used in Ac 6:13 about the deacons. The word does not preclude the choice by
the churches (in every city, [kata polin], distributive use of
[kata]. This is a chief point in the [epidorthōsis] (White).
Elders [presbuterous]. See
1Ti 3:2; 4:17. As I gave thee
charge [hōs egō soi dietaxamēn]. First aorist (constative)
middle imperative of [diatassō], clear reference to previous
personal details given to Titus on previous occasions.
1:6 Blameless [anegklētos]. In a condition of first class.
Used in 1Ti 3:10 of deacons which see. That believe
[pista]. Added to what is in 1Ti 3:4. “Believing children.”
Not accused of riot [mē en katēgoriāi asōtias]. See
1Ti 5:19 for [katēgoria] and
Eph 5:18 for [asōtia]. “Not in
accusation of profligacy.” Unruly [anupotakta]. See
1Ti 1:9. Public disorder, out of doors. See also verse 10.
1:7 The bishop [ton episkopon]. Same office as “elder”
in 1:5. “Elder is the title, oversight is the function” (B.
Weiss). As God’s steward [hōs theou oikonomon]. See
1Co 4:1f. for Paul’s idea of the bishop (elder) as God’s steward
(cf. 1Co 9:17; Col 1:25; Eph 3:2; 1Ti 1:4). Not self-willed
[mē authadē]. Old word (from [autos, hēdomai], self-pleasing,
arrogant. In N.T. only here and 2Pe 2:10. Not soon angry
[orgilon]. Old adjective from [orgē] (anger). Here only in N.T.
Vulgate, iracundum. For “brawler” and “striker” see 1Ti 3:2.
Not greedy of filthy lucre [aischrokerdē]. “Not greedy of
shameful gain.” Used of deacons in 1Ti 3:8, [aphilarguron] used
of elders in 1Ti 3:3.
1:8 A lover of good [philagathon]. Late double compound
[philos, agathos]. See Wisdom 7:22. Here only in N.T. Just
[dikaion], holy [hosion] not in 1Ti 3. Temperate
[egkratē]. Old and common adjective [en, kratos], strength),
having power over, controlling, here only in N.T. Picture of self-control.
1:9 Holding to [antechomenon]. Present middle participle
of [antechō], old verb, to hold back, in middle to hold oneself face
to face with, to cling to, as in
1Th 5:14. The faithful word
[tou pistou logou]. See
1Ti 1:15; 6:3; Ro 16:17. Some would
see a reference here to Christ as the Personal Logos. That he
may be able [hina dunatos ēi]. Final clause with present
active subjunctive. Paul several times uses [dunatos eimi] in the
sense of [dunamai], with infinitive as here (Ro 4:21; 11:23; 2Ti
1:12). The gainsayers [tous antilegontas]. Present active
participle of [antilegō], old word, to answer back, as in Ro
10:21. “The talkers back.”
1:10 Vain talkers [mataiologoi]. Late and rare compound,
empty talkers, in Vett. Val. and here. See 1Ti 1:6 for
[mataiologia]. Deceivers [phrenapatai]. Late and rare
compound, in papyri, eccl. writers, here alone in N.T. “Mind-deceivers.” See
Ga 6:3 for [phrenapatāin]. Specially
they of the circumcision [malista hoi ek tēs peritomēs]. Same
phrase in Ac 11:2; Ga 2:12; Col 4:11. Jews are mentioned in
Crete in Ac 2:11. Apparently Jewish Christians of the Pharisaic
type tinged with Gnosticism.
1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped [hous dei epistomizein].
Literally, “whom it is necessary to silence by stopping the
mouth.” Present active infinitive [epistomizein], old and common
verb [epi], [stoma], mouth), here only in N.T. To stop the mouth
either with bridle or muzzle or gag. Overthrow
[anatrepousin]. Old and common verb, to turn up, to overturn.
In N.T. only here and 2Ti 2:18. In papyri to upset a family by
perversion of one member. Things which they ought not [ha mē
dei]. Note subjective negative [mē] with indefinite relative and
indicative mode. For filthy lucre’s sake [aischrou kerdous
charin]. The Cretans are given a bad reputation for itinerating
prophets for profit by Polybius, Livy, Plutarch. Paul’s warnings in
1Ti 3:3,8; 6:5 reveal it as “a besetting temptation of the
professional teacher” (Parry). See verse 7 above. Disgraceful
gain, made in shameful ways.
1:12 A prophet of their own [idios autōn prophētēs]. “Their
own prophet.” Self-styled “prophet” (or poet), and so accepted by
the Cretans and by Cicero and Apuleius, that is Epimenides who
was born in Crete at Cnossos. It is a hexameter line and
Callimachus quoted the first part of it in a Hymn to Zeus. It is
said that Epimenides suggested to the Athenians the erection of
statues to “unknown gods” (Ac 17:23). Liars
[pseustai]. See 1Ti 1:10 for the word. The Cretans had a bad reputation on this
line, partly due to their claim to having the tomb of Zeus. Evil
beasts [kaka thēria]. “Wicked wild beasts.” Lock asks if the
Minotaur was partly responsible. Idle gluttons [gasteres
argai]. “Idle bellies.” Blunt and forceful. See
Php 3:19 “whose god is the belly” [hē koilia]. Both words give the
picture of the sensual gormandizer.
1:13 Testimony [marturia]. Of the poet Epimenides. Paul
endorses it from his recent knowledge. Sharply [apotomōs].
Old adverb from [apotomos] (from [apotemnō], to cut off), in N.T.
only here and 2Co 13:10, “curtly,” “abruptly.” It is necessary
to appear rude sometimes for safety, if the house is on fire and
life is in danger. That they may be sound [hina hugiainōsin].
Final clause with [hina] and present active subjunctive of
[hugiainō], for which verb see on 1Ti 1:10.
1:14 See 1Ti 1:4 for [prosechō] and [muthois], only here we
have Jewish [Ioudaikois] added. Perhaps a reference to the
oral traditions condemned by Christ in Mr 7:2-8. See also
Col 2:22, apparently Pharisaic type of Gnostics. Who turn away from
the truth [apostrephomenōn]. Present middle (direct)
participle of [apostrephō], “men turning themselves away from the
truth” (accusative according to regular idiom). “The truth” (1Ti
4:3) is the gospel (Eph 4:21).
1:15 To them that are defiled [tois memiammenois]. Perfect
passive articular participle of [miainō], old verb, to dye with
another colour, to stain, in N.T. only here, Jude 1:8; Heb 12:15. See [memiantai] (perf. pass. indic.) in this verse.
[Molunō] (1Co 8:7) is to smear. Unbelieving
[apistois]. As in 1Co 7:12f.; 1Ti 5:8. The principle or proverb just quoted
appears also in 1Co 6:12; 10:23; Ro 14:20. For the defilement
of mind [nous] and conscience [suneidēsis] in both Gentile
and Jew by sin, see Ro 1:18-2:29.
1:16 They profess [homologousin]. Present active indicative
of [homologeō], common verb [homou, legō] as in Ro 10:10f.
[Eidenai] (know) is second perfect active infinitive of [oida] in
indirect assertion. By their works [tois ergois].
Instrumental case. They deny [arnountai]. Present middle of
[arneomai], old verb, common in the Gospels and the Pastoral
Epistles (1Ti 5:8; Tit 2:12; 2Ti 2:12). Abominable
[bdeluktoi]. Verbal adjective from [bdelussomai]. Only in LXX
and here. Disobedient [apeitheis]. See Ro 1:30. Reprobate
[adokimoi]. See on 1Co 9:27; Ro 1:28.
Chapter 2
2:1 But speak thou [su de lalei]. In contrast to these
Pharisaic Gnostics in Crete. Befit [prepei]. Old verb to be
becoming, seemly. See 1Ti 2:10; Eph 5:3. With dative case
[didaskaliāi]. Sound [hugiainousēi]. Healthful as in
1:13;
2:2; 1Ti 1:10, common word in the Pastorals.
2:2 Aged men [presbutas]. See Phm 1:9 for this word. For
discussion of family life see also Co 3:18-4:1; Eph 5:22-6:9;
1Ti 5:1-6:2. For the adjectives here see 1Ti 3:2, 8; for the
substantives see 1Ti 6:11.
2:3 Aged women [presbutidas]. Old word, feminine of
[presbutēs], only here in N.T. See [presbuteras] in 1Ti 5:2.
Reverent [hieroprepeis]. Old word [heiros, prepei]. Only here in N.T. Same idea in
1Ti 2:10. Like people engaged in
sacred duties (Lock). In demeanour [en katastēmati].
Late and rare word (inscriptions) from [kathistēmi], deportment, only here
in N.T. Not slanderers [mē diabolous]. See 1Ti 3:11; 2Ti
3:3. Nor enslaved to much wine [mēde oinōi pollōi
dedoulōmenas]. Perfect passive participle of [douloō], with
dative case [oinōi]. See
1Ti 3:8. “It is proved by experience
that the reclamation of a woman drunkard is almost impossible”
(White). But God can do the “impossible.” Teachers of that which
is good [kalodidaskalous]. Compound word found here alone,
bona docentes (teaching good and beautiful things). A sorely
needed mission.
2:4 That they may train [hina sōphronizōsin]. Purpose clause,
[hina] and present active subjunctive of [sōphronizō], old verb
(from [sōphrōn], sound in mind, [saos, phrēn], as in this verse),
to make sane, to restore to one’s senses, to discipline, only
here in N.T. To love their husbands [philandrous einai].
Predicate accusative with [einai] of old adjective [philandros]
[philos, anēr], fond of one’s husband), only here in N.T. [Anēr]
means man, of course, as well as husband, but only husband here,
not “fond of men” (other men than their own). To love their
children [philoteknous]. Another old compound, here only in
N.T. This exhortation is still needed where some married women
prefer poodle-dogs to children.
2:5 Workers at home [oikourgous]. So the oldest MSS. (from
[oikos, ergou] instead of [oikourous], keepers at home (from
[koiso, ouros], keeper). Rare word, found in Soranus, a medical
writer, Field says. Cf. 1Ti 5:13. “Keepers at home” are usually
“workers at home.” Kind [agathas]. See Ro 5:7. See
Col 3:18; Eph 5:22 for the same use of [hupotassomai], to be in
subjection. Note [idiois] (their own). See 1Ti 6:1 for the same
negative purpose clause [hina mē blasphēmētai].
2:6 The younger men [tous neōterous]. Just one item, besides
“likewise” [hosautōs] as in 3; 1Ti 2, 9), “to be soberminded”
[sōphronein], old verb as in Rom 12:3). It is possible to take
“in all things” [peri panta] with [sōphronein], though the
editors take it with verse 7.
2:7 Shewing thyself [seauton parechomenos]. Present middle
(redundant middle) participle of [parechō] with the reflexive
pronoun [seauton] as if the active voice [parechōn]. The Koinē
shows an increasing number of such constructions (Robertson, Grammar, p. 811). See active in
1Ti 1:4. An ensample [tupon]. For this word see
2Th 3:9; Php 3:17. Uncorruptness
[aphthorian]. Only example, from late adjective [aphthoros]
[a] privative and [phtheirō].
2:8 Sound [hugiē], Attic usually [hugiā] in accusative
singular), elsewhere in Pastorals participle [hugianōn] (verse
1). That cannot be condemned [akatagnōston].
Only N.T. example (verbal, [a] privative and [katagnōstos] and in IV Macc.
4:47. Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 200) quotes it from an
inscription and the adverb from a papyrus. He that is of the
contrary part [ho ex enantias]. “The one on the opposite side”
(your opponent). Cf. verse 9; 1Ti 5:14. May be ashamed [hina
entrapēi]. Final clause with [hina] and second aorist passive
subjunctive of [entrepō], to turn, in middle and passive to turn
one on himself and so be ashamed (to blush) as in 2Th 3:14; 1Co
4:14. This sense in the papyri. Evil [phaulon]. Old word,
easy (easy morals), worthless; bad, as in 2Co 5:10.
2:9 Servants [doulous]. “Slaves.” Supply “exhort”
[parakalei]. See 1Ti 6:1 for “masters” [despotais].
Well-pleasing [euarestous]. See on 2Co 5:9. Not
gainsaying [mē antilegontas]. “Not answer back.” See Ro 10:21.
2:10 Not purloining [mē nosphizomenous]. Present middle
participle of [nosphizō], old verb (from [nosphi], apart), in
middle to set apart for oneself, to embezzle, in N.T. only here and
Ac 5:2f. Fidelity [pistin]. See
Ga 5:22; 1Ti 5:12 for
[pistis] in the sense of faithfulness. Nowhere else in the N.T.
do we have [agathē] with [pistis] as here, but an Oxyr. papyrus
(iii. 494, 9) has this very phrase [pāsan pistin
endeiknumenēi]. Westcott and Hort put [agapēn] in the margin.
See 3:2. That they may adorn [hina kosmōsin]. Final
clause with [hina] and present active subjunctive. See 1Ti 2:9 for
[kosmeō]. Paul shows slaves how they may “adorn” the teaching of God.
2:11 Hath appeared [epephanē]. “Did appear,” the first
Epiphany (the Incarnation). Second aorist passive indicative of
[epiphainō], old verb, in N.T. here,
3:4; Lu 1:79; Ac 27:20.
Bringing salvation [sōtērios]. Old adjective from [sōtēr]
(Saviour), here alone in N.T. except [to sōtērion] (salvation,
“the saving act”) in Lu 2:30; 3:6; Eph 6:17. Instructing
[paideuousa]. See
1Ti 1:20. Ungodliness [asebeian]. See
Ro 1:18. Worldly lusts [tas kosmikas epithumias].
Aristotle and Plutarch use [kosmikos] (from [kosmos] about the universe as in
Heb 9:1 about the earthly. Here it has alone in N.T. the
sense of evil “in this present age” as with [kosmos] in
1Jo 2:16. The three adverbs set off the opposite (soberly
[sōphronōs], righteously [dikaiōs], godly [eusebōs].
2:13 Looking for [prosdechomenoi]. Present middle participle
of [prosdechomai], old verb, the one used of Simeon (Lu 2:25)
and others (Lu 2:38) who were looking for the Messiah. The
blessed hope and appearing of the glory [tēn makarian elpida
kai epiphaneian tēs doxēs]. The word [epiphaneia] (used by the
Greeks of the appearance of the gods, from [epiphanēs,
epiphainō] occurs in 2Ti 1:10 of the Incarnation of Christ,
the first Epiphany (like the verb [epephanē],
Tit 2:11), but
here of the second Epiphany of Christ or the second coming as in
1Ti 6:14; 2Ti 4:1, 8. In
2Th 2:8 both [epiphaneia] and
[parousia] (the usual word) occur together of the second coming.
Of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ [tou megalou theou
kai sōtēros Iēsou Christou]. This is the necessary meaning of
the one article with [theou] and [sōtēros] just as in
2Pe 1:1, 11. See Robertson, Grammar, p. 786. Westcott and Hort read
[Christou Iēsou].
2:14 Who gave himself for us [hos edōken heauton huper
hēmōn]. Paul’s great doctrine (Ga 1:4; 2:20; 1Ti 2:6).
That he might redeem us [hina lutrōsētai]. Final clause, [hina]
and the aorist middle subjunctive of [lutroō], old verb from [lutron]
(ransom), in N.T. only here, Lu 24:21; 1Pe 1:18. Purify to
himself [katharisēi heautōi]. Final clause with first aorist
active subjunctive of [katharizō], for which verb see
Eph 5:26. Lawlessness [anomias]. See
2Th 2:3. A people for his own
possession [laon periousion]. A late word (from [perieimi],
to be over and above, in papyri as well as [periousia], only in LXX
and here, apparently made by the LXX, one’s possession, and so
God’s chosen people. See
1Pe 2:9 [laos eis peripoiēsin].
Zealous of good works [zēlōtēn kalōn ergōn]. “A zealot
for
good works.” Substantive for which see
1Co 14:12; Ga 1:14. Objective genitive [ergōn].
2:15 With all authority [meta pasēs epitagēs]. See
1Co 7:6; 2Co 8:8. Assertion of authority is sometimes necessary. Let no
man despise thee [mēdeis sou periphroneitō]. Present active
imperative in prohibition of [periphroneō], old verb, only here
in N.T., to think around (on all sides). Literally, “let no man
think around thee” (and so despise thee). In
1Ti 4:12 it is
[kataphroneitō] (think down on), a stronger word of scorn, but
this one implies the possibility of one making mental circles
around one and so “out-thinking” him. The best way for the modern
minister to command respect for his “authority” is to do thinking
that will deserve it.
Chapter 3
3:1 To be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be
obedient [archais exousiais hupotassesthai peitharchein].
Remarkable double asyndeton, no [kai] (and) between the two
substantives or the two verbs. [Peitharchein] (to obey), old verb
(from [peithomai, archē], in N.T. only here and
Ac 27:21. To
be ready unto every good work [pros pan ergon agathon hetoimous
einai]. Pauline phrase (2Co 9:8; 2Ti 2:21; 3:17),
here adjective [hetoimos] (2Co 9:5), there verb.
3:2 To speak evil [blasphēmein]. See
Col 3:8; 1Ti 6:4. Not
to be contentious [amachous einai]. “To be non-fighters” (1Ti 3:3), originally “invincible.” Gentle [epieikeis].
See 1Ti 3:3. Meekness [prautēta]. [Praotēta]. See
Col 3:12.
3:3 Aforetime [pote]. “Once” in our unconverted state as
in Eph 2:3. Foolish [anoētoi]. See
Ro 1:14, 21. Disobedient
[apeitheis]. See
Ro 1:30. Deceived [planōmenoi]. Present
passive participle of [planaō] though the middle is possible.
Divers lusts [hēdonais poikilais]. “Pleasures” [hēdonais]
from [hēdomai], old word, in N.T. only here,
Lu 8:14; Jas 4:1, 3; 2Pe 2:13). [Poikilais] (old word) is many-coloured as in
Mr 1:34; Jas 1:2; 2Ti 3:6, etc. Living [diagontes]. See
1Ti 3:6 (supply [bion]. In malice [en kakiāi].
See Ro 1:29.
Envy [phthonōi]. See Ro 1:29. Hateful [stugētoi]. Late
passive verbal from [stugeō], to hate. In Philo, only here in
N.T. Hating one another [misountes allēlous]. Active sense
and natural result of being “hateful.”
3:4 The kindness [hē chrēstotēs]. See
Ro 2:4 for this very
word used of God as here. His love toward man [hē
philanthrōpia]. “The philanthrophy of God our Saviour.” Old word
from [philanthrōpos], for love of mankind, in N.T. only here and
Ac 28:2. Appeared [epephanē]. See
2:11 and here as there
the Incarnation of Christ. See 1Ti 1:1 for [sōtēr] with [theos]
(God).
3:5 Done (not in the Greek, only the article [tōn], “not
as a result of works those in righteousness which we did.” Same idea
as in Ro 3:20f. According to his mercy he saved us [kata to
autou eleos esōsen]. See
Ps 109:26; 1Pe 1:3; Eph 2:4.
Effective aorist active indicative of [sōzō]. Through the
washing of regeneration [dia loutrou palingenesias]. Late and
common word with the Stoics (Dibelius) and in the
Mystery-religions (Angus), also in the papyri and Philo. Only
twice in the N.T. (Mt 19:28 with which compare [apokatastasia]
in Ac 3:21, and here in personal sense of new birth). For
[loutron], see Eph 5:26, here as there the laver or the bath.
Probably in both cases there is a reference to baptism, but, as in
Ro 6:3-6, the immersion is the picture or the symbol of the
new birth, not the means of securing it. And renewing of the
Holy Spirit [kai anakainōseōs pneumatos hagiou]. “And renewal
by the Holy Spirit” (subjective genitive). For the late word
[anakainōsis], seem Ro 12:2. Here, as often, Paul has put the
objective symbol before the reality. The Holy Spirit does the
renewing, man submits to the baptism after the new birth to
picture it forth to men.
3:6 Which [hou]. Genitive case by attraction from [ho]
(grammatical gender) to the case of [pneumatos hagiou]. We do not
have grammatical gender (only natural) in English. Hence here we
should say “whom,” even if it does not go smoothly with
[execheen] (he poured out, second aorist active indicative of
[ekcheō]. The reference is to the great Pentecost (Ac 2:33) as
foretold by Joel (Joe 2:28). Richly [plousiōs].
Then and to each one in his own experience. See
Ro 10:12; 1Ti 6:17.
3:7 Being justified by his grace [dikaiōthentes tēi ekeinou
chariti]. First aorist passive participle of [dikaioō] and
instrumental case of [charis] as in
Ro 3:24; 5:1. That we
might be made heirs [hina klēronomoi genēthōmen]. Purpose with
[hina] and first aorist passive of [ginomai]. See Ro 4:13; 8:17.
3:8 The saying [ho logos]. In verses
4-7. I will [boulomai]. See
1Ti 2:8. That thou affirm confidently [se
diabebaiousthai]. Indirect command. For the verb see 1Ti 1:7.
That they may be careful [hina phrontizōsin]. Sub-final use
of [hina] with present active subjunctive of [phrontizō], old
verb, only here in N.T. To maintain good works [kalōn ergōn
pro‹stasthai]. Present middle infinitive of [proistēmi],
intransitive use, to stand before, to take the lead in, to care
for. Paul is anxious that “believers” may take the lead in good
works.
3:9 Fightings about the law [machas nomikas]. “Legal
battles.” See
1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Wordy fights about Mosaic and
Pharisaic and Gnostic regulations. Shun [periistaso]. Present
middle imperative of [periistēmi], intransitive, step around,
stand aside (2Ti 2:16). Common in this sense in the literary
Koinē. Unprofitable [anōpheleis]. Old compound adjective
[a] privative and [ophelos], in N.T. only here and
Heb 7:18.
3:10 Heretical [hairetikon]. Old adjective from [hairesis]
[haireomai], to choose), a choosing of a party (sect,
Ac 5:17)
or of teaching (2Pe 2:1). Possibly a schism had been started
here in Crete. Refuse [paraitou]. Present middle imperative
of [paraiteō], to ask from, to beg off from. See same form in
1Ti 4:7; 5:11. Possibly an allusion here to Christ’s directions in
Mt 18:15-17.
3:11 Is perverted [exestraptai]. Perfect passive indicative
of [ekstrephō], old word to turn inside out, to twist, to
pervert. Only here in N.T. Self-condemned [autokatakritos].
Only known example of this double compound verbal adjective
[autos, kata, krinō].
3:12 When I shall send [hotan pempsō]. Indefinite temporal
clause with [hotan] and the first aorist active subjunctive (or
future indicative) of [pempō] (same form). Artemas [Artemān].
Perhaps abbreviation of Artemidorus. Nothing more is known of
him. Or Tychicus [ē Tuchikon]. Paul’s well-known disciple
(Col 4:7; Eph 6:21; 2Ti 4:12). To Nicopolis
[eis Nikopolin]. Probably in Epirus, a good place for work in
Dalmatia (2Ti 4:10). I have determined [kekrika].
Perfect active indicative. I have decided. To winter there [ekei
paracheimasai]. First aorist active infinitive of
[paracheimazō], a literary Koinē word for which see
Ac 27:12; 1Co 16:6.
3:13 Zenas the lawyer [Zēnān ton nomikon]. Possibly
abbreviation of Zenodorus and may be one of the bearers of the
Epistle with Apollos. Probably an expert in the Mosaic law as the
word means in the Gospels. A converted Jewish lawyer. The Latin
term is jurisconsultum for [nomikon]. Apollos [Apollōn].
Paul’s friend (Ac 18:24-19:1; 1Co 1:12ff.). Set forward
[propempson]. First aorist active imperative of [propempō], old
verb, to send on ahead (1Co 16:6, 11; Ro 15:24). That nothing
be wanting unto them [hina mēden autois leipēi]. Purpose with
[hina] and present (or second aorist [lipēi], some MSS.)
subjunctive of [leipō], old verb to leave, to remain, to lack.
With dative case here [autois].
3:14 Our people [hoi hēmeteroi]. “Our folks.” The Cretan
converts, not just Paul’s friends. Let learn [manthanetōsan].
Present active imperative, keep on learning how. To maintain
[pro‹stasthai]. See verse
8. For necessary uses [eis
anagkaias chreias]. “For necessary wants.” No idlers wanted. See
1Th 4:12; 2Th 3:10f. Unfruitful [akarpoi]. See
1Co 14:14; Eph 5:11.
3:15 That love us [tous philountas hēmās]. Paul craved the
love of his friends as opposed to 2:8.
Indexes
Index of Scripture References