CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
Titus 2:2. That the aged men be sober.—As in 1 Timothy 3:2-11, the bishops and deacons. Properly the word “sober” here means not addicted to much wine; then it comes to be applied to the spirit which is not inflamed with passion. Grave.—“The English word which we want, to translate the original, is one in which the sense of gravity and dignity, and of these as inviting reverence, is combined—a word for which, I fear, we may look long without finding” (Trench).
Titus 2:3. In behaviour as becometh holiness.—R.V. “reverent in demeanour.” That they deport themselves fittingly with the reputation they bear for being consecrated characters. Such behaviour will beget reverence and awe. Not given to much wine.—R.V. “enslaved to.” St. Paul evidently did not think much of the veritas in vino. If it loosened the tongue, it was to slander. Teachers of good things.—One word in the Greek—“teachers-of-the-beautiful.” It is interesting to note that in the Pastorals, whose design was to call the attention of Christians to the beauty and nobility of perseverance in holiness, this word for the beauty of goodness is often employed.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Titus 2:1-3
Christianity and Old Age.
I. Christianity teaches what should be the special virtues of aged men (Titus 2:1-2).—Aged men should not refuse to receive instruction from another because he is young, if his teaching is sound and wholesome. Experience teaches the necessity of vigilance; and to be vigilant the aged must be sober. Dignified gravity is becoming in old age. The three graces—faith, hope, charity—are the beauty and glory of old men. Patient endurance is supported by hope; and it is a grace befitting the aged, being the result of a ripened experience gained by victory over many trials. The chief attractions of age are in the future. “Winter,” says Richter, “which strips the leaves from around us, makes us see the distant regions they formerly concealed; so does old age rob us of our enjoyments only to enlarge the prospect of eternity before us.”
II. Christianity teaches what should be the special virtues of aged women (Titus 2:3).—Purity is the precious jewel of woman, whether old or young. The deportment of aged women should be in harmony with holiness, as becometh women consecrated to God, and as Christian priestesses. Slander, the besetting sin of some elderly women, and intemperance, the besetting sin of the Cretans and of other women nearer home, should be strictly avoided. A woman enslaved to wine is a she-demon. Aged women should be an example to younger women in the teaching and practice of all that is pure and good. It is impossible to exaggerate the value of the influence of one good woman. Samuel Morley’s mother was a woman of rare piety, and the great philanthropist often confessed, “I am much what my mother has made me.”
III. This teaching should be appropriately enforced.—“Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Sound doctrine is suited to all ages and classes, and should be faithfully inculcated, irrespective of the disparity of years between the teacher and the taught.
Lessons.—
1. Christianity has duties suited to every period and relation of life.
2. Christianity is the comfort and ornament of old age.
3. The aged Christian should be an example and encouragement to the young.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
Titus 2:1. The Preacher’s Directory.
I. He should be a preacher.
II. He should be himself.
III. He should be a student.
IV. He should be practical.
Titus 2:2. The Temptations and Duties of old Men.
I. Three sins to be avoided.—
1. Indulgence in wine.
2. Irreverence.
3. Folly.
II. Three virtues to be cherished.—
1. Stability.
2. Love.
3. Patience.
Titus 2:3. The Dangers and Duties of Women.
I. Women have dangers peculiar to their age.
II. Women have duties according to their age.
Lessons.—
1. True religion is the foundation of home happiness.
2. The secret of domestic prosperity.
3. True religion at home can alone ensure the esteem of those abroad.—F. W.