Oecumenius

In his own words on Titus

• Titus 1:1

  HYPOTHESIS ON THE EPISTLE TO TITUS Paul sends this letter from Nicopolis. For he spent the winter there. The purpose of this letter is this: He left Titus in Crete to appoint clergy in the cities. Since many there were attempting to deceive the people under the pretext of the law, Paul, having learned this, writes. And first, giving thanks to God for His reverence, it signifies that the faith in Christ is not new, but has been prepared and promised by God from eternity. Then concerning the state of the clergy, and it teaches how and what kind of minster they ought to be. And he is commanded to rebuke those who contradict the sound doctrine, especially those of the circumcision, knowing that the Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons, and to teach that all food is clean to the clean, and how the older women who owe this duty must train the younger women in self-control. He also exhorts how slaves ought to be subject to their own masters. And finally, having reminded that the grace of the Spirit did not justify us by works, but by His own kindness; and having commanded to avoid legal disputes as shameless, Paul shows that after sending Artemas to Titus, so that he might come to him, he also instructed him to teach and to take the lead in good works among his own, and thus Paul completes the Epistle. Titus was an excellent disciple of Paul. Indeed, he was appointed by Paul to be the bishop of Crete, which was very large. Moreover, he was authorized and entrusted to ordain bishops in the lower ranks. When Paul wrote these things, he was in freedom: for he nowhere mentions affliction. The letter is also extended to the Jews. However, this letter seems to have been earlier than the letter to Timothy. The Epistle to Titus by the Apostle Paul Preface.

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• Titus 1:1

  Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness. Paul places no distinction here; elsewhere indeed a servant of Christ, but an apostle of God, now truly in a different manner. according to the faith. Because of faith, that is, because the chosen vessels of God have entrusted themselves to me, I have been made an apostle to teach them. Or in this way: I am an apostle to bring the elect to faith through me, and to know the truth of godliness, Christ. Or thus: To become an apostle and for the elect to be believed was not simply given to me, but because I came to know the truth of godliness. But what is this truth? Christ. Well then, the truth concerning godliness, just as with any other truth, is not about godliness as if it were a skill to be learned.

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• Titus 1:2

  in the hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the beginning of time. in hope of eternal life. Indeed, to know the truth itself for its own sake is a great reward beyond thousands, but now the generous God also gives, besides this very reward, eternal life. For it is said to be for the knowledge of the truth, of the life that is based on hope, eternal. And the term "eternal," making a comparison to the Jews: for they had the promise of present life. which God, who never lies. If God is without deceit, He will certainly fulfill what He has promised. promised before the beginning of time. Not by a later decree or repentance, Paul says, did God determine this, but from the beginning. The greatest honor is that we were loved from the beginning.

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• Titus 1:3

  but has now been revealed in his times his message through his preaching, which was entrusted to me, according to the command of our Savior God. but has now been revealed. What did God reveal in his own times and appropriate seasons? The life which he had promised from eternity. For his Word, that is, Christ, is life and the giver of life. Therefore, when Paul said that God had promised life, he immediately added, "revealed in his times his message through his preaching": but through his preaching, as if the Word itself, that is, Christ, is the author and giver of that life. Through preaching indeed, that is, openly and plainly. which was entrusted to me. From what Paul says: It has been entrusted to me, and, according to the command, he signified that it must necessarily be done and, without making any excuse, whether willing or unwilling, to preach. This also you, he said, do, O Titus.

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• Titus 1:4

  to Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. to Titus, my true child. For one is a child because they have been baptized by them, but not legitimately, because they are sinful. The reason for you being my child, Paul says, is shared faith. He praises Titus as having nothing more than faith in him. Another way. Titus, the child of Paul, as he was taught faith by him, and according to common faith, that is, from baptism, is a brother of Paul. For there is one Father, Christ, and one mother, the baptismal font. Grace, mercy. It is fitting that grace and mercy be prayed for Titus, who is a teacher. For if you do not govern the people, that is, with grace, mercy, and peace, Paul says, the ship of the Church will be overturned. On the training of teachers for ministry and the rebuke of the disobedient.

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• Titus 1:5

  For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might put in order what was left unfinished, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you. You see them as distributing the inhabited world like one house, and each doing something; but look at the athlete of Christ. Where there was danger, Paul himself was present; but when some honor was about to come, he sent the disciples. For Paul had left Titus to appoint bishops in each city, since he had first made him a bishop. And see, he is not ashamed to write to the disciple, saying, "put in order what was left unfinished." For Paul was looking to this one thing alone, namely the salvation of all. elders in every city. For Paul did not wish the entire island of Crete, which was large, to be governed by one bishop, but each city to have its own shepherd. And he calls the bishops elders.

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• Titus 1:6

  If anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children who are not accused of overindulgence or insubordination. If anyone is blameless. Let his life be pure, it is said, and let no one have occasion to find fault with his life. the husband of one wife. Paul says that she alone should know the lawful one. He silences heretics who detest marriage, as if they could also take care of anything after marriage. But he forbids the second marriage, as being under condemnation. having faithful children. For he who has not disciplined his own children, how can he manage others?

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• Titus 1:7-8

  For the bishop must be blameless as God's steward, not stubborn, not quick-tempered, not drunken, not violent, not greedy for gain; but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined. To be accused is a general concept. For to be accused encompasses all things that are to be named: that is, one against whom no crime can be charged. as God's steward. Since, Paul says, the office is great, it also requires great watchfulness. not quick-tempered. For he who cannot master himself, how will he be able to beneficially lead others? not drunken. Drunkard, overbearing. not violent. Not one who harms the consciences of brothers. not greedy for gain. As one who is poor is usually like: as if any profit, even if it seems just, is disgraceful for a bishop. holy. Pure from passions. disciplined. Not only regarding food alone, but also all passions.

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• Titus 1:9

  holding firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he may be able both to encourage with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. holding firmly to the trustworthy message. Or of the true, or of that which is granted through faith, and not from reasoning. Therefore Paul said, as it has been taught, meaning that one can teach even without external wisdom. For, he says, there is no need for natural or philosophical evidence, but rather for doctrine and usefulness. be able both to encourage with sound doctrine. This will be from both understanding and knowledge of the Scriptures. Teaching that is healthy is that which teaches true doctrines and a righteous life. and to refute those who contradict it. For the one who does not know how to fight against enemies, and to capture every thought into the obedience of Christ, will do none of the necessary things. Against those who advocate for bodily purifications, and in favor of spiritual virtue.

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• Titus 1:10-11

  For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially those from the circumcision. They must be silenced, who overturn whole households, teaching things they ought not for dishonest gain. Paul said the root of all things, from which the rest also grow. For the disobedient person does not want to yield themselves, but desires to rule and oversee others. Then it is necessary that he who rules with ecclesiastical authority also teaches, but he who teaches before he has learned, because he does not obey others, is rightly found to be a babbler and a deceiver of minds. especially those from the circumcision. For even Christ reproached them for seeking power: who, even after receiving faith, did not abandon this disease. They must be silenced. For if a bishop has the care and leadership entrusted to him of others, and does not know how to silence the mouths of babblers and seducers, and to convict them, he becomes the cause of loss for those who perish. And rightly it is said: must be silenced: that is, by the force of rebukes, they should not even be allowed to speak, so that from this there may also be found listeners. teaching things they ought not for dishonest gain. There is nothing that this passion does not urge to transgress.

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• Titus 1:12

  One of them, a prophet of their own, said: "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." It is asked for what reason Paul brought forward the testimony of the Greeks, and commended it, especially since it was not rightly said? But what is the testimony? The Cretans built a tomb for Zeus. And so a certain poet says: The Cretans built a tomb for you, O king; but you are by no means dead, for you always live. Part of this prophecy is: The Cretans are always liars, etc. However, the Apostle attested that this saying is true. But if this testimony is true, then Zeus must be immortal. Yet we say that in this alone he said the testimony was true, because he called them liars themselves. — [OECUMENIUS] Epimenides the Cretan, the oracle of the prophet. Callimachus has also made use of the verse spoken by him in the hymn to Zeus. [end of the excerpt by Oecumenius G f. 314r] — Where Paul says: "This testimony," namely that he says they themselves are liars. Indeed, someone might say this is so: but why did he bring forth testimony from the Greeks? And we say that this affected them with the greatest shame that it produced testimony of their own wickedness from their own people. For since those among us do not have faith in them, Paul brought their own accusers to them. This God was also doing when, through the star, He indicated Christ to the Magi, so that they would be occupied with astronomy (Matt. 2), as if admonishing them by their own. Again, the prophet from the oxen drawing the ark (2 Sam. 6:3). Moreover, Saul from the woman having the spirit of Python (Acts 16:16), because he believed her. In these ways God was revealing Himself. Nor is it opposed by the fact that Christ and afterwards the apostles forbade demons to speak: for signs were made which could persuade (Mark 9:38). It was necessary that they persuade men by those whom they believed.

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• Titus 1:13

  This testimony is true. For this reason, he rebuked them sharply, so that they might be sound in the faith. For this reason, he rebuked them sharply. Therefore, because some are wicked, he says, rebuke them more harshly, for they could not be led from gentleness to what is right. be sound in the faith. To be sound in faith, however, is if one has introduced nothing external to it, neither Jewish nor Gentile.

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• Titus 1:14

  not paying attention to Jewish fables and human commandments that turn away from the truth. Jewish fables. The Jewish stories are called fables for two reasons: both because their time has passed, and because even when they were in force, they were a resemblance of truth and not the truth itself. and human commandments. Paul speaks about the observations concerning food, which is evident from what follows.

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• Titus 1:15

  Things are always pure to the pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and conscience are defiled. — [OECUMENIUS] What then was the law given to the Jews concerning uncleanness? And we say, not because they were unclean did God legislate accordingly, but by this law cutting off much luxury and indifference among the Jews. For what is clean and unclean depends chiefly on the character of those receiving it. Since by nature all things are clean to those who do not examine too closely; but to those who are not such, all things are unclean, though not actually unclean. For only sin is truly unclean. [end of the excerpt by Oecumenius A f. 185v; B f. 224v; G f. 314v] — but to the defiled. Therefore, impure things come from a defiled mind: just as for a person suffering from an illness, all things are unpleasant because of the disease. but both their mind and conscience are defiled. No food is indeed impure, Paul says, but the mind and conscience of those people are impure, and their skepticism makes foods impure and useless.

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• Titus 1:16

  They confess to know God, but by their works they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and unfit for every good work. They confess to know God. This is truly impure, for faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)

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• Titus 2:1

  But you speak what accords with sound doctrine. But you speak what accords with sound doctrine. But although these men are such, Paul said, you should nevertheless not become any less diligent, but do what is your duty and teach, even if no one obeys. Exhortations which ought to be given to each according to their age.

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• Titus 2:2

  Elders must be sober, honorable, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in patience. Elders must be sober. For old age is mostly followed by slowness and sluggishness. This, therefore, corrects it. be [εἶναι]. For the common expression is, "must be" [εἶναι δεῖ]. self-controlled [σωφροσύνη]. He basically says careful [Φρονίμους]. For self-controlled is, as it were, soundness, the salvation of the mind. For self-control would not have been sought after by the aged in matters of immorality, as this is generally acknowledged. patience. Paul rightly says that they ought to have patience. For irritability clings to old age.

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• Titus 2:3

  likewise, older women must be respectful in behavior, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of what is good. — [OECUMENIUS] likewise, older women. Paul refers to the deaconesses. Respectful. From this Paul means clothing. [end of the excerpt by Oecumenius Π f. 173v; A f. 186r anonym; B f. 225r; G f. 314v] — behavior. From this attire, Paul says, they showed modesty and the fact of engaging in sacred services. not slanderers. For from wine follows slander: and especially because the violence that comes of wine is hostile to weaker old age. teachers of what is good. And how does it hinder women from teaching elsewhere? And we say that here it speaks about an exhortative speech addressed to household members, but there it is about sitting in public and speaking in the assembly. And that it has made them participants only of the teaching which is imparted at home is made clear by what follows.

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• Titus 2:4-5

  so that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, kind, submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be reviled. so that they may train the young women. Paul is not speaking only about their daughters but of women in general, and for the younger to be subordinate to the older. to love their husbands. This is the head of all duties that exist in the family, from which the rest arise. to love their children. For she who loves the root will also love the branches. homemakers. Paul says "homemaker", those who manage the household affairs. However, such guardians are concerned neither with their own nourishment nor with untimely departures. so that the word of God may not be reviled. For if a husband were unfaithful, having a faithful wife, but not submissive and corrupt, the very faith would be slandered which such women have. Do you see that Paul writes this, having especially the care of preaching?

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• Titus 2:6

  He also urged the younger men to be sensible; presenting yourself as a pattern of good works in everything, in teaching, showing incorruptibility, dignity, sound speech, and blamelessness; so that the opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say about us. Do you see how appropriately Paul arranged it, appointing women as teachers of women and elderly women, and Titus himself to the men? to be sensible. For nothing is so hostile to youth as the erotic love [ἔρως] of the body.

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• Titus 2:7

  presenting yourself as a pattern of good works. Let it be, Paul says, that your life is a common teaching and example to all. in teaching. Providing common understanding. Therefore, offering integrity, familiarity, and a certain humility in teaching. showing incorruptibility. That is, community and something like straightforwardness. dignity. That is, not as a ruler, nor as one speaking to subjects, but gently as to children.

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• Titus 2:8

  sound speech, and blamelessness; so that the opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say about us. sound speech. Clearly, that of the doctrines. For when these are added to the teaching, he who opposes, whether the slanderer or the heretic, will be ashamed, finding no hold at all against us.

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• Titus 2:9-10

  Concerning slaves, so that they themselves may also serve worthily of the grace of Christ.

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• Titus 2:9-10

  Slaves, be obedient to your own masters with all respect, to please them in everything, not being argumentative or pilfering, but showing all good faith:, so that in everything they may adorn the teaching of our Savior God. Therefore, it is not proper to take slaves away from their masters under the pretext of virtue. not being argumentative. Paul urges the observance of obedience and loyalty; for this is what most befits slaves. they may adorn the teaching of our Savior. Rightly Paul said elsewhere, "As servants of God, not of men." (1 Corinthians 7: and Ephesians 6:6-7) Indeed, although you serve the master with goodwill, he says, the opportunity nevertheless begins with the fear of God. For if they are wicked, they bring insult to Christianity. "For the name of God is blasphemed because of you," (Isa. 52:; Rom. 2:24) But those who do the things that have been said will fulfill the preaching, faithfully serving.

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• Titus 2:11-12

  For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. Then Paul also gives a reason why slaves ought to be such toward their masters. For he says that the grace of God has appeared, educating us. Therefore, since we have become pupils of God's discipline, how could we not owe it to act in a manner worthy of His teaching? training us to renounce. The appearance of our Savior God, that is, the revealing in the flesh, not only freed from former sins, but also made us safer for the future. For, as it says, denying signifies great abstinence. ungodliness and worldly passions. Paul speaks of ungodliness as the doctrines of the wicked, and of worldly desires as those both of the soul and of the flesh, and all those that simply do not lead us to heaven. And the term "self-controlled" does not only signify abstinence from bodily pleasures and their love, but also from every passion. in the present age. For this age has the struggle, but the age that is to come has the rewards.

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• Titus 2:13

  waiting for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. waiting for the blessed hope. Behold also the rewards. For nothing is truly more blessed than His revealing. of the glory. For the second coming of Jesus will be with glory, unlike the first which was in humility. of our great God. Where now are the inventors of impious doctrines, who assert that Christ is not God, or is lesser than the Father? For in this place the Apostle openly professes that Christ is even the great God. Truly great, he does not distinguish against some lesser god: by no means! but absolutely so great that no one greater can be understood by it.

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• Titus 2:14

  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a peculiar people for his own possession, eager to do good works. a peculiar people. This is, different from others, abundantly beloved, having nothing in common with the remaining peoples. eager to do good works. Do you see that even in our needs? Eager, Paul says, that is, going towards virtue with much excitement. For it was solely out of his own kindness that he freed us from the sins of old. And he accomplished virtue both for himself and for us.

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• Titus 2:15

  Speak these things and urged, and reproved with all authority. Let no one despise you. with all authority. That is, with harshness. For since the characters of these men were harsher, therefore they say that they are rebuked sharply. Let no one despise you, that is, let no one look down on you. Do you see how the bishop is to be both powerful and authoritative?

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• Titus 3:1

  Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work. to be ready for every good work. That is to be ready and well-prepared.

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• Titus 3:2

  to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all people. to speak evil of no one. Even if he acts badly, even if he makes a mistake in something. For our mouth must generally be free from insult. "For you say, 'Why do you judge your brother?" (Rom.14:10" Why do you alter the judgment of God? For he calls the insult against his brother blasphemy. showing all humility to all people. Both Jews and Greeks, and friends and enemies, and those who wrong you and those who harass.

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• Titus 3:3

  For we were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in hatred and envy, hated by one another. Do not reproach anyone, Paul says. For we too were evil, not that we still are. Therefore, since you were once such, and were saved by the grace of Christ, and not by your own works, how do you dare to reproach another? When were we such? When, he says, we were in error, when we worshipped idols. For it is clear how the Greeks live irreverently. For among them are adultery, fornication, murders, and shameful all-night partying [παννυχίδες]. And these they commit as if in honor of the gods.

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• Titus 3:4-5

  But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. Through His incarnation. not because of works done by us in righteousness. Not because, Paul says, we live so religiously as to urge him to become incarnate, but because God himself wished to have mercy on us, being unworthy. works done by us. For we did not do it.

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• Titus 3:6-7

  whom He poured out richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. He poured out richly upon us. Which spirit? The one whom, Paul says, poured out richly upon us through Jesus Christ. He says that we needed great spiritual grace, so that not only might we be justified from past sins, but also become heirs of life; for this reason, He poured out. by His grace. Of Christ, and of the Holy Spirit. we might become heirs. He says, Let us become heirs of eternal life, which is now in hope for us. — So be it. Let us become heirs of eternal life, as we also hope.

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• Titus 3:8

  The saying is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to insist on, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to excel in good works. These things are good and beneficial to people. Since Paul spoke about future things, which were unclear to most, he adds, The saying is trustworthy, that is, true and certain to come to pass. and concerning these things I want you. And about those things which have been said above and about these things. About which? may be careful to excel in good works. That is, of widows, orphans, those who are troubled, those in need; not only with money, but also with sincerity. These are the good things. To lead to good works.

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• Titus 3:9

  but avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain. but avoid foolish disputes, genealogies. Genealogies or concerning the Greeks, who were recounting the lineage of their gods. They say, 'such a one begot such a one'. Concerning the Jews, who do not assert anything, but resort to genealogies and from them hold great esteem. Abraham, they say, Isaac and Jacob are our ancestors. But they bring foolish things, that is, nothing beneficial. For what benefit is there to a sinner if Abraham is his father? Indeed, rather it will bring harm if, having come from these, they were made reprobate. Flee, and beware. How then does Paul elsewhere command that he should stop the mouths of those who contradict, if it is absolutely necessary to believe and to forsake? And we say: That it is necessary to stop the mouths of those who teach to the destruction of others: but when they contend against you not about dogma, yield and forsake. for they are unprofitable. For, Paul says, they will have no good end. Exhortations concerning the avoidance of heretical seekers.

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• Titus 3:10-11

  Warn a heretical man once or twice, and then reject him; knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned. — [OECUMENIUS] And elsewhere Paul says, "May God not grant them repentance." (2 Tim. 2:25) How then does he here order to cease? There he speaks about correction for those who have hope; here, however, about those suffering incurable diseases. [end of the excerpt by Oecumenius R f. 300r] — being self-condemned. For Paul has no defense to offer, saying, "No one told me; no one advised me." Being self-condemned means either being without defense or being condemned by oneself and one's own conscience.

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• Titus 3:12

  When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make haste to come to me at Nicopolis; for I have decided to spend the winter there. make haste to come to me. Why indeed, having established Titus in Crete, does Paul call him back to himself again? In order that he may be better structured and may advise on what is to be done. Nicopolis is a city of Thrace. — [THEODORET] at Nicopolis. Nicopolis is in Thrace, and it borders on Macedonia. It is therefore clear that Paul wrote the Letter at that time when he was staying in Macedonia and Achaia. [end of the excerpt by Theodoret PG 82.869b] —

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• Titus 3:13

  I have earnestly sent Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that nothing may be lacking for them. I have earnestly sent Zenas the lawyer. Experienced in the Jewish laws. Yet these had not yet been entrusted to the Church. But Apollos was a certain great man, both learned and mighty in the Scriptures. so that nothing may be lacking for them. In every abundance, provide for them, perhaps with food and clothing.

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• Titus 3:14

  Let our own also learn to devote themselves to good works for necessary needs, so that they may not be unfruitful. Let our own also learn. The statement concerning teaching, or concerning instruction, as if Paul said: They themselves showed themselves to be generous towards those in need, and let them draw them to themselves, whether they are in need of teaching or of necessities. so that they may not be unfruitful. For Paul wishes to benefit those who give rather than those who receive.

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• Titus 3:15

  All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. Greet those who love us in faith. Or it means those who love him, generally the faithful. And the phrase "in faith," as through faith. Finished, with divine help, of the Epistle to Titus. It was written from the city of Nicopolis in Macedonia to Titus, the ordained bishop of the first Church of the Cretans.

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