Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Titus 1:3
But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior;
3. but hath in due times ] See note on 1Ti 6:15: and compare Gal 6:9. The phrase may well be thought the Hellenistic equivalent of the more classical form with preposition and substantive alone, Joh 5:4; Rom 5:6 ‘in due season Christ died,’ in accordance with the growing use of idios, which occurs fifteen times in the Pastoral Epistles.
manifested his word ] Bp Wordsworth follows Jerome in understanding this directly of Christ ‘manifested His Word’; but such an usage has no proper support in St Paul. ‘To understand with modern interpreters “ the Gospel,” he says, is a feeble tautology.’ But Col 1:26 gives us ‘to fulfil (i.e. to preach fully) the word of God, even the mystery which hath been hid now manifested which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we proclaim.’ Compare also Rom 16:25 quoted above. So Vulg. and Theod. Mops. Lat. ‘manifestavit verbum suum.’
through preaching ] Rather, as R.V. margin, in the proclamation, to define the mode of manifestation a historic creed, ‘declaring God’s mind not by dark intimations merely or distant promises but in great facts.’ For such a ‘proclamation,’ the earliest written ‘Gospel,’ see 1Co 15:1-8. Cf. also 1Ti 3:16 and the note.
which is committed unto me ] More exactly as R.V., wherewith I was intrusted, as in 1Ti 1:2.
according to the commandment ] Better, as in 1Ti 1:1, where see note, by authority from. And therefore Titus is to ‘reprove with all authority,’ ch. Tit 2:15.
of God our Saviour ] The same phrase with the same force as in 1Ti 1:1 (see note), and again in this Epistle Tit 2:10, Tit 3:4. The reference is to God the Father, compare the Prayer for Peace and deliverance in the Prayer-Book, ‘that Thou art our Saviour and mighty Deliverer,’ while in the next verse the same title is given to God the Son. But observe the order here, as in 1Ti 2:3, our Saviour God; the closing emphasis on the word ‘God’ expresses still more forcibly than ‘God our Saviour’ the thought explained in Tit 1:1.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
But hath in due times – At the proper time; the time which he had intended; the best time: see the notes at 1Ti 2:6; compare the notes at Mat 2:2.
Manifested his word through preaching – See the notes at 2Ti 2:10. The meaning here is, that he has made known his eternal purpose through the preaching of the gospel; compare the notes at Rom 10:14-15.
Which is committed unto me – Not exclusively, but in common with others; see the notes at 2Ti 1:11.
According to the commandment of God our Saviour – Paul always claimed to be divinely commissioned, and affirmed that he was engaged in the work of preaching by the authority of God; see Gal 1:1-12; 1Co 1:1; Rom 1:1-4.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Tit 1:3
But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching
A timely revelation
I.
A timely revelation–the purpose of salvation through Christ Jesus.
II. A sacred trust–to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ.
III. A divine commission–to preach according to the commandment of God. (F. Wagstaff.)
Salvation revealed
I. That salvation is more clearly revealed than in former ages appeareth in that all the time of the law was but the infancy and nonage of the Church, which then was as a child under tutors and governors; and as a child was initiated in rudiments and elements of Christian religion, and endued with a small measure of knowledge and faith, because the time was not come wherein the mysteries of Christ were unfolded.
II. The Lord (who doth not only by His wisdom order His greatest works, but every circumstance of them) effecteth all His promises and purposes in the due season of them.
III. The manifestation of salvation is to be sought for in the preaching of the Word. Which point is plain, in that the preaching of the Word is an ordinance of God.
1. To make Christ known, in whose name alone salvation is to be had.
2. To beget and confirm faith in the heart, by which alone, as by an hand, we apprehend and apply Him with His merits to our salvation. (T. Taylor, D. D.)
Gods Word manifested through preaching
I. The manifestation of gods word. This was gradually made to men–to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles–in general, and to particular places.
II. The instrumentality employed for that manifestation. We should imitate the simplicity, zeal and affection displayed in the apostles preaching. (W. Lucy.)
Preaching in Gods name
An American gentleman once went to hear Whitefield for the first lime, in consequence of the report he heard of his preaching powers. The day was rainy, the congregation comparatively thin, and the beginning of the sermon rather heavy. Our American friend began to say to himself, This man is no great wonder, after all. He looked round, and saw the congregation as little interested as himself. One old man in front of the pulpit had fallen asleep. But all at once Whitefield stopped short. His countenance changed. And then he suddenly broke forth in an altered tone: If I had come to speak to you in my own name, you might well rest your elbows on your knees, and your heads on your hands, and sleep; and once in a while look up, and say, What is this babbler talking of? But I have not come to you in my own name. No! I have come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts (here he brought down his hand and foot with a force that made the building ring), and I must, and will be heard. The congregation started. The old man woke up at once. Ay, ay! cried Whitefield, fixing his eyes on him, I have waked you up, have I? I meant to do it. I am not come here to preach to stocks and stones. I have come to you in the name of the Lord God of Bests, and I must, and will, have an audience. The hearers were stripped of their apathy at once. Every word of the sermon was attended to. And the American gentleman never forgot it. (J. G. Ryle.)
The best ally in Christian work
Frederick the Great was once in company with a number of French wits, and there was a brave Scotchman also at the table, who was the ambassador of England. Frederick the Great was then contemplating a war, in which he would be dependent upon English subsidies, and by and by the ambassador, as he listened to the king and these French wits making fun of religion, and speaking of its certain and sudden decay, said, By the help of God England will stand by Prussia in the war. Frederick turned round and said, rather sneeringly, By the help of God! I did not know that you bad an ally of that name. But the Scotchman turned round to the king, and said, May it please your majesty, that is the only ally England has to whom England does not send subsidies. Now, let me say, that we as a Christian Church and as a missionary society have an ally of that name. Our ally is the Lord of Hosts, and it is because His name has been upon our banners that we have succeeded in the past. (T. H. Hunt.)
Which is committed unto me, according to the commandment of God our Saviour
The Christian ministry
I. Every minister called by God is one of Christs committees, unto whom He betrusteth now after His departure the care and oversight of His spouse, who is dearer unto Him than His own life, appeareth in that they are called stewards of this great house, having received the keys to open the kingdom of heaven, and to distribute to the necessity of their fellow servants; chosen vessels, as Paul, not to contain, but to carry the pearl and the treasure of the kingdom; feeders, as Peter, husband men, to whom the vineyard is let out till His return.
1. The honour of a minister is faithfulness in the diligent and careful discharging himself of that trust committed unto him; the principal part of which repose standeth in the faithful dispensing of Christs legacies to His Church, according to His own testament; which as it is his duty enjoined (1Co 4:2), so is it his crown, his joy, his glory, that by his faithful pains he hath procured the welfare of his people, and bringeth with it a great recompense of reward; for if he that showeth himself a good and faithful servant in little things, shall be ruler over much; what may he expect that is faithful in the greatest?
2. The ministry is no calling of ease, but a matter of great charge; nor contemptible, as many contemptuous persons think it too base a calling for their children; but honourable, near unto God, a calling committing unto men great matters, which not only the angels themselves have dispensed sundry times, but even the Lord of the angels, Jesus Christ Himself, all the while lie ministered upon earth; the honour of which calling is such, as those who are employed in the duties of it, are called not only angels, but coworkers with Christ in the salvation of men.
II. Whosoever would find comfort in themselves, or clear and justify their callings to others, or do good in that place of the body wherein they are set, must be able to prove that they are not intruders, but pressed by this calling and commandment of god: that as Paul performed every duty in the Church by virtue of his extraordinary calling, so they by virtue of their ordinary. For can any man think that a small advantage to himself, which our apostle doth so dwell upon in his own person, and that in every epistle, making his calling known to be committed unto him, not of men, nor by men, but by Jesus Christ? (See Gal 1:1; Gal 2:7; Eph 3:2; 1Th 2:4)
1. Let no man presume to take upon him any office in the Church uncalled; no man taketh this honour to himself. Christ Himself must he appointed of His Father.
2. Let none content himself with the calling of man separated from Gods calling; for this was the guise of the false apostles against whom our apostle opposeth himself and calling almost everywhere, who were called of men, but not of God.
3. In all other callings let men be assured they have Gods warrant, both in the lawfulness of the callings themselves, and in their holy exercise of them; passing through them daily in the exercise of faith and repentance, not forgetting daily to sanctify them by the Word and prayer.
III. Ministers may and ought to be more or less in the commendation of their calling, as the nature and necessity of the people to whom they write or speak do require.
1. As the apostle here magnifieth his authority in that he is a servant of God.
2. An apostle of Jesus Christ,
3. That he received his apostleship by commission and commandment of Christ Himself; and
4. All this while hath by sundry other arguments amplified the excellency of his calling: the reason of all which is not so much to persuade Titus, who was before sufficiently persuaded of it; but partly for the Cretians sake, that they might the rather entertain this doctrine so commended in the person of the bringer; and partly because many in this isle lifted up themselves against him and Titus, as men thrusting in their sickles into other mens fields too busily; or else if they had a calling, yet taking too much upon them, both in correcting disorders and establishing such novelties among them as best liked them; so as here being to deal against false apostles, perverse people, and erroneous doctrines he is more prolix and lofty in his title; otherwise, where he met not with such strong opposition, he is more sparing in his titles, as in the Epistles to the Colossians, Thessalonians, etc. (T. Taylor, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 3. But hath in due times] . In its own times. See 2Ti 2:6; Ga 4:4; Eph 1:10; Eph 2:7. God caused the Gospel to be published in that time in which it could be published with the greatest effect. It is impossible that God should prematurely hasten, or causelessly delay, the accomplishment of any of his works. Jesus was manifested precisely at the time in which that manifestation could best promote the glory of God and the salvation of man.
Manifested his word] . His doctrine-the doctrine of eternal life, by the incarnation, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Which is committed unto me] That is, to preach it among the Gentiles.
According to the commandment of God our Saviour] This evidently refers to the commission which he had received from Christ. See Ac 9:15: “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles.” For, “I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee; to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light,” c, Ac 26:16, c. This is the commandment and according to it he became the apostle of the Gentiles.
God our Saviour.-As the commission was given by Jesus Christ alone, the person whom he terms here God our Saviour must be Jesus Christ only; and this is another proof that St. Paul believed Jesus Christ to be GOD. This eternal life God had promised in a comparatively obscure way before the foundation of the world, the Jewish dispensation; but now under the Gospel, he had made it manifest-produced it with all its brightness, illustrations, and proofs.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
But hath in due times; in proper time, (saith the Greek), in such time as God had eternally purposed, and as seemed good to the Divine wisdom.
Manifested his word through preaching; he hath by setting up the ordinance of preaching, or publishing the gospel, by men sent by him, manifested this promise of eternal life, which lay much obscured under the veil of temporal promises under the Old Testament.
Which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; which office of preaching, or which word, was committed to me, by the will of God, or immediate command of God: as to which, see Act 26:17,18.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
3. in due timesGreek,“in its own seasons,” the seasons appropriate to it,and fixed by God for it (Ac 1:7).
manifestedimplyingthat the “promise,” Tit1:2, had lain hidden in His eternal purpose heretofore (compareCol 1:26; 2Ti 1:9;2Ti 1:10).
his wordequivalent to”eternal life” (Tit 1:2;Joh 5:24; Joh 6:63;Joh 17:3; Joh 17:17).
through preachingGreek,“in preaching,” of rather as ALFORD(see on 2Ti 4:17), “in the(Gospel) proclamation (the thing preached, the Gospel) withwhich I was entrusted.”
according toinpursuance of (compare 1Ti 1:1).
of God our Saviourratheras Greek, “of our Saviour God.” God ispredicated of our Saviour (compare Jdg 1:25;Luk 1:47). Also Psa 24:5;Isa 12:2; Isa 45:15;Isa 45:21, Septuagint.Applied to Jesus, Tit 1:4;Tit 2:13; Tit 3:6;2Ti 1:10.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
But hath in due times manifested his word,…. Either Christ, his essential Word; or the word of truth, the Gospel of salvation; or rather his word of promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus:
through preaching; through the ministry of the word by the apostles; in which Christ is revealed in the glory of his person, and the fulness of his grace, and in the efficacy of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice; and in which the Gospel, that was ordained before the world was, and is the fellowship of the mystery which was hid in God, is published; and in which the promise of eternal life, which lay in God’s heart, in the covenant of grace, and in the hands of Christ, and which with Christ, and his Gospel, were hid under the dark types, shadows, and sacrifices of the law, is clearly made known: “in due times”; appointed by God, agreed between the Father and the Son, and suitable to the state, case, and condition of men; when the law of Moses, and the light of nature, legal sacrifices, and moral power, had been sufficiently tried, the one in the Jewish, the other in the Gentile world; and after that the Son of God was become incarnate, which was in the fulness of time; and when he had suffered for the ungodly, which was in due time; see 1Ti 2:6.
Which is committed unto me; that is, which preaching or ministry of the word, the Gospel, and the dispensation of it, which, as a trust, was deposited in the hands of the apostle, and of which he was a faithful steward: according to the commandment of God our Saviour; either God the Father, so called, Tit 3:4 compared with Tit 1:6 and who is the Saviour of all men in a providential way, and of all the elect in a way of special grace, by his Son Jesus Christ; and by whom the apostle was appointed and separated to the preaching of the Gospel; and by whom this was committed to his trust: or rather the Lord Jesus Christ, who is truly and properly God, the great God, and our Saviour, Tit 2:13 and who is the only Saviour of lost sinners; and he it was that personally appeared to Paul, and made him a minister of the word, committed the Gospel to him, and gave him a commandment, and orders to preach it among the Gentiles, Ac 26:15.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
In his own seasons ( ). Locative case. See 1Tim 2:6; 1Tim 6:15.
In the message ( ). See 1Cor 1:21; 1Cor 2:4 for this word, the human proclamation (preaching) of God’s word.
Wherewith I was intrusted ( ). Accusative relative retained with the first aorist passive indicative of as in 1Ti 1:11. See 1Ti 2:7.
Of God our Saviour ( ). In verse 4 he applies the words “ ” to Christ. In 2:13 he applies both and to Christ.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
In due times [ ] . Better, in his (or its) own seasons. See on 1Ti 2:6.
Through preaching [ ] . Rather, in a proclamation. See on 2Ti 4:17.
Which is committed unto me [ ] . Betters wherewith I was intrusted. See on 1Ti 1:11.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “But hath in due times.” (de kairois idios) “Yet in its own marked off periods” – periods of age-times.
2) “Manifested his word through preaching.” (epanerosen ton logon autou en kerugmati) “He manifested his word in preaching.” Through John the Baptist, Jesus, the apostles, and Paul, apostle to the Gentiles.
3) “Which is committed unto me.” (ho episteuthen ego) “Which I was entrusted” (with) Gal 1:15-16; Act 20:24. Paul also declared that God “put him into the ministry,” 1Ti 1:12. He did not enter it of his own initiative – See 2.
4) “According to the commandment of God our Saviour.” (kat’ epitagen tou sotiris hemon theou) “According to God, the Saviour of us” – In this passage Paul asserts that his call to the ministry was a direct trust from God, not men, or even the church, Rom 1:16; Gal 1:11-12.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
3. But hath manifested There was indeed some manifestation of this kind, when God in ancient times spake by his prophets; but because Christ publicly, displayed by his coming those thing which they had obscurely predicted, and the Gentiles were afterwards admitted into the fellowship of the covenant, in this sense Paul says that what had formerly been exhibited in part “hath now been manifested.”
In his own times This has the same meaning as “the fullness of times.” (Gal 4:4.) He reminds us that the time when it pleased the Lord to do this — must have been the most seasonable time for doing it; and he mentions this for the purpose of meeting the rashness of men, who have always the hardihood to inquire why it was not sooner, or why it is to-day rather than to-morrow. In order therefore that our curiosity may not exceed proper bounds, he shews that the “times” are placed in the hand, and at the disposal, of God, in such a manner that we ought to think that he does everything in the proper order and at the most seasonable time.
His word. Or, by his word; for it is not uncommon with Greek writers to supply the preposition by. Or, he calls Christ the Word; if it be not thought preferable to supply something for the sake of completing the sentence. Were it not that the second exposition is a little forced, in other respects I should give it the preference. Thus John says,
“
What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what our hands have handled of the Word of life; and the life was manifested.” (1Jo 1:1.)
I therefore prefer what is a simple meaning, that God hath manifested the word concerning the life by the preaching of the gospel.
The preaching, of which he speaks, is the gospel proclaimed, as the chief thing which we hear in it is — that Christ is given to us, and that in him there is life.
Which hath been committed to me. Because all are not indiscriminately fit for so important an office, and no man ought to thrust himself into it, he asserts his calling, according to his custom. Here we ought to learn — what we have often remarked on other occasions — that the honor is not due to any man, till he has proved that God has ordained him, for even the ministers of Satan proudly boast that God has called them, but there is no truth in their words. Now Paul states nothing but what is known and proved, when he mentions his calling.
Besides, from this passage we learn for what purpose they were made apostles. It was for the sake of publishing the gospel, as he says elsewhere,
“
Woe to me if I preach not the gospel, for a dispensation is committed unto me.” (1Co 9:16.)
Accordingly, they who enact dumb show, in the midst of idleness and luxury, are excessively impudent in boasting that they are the successors of the apostles.
Of God our Savior He applies the same epithet to the Father and to Christ, so that each of them is our Savior, but for a different reason; for the Father is called our Savior, because he redeemed us by the death of his Son, that he might make us heirs of eternal life; and the Son, because he shed his blood as the pledge and the price of our salvation. Thus the Son hath brought salvation to us from the Father, and the Father hath bestowed it through the Son.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(3) But hath in due times.Or better, but hath in his own seasonsthat is, in the fitting seasons, those fixed by Him for the manifestation.
Manifested his word.That is, His gospel. (See Rom. 16:25.)
Through preaching.Or, in the preaching. Paul does not shrink from calling his preaching the vehicle in which the Word or the gospel of God was to be publicly manifested, because he was conscious that he was divinely instructed in the secrets of the eternal counsels.
Which is committed unto me.Literally, with which I was entrusted.
According to the commandment of God our Saviour.The commandment came to St. Paul direct from God; we have several intimations of this. Amongst others, on the Damascus road, when the Lord appeared to him; in the Temple at Jerusalem; in the ship, during the memorable voyage which ended with shipwreck; in the visions mentioned in 2Co. 12:1-9. St. Paul dwells with emphasis on the thought that he was entrusted with the preaching of the gospel according to the commandment of God. The work was not undertaken by him, from any will or wish of his own. God our Saviour in this place, as in 1Ti. 1:1, must be understood as God the Father. The First Person of the blessed Trinity fitly possesses the title of our Saviour, because through the death of His dear Son He redeemed us from death and made us heirs of eternal life. The Second Person of the Trinity is likewise a possessor of the title, because He shed His blood as the price of our redemption. The epithet of Saviourthe title just given to the Father, in the very next verse ascribed to the Sonis one of the many indications we possess of St. Pauls belief that the Son was equal to the Father as touching His Godhead.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
3. But Contrastive between the ideal and the manifested promise.
In due times In its own times; the times divinely held to be suitable for such manifestation.
His word We might have expected it as referring to promise, as manifested; but St. Paul uses the term his word to identify the promise with the gospel word.
Preaching Literally, proclamation.
Committed unto me Note 1Ti 1:12-17.
According to The third in the paragraph. Paul’s apostleship accords with “elect faith;” which accords with “godliness;” the preaching of which accords with the divine order. And the passage ends, as it began, at Paul’s personality, showing that the whole is the import of the word apostle, so that at this point he makes transition to Titus.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘But in his own seasons manifested his word in the message, wherewith I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Saviour.’
But while the promises were made ‘before the times of the ages’, they came into fulfilment in the seasons that God chose. Firstly through Moses and the Prophets, and then ‘when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman — to redeem those who were under the Law’ (Gal 4:4). And it was the message of Moses and the Prophets as they pointed forward to Jesus Christ, and the message of Jesus Himself, with which he has been entrusted in accordance with the command of ‘God our Saviour’. His teaching was under divine command. If only we realised this more in our own lives, how much more effective our witness would be.
‘God our Saviour.’ Compare 1Ti 1:1. In Titus Paul slides easily between ‘God our Saviour’ (here, Tit 2:10; Tit 3:4) and ‘Christ Jesus our Saviour’ (Tit 1:4; Tit 2:13; Tit 3:6), even speaking of ‘the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ’ (Tit 2:13). It will be noted that each time that he speaks of God our Saviour he follows it almost immediately with a similar reference to Jesus Christ. The dual reference is no doubt deliberate.
Sometimes it is easy to get the mistaken idea that God is harsh, and that Jesus is the soft face of God. But that is, of course, totally untrue. God Himself is the Saviour. His heart is fully in it and He performs His saving work through Jesus Christ in full co-operation with Him. As Jesus put it, ‘My Father works up to now, and I work’ (Joh 5:17). They are doing the saving work together.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Tit 1:3. In due times In his own proper times. See 1Ti 2:6. Gal 4:4. Eph 1:10; Eph 2:7. In this the apostle might probably allude to the prophesies, and particularly to the celebrated prophesy of Daniel concerning the seventy weeks; Dan 9:24. Instead of commandment, some read appointment. Dr. Benson upon the 4th verse, observing that the words mercy and the Lord are omitted in some manuscripts, makes this remark, which deserves much attention: “It is not very material,” says he, “as to the sense, whether these words be left out or retained; and indeed, I have found this observation to hold good concerning most of the various readings: that is, it is of little or no moment, as to the sense and connection, whether you receive or reject them.”
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Tit 1:3 . ] forms an antithesis to . True, the promise is a revelation, but only a revelation in which the point under consideration still remains hidden. The object of is not the same as that to which . relates, viz. , i.e. ; Beza: quam promiserat Deus manifestam autem fecit The object is , which is not to be taken as in apposition to (or as Heinrichs even thinks, to ), though it is strange that . should begin a new sentence. This is one of the cases where as Buttmann, p. 328, remarks a relative sentence passes almost imperceptibly into a principal sentence, without such continuation changing the actual principal sentence into one subordinate.
] is, of course, not a name for Christ (scholiasts in Matthaei), but the gospel, which contains the , Rom 16:26 , or, as is said here, .
] comp. 1Ti 2:6 . How this of the divine word took place, is told in the next words: ] (see 2Ti 4:17 ) is not quite “the general preaching of the gospel by the apostles” (Matthies, Wiesinger), the thought being limited by the words following; is to be taken as forming one thought with what follows: “the preaching entrusted to me.” Paul had some reason for describing his preaching as the means by which this revelation was made, since he recognised the depth of the divine decree as no other apostle had recognised it, and by him it was proclaimed “to all peoples” (see 2Ti 4:17 ).
] see 1Co 9:17 ; Gal 2:7 ; 1Th 2:4 ; 1Ti 1:11 .
To define and emphasize the thought that the was not according to his own pleasure, Paul adds: ] comp. 1Ti 1:1 . Hofmann construes differently, connecting together and as well as , and then joining immediately with . But this construction not only makes (which, according to Hofmann, is in apposition to ) quite superfluous, but separates ideas closely attached to each other, and , and .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
Ver. 3. Manifested his word ] As when he said plainly, “He that believeth in the Son hath eternal life.”
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
3 .] but (contrast to the eternal and hidden purpose, and to the promise, just mentioned) manifested in its own seasons (not, ‘ His own seasons ’ (Ellic. al.), cf. ref. Gal.: the times belonging to it, , , , Thl., fixed by Him for the manifestation) His word (we naturally expect the same object as before, viz. : but we have instead, , not to be taken in apposition with , as Heinrichs: i.e. the Gospel, see Rom 16:25 ) in (as the element or vehicle of its manifestation) the proclamation (see 2Ti 4:17 ) with which (on the construction, see reff.) I was entrusted according to (in pursuance of, reff.) the command of our Saviour God:
Tit 1:3 . : For see note on 1Ti 3:16 . We must observe that no N.T. writer speaks of a manifestation of the gift of eternal life (1Jn 1:2 refers to the personal Incarnate Life). God’s message concerning it, which is the revelation of a divine secret purpose, is manifested. See Col 4:4 in addition to the last reff. given on . may be supplied bef. (von Soden).
. See on 1Ti 2:6 ; 1Ti 6:15 . The rendering his own seasons suits the context here.
: Note the distinction here indicated between the substance of the revelation ( ) given by God, and the form of it as expressible ( ) by the human preacher. It is parallel to the use of and in Joh 8:43 .
has . . . as its antecedent in 1Ti 1:11 , where see note.
: See note on 1Ti 1:1 . There the order is . Here is epexegetical of , as is in chap. Tit 2:13 . is to be taken with , which is another way of expressing the notion of . On as a title of God, see notes on 1Ti 1:1 ; 1Ti 2:4 .
hath. Omit.
in. No preposition.
times. Gr. kairos, the fit
season. Figure of speech Heterosis of number. App-6. See App-195.
manifested. App-106.
word. App-121.
through. Greek. en. App-104.
preaching. App-121.
is = was.
committed. App-150.
commandment. Greek. epitage. Occurs: Tit 2:16. Rom 16:26, 1Co 7:6, 1Co 7:25, 2Co 8:8. 1Ti 1:1.
Saviour. Greek. solter. Six times in this short Ep. Here, Tit 1:4; Tit 2:10, Tit 2:13; Tit 3:4, Tit 3:6.
3.] but (contrast to the eternal and hidden purpose, and to the promise, just mentioned) manifested in its own seasons (not, His own seasons (Ellic. al.), cf. ref. Gal.:-the times belonging to it, , , , Thl.,-fixed by Him for the manifestation) His word (we naturally expect the same object as before, viz. : but we have instead, ,-not to be taken in apposition with , as Heinrichs:-i.e. the Gospel, see Rom 16:25) in (as the element or vehicle of its manifestation) the proclamation (see 2Ti 4:17) with which (on the construction, see reff.) I was entrusted according to (in pursuance of, reff.) the command of our Saviour God:
Tit 1:3. ) were longer than these.
Tit 1:3
but in his own seasons manifested his word in the message, wherewith I was intrusted-In the fitting seasons fixed by God for the manifestation of the gospel in preaching the message, Paul does not shrink from calling his preaching the vehicle in which the word of the gospel was to be publicly manifested because he was conscious of the fact that he was divinely instructed in the secrets of the eternal counsels.
according to the commandment of God-[The commandment came direct from God: on the road to Damascus when the Lord appeared to him (Act 9:5-6); spoke encouragement to him at Corinth (Act 18:9-10): and at Jerusalem (Act 23:11).]
our Saviour;-[In this place and in 1Ti 1:1, we must understand that this refers to God the Father because through the death of his Son he redeemed us from death and made us heirs of eternal life. The Lord Jesus Christ is likewise a possessor of the title because he shed his blood as the price of our redemption and made us heirs of eternal life.]
Saviour
(See Scofield “Rom 1:16”).
in: Dan 8:23, Dan 9:24-27, Dan 10:1, Dan 11:27, Hab 2:3, Act 17:26, Rom 5:6, Gal 4:4, Eph 1:10, 1Ti 2:6, 2Ti 1:10
manifested: Mar 13:10, Mar 16:15, Act 10:36, Rom 10:14, Rom 10:15, Rom 15:19, Rom 16:26, Eph 2:17, Eph 3:5-8, Phi 1:13, Col 1:6, Col 1:23, 1Ti 2:5, Rev 14:16
which: 1Co 9:17, 1Th 2:4, 1Ti 1:11, 1Ti 2:7, 2Ti 1:11
God: Tit 2:10, Tit 2:13, Tit 3:4-6, Isa 12:2, Isa 45:15, Isa 45:21, 1Ti 1:1, 1Ti 2:3, 1Ti 4:10
Reciprocal: Psa 106:21 – God Mat 13:35 – I will utter Luk 12:48 – For Act 20:24 – and the Gal 1:1 – but 1Th 5:12 – and admonish Tit 1:4 – our 1Pe 1:20 – verily 1Pe 1:25 – this 1Pe 5:6 – in
Tit 1:3. The promise of salvation through Christ (the seed of Abraham) was made to the patriarch in prophetic language, but was revealed in its fulness by preachers.
Tit 1:3. New construction begins. What is manifested is not the eternal life of Tit 1:2, but the word. Yet the sense is the same: the Gospel is the final revelation of life eternal. Things promised are still in part concealed; performance alone is full manifestation.
Due times (rather, proper seasons) denotes either, as in Gal 4:4, an epoch in history when all things fitted, or at Gods own time. Former preferable. Read our Saviour God, a phrase of the Pastoral Epistles (see marginal references). Saviour is applied elsewhere to God only in Luk 1:47 (with Old Testament reference) and Jude 25.
But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
‘Manifested” means simply that His Word was shown forth or given forth to man. The idea is that it is there for viewing, for inspection, and for consideration. It is not crammed down anyone’s throat, it is given forth for all to see.
In downtown Salem, OR, and I would guess many other cities, they have a round cork board, called a kiosk, where anyone in the community can post anything they want. We won’t talk about what an eyesore it is, but it is there for the thought of communication of information. Anyone can tell anyone about anything that they want to. They are making manifest their ideas and thoughts to all that will walk up and take a snoop. All residents of Salem are not forced to line up and inspect every sheet, nor are they required to even get close to it, but it is manifested to anyone that is interested.
Now, the modifier “in due times” is of note, for all that have lived did not enjoy this manifestation. The Old Testament saints before Moses had nothing, and after Moses for many they only had the Pentateuch or the first five books of the Bible. Notice that the word was made manifest through preaching. The early church did not have the written word either, but they did have the preaching of the apostles. In this case the Cretans were given the Word through Paul’s preaching.
There is a significance to this idea of “in due time.” The Word has been revealed in a progressive manner. Some had only a little bit of revelation, while others had more, and finally many of us enjoy God’s complete revelation.
From a purely logical and human standpoint, I would have hated to have lived after the time of the prophets. I would have read some of those prophecies and wondered for years what it all meant. The same, I’m sure was true after the revelation of John. Imagine reading the book of Revelation in the first or second century. What a load of questions a person would have to ask. The real frustration would have been that there was no one to ask these questions of, nor anyone to gain your answers from.
“Preaching” is simply the communication from one announcing to one listening. Back to downtown Salem, if they wanted to be really cute in their communications they could hire someone to read aloud all those communications to all that would pass by. It would certainly help the visual clutter, but it would not do well for the noise factor.
Preaching is the proclamation of God’s Word. We hold this to be the hallmark of our worship services, but you might want to look at the book of Acts and see how much preaching was going on in the early church. When Paul was around, they had preaching sessions (We won’t talk about how long some of them were – it might give preachers today some ideas 🙂 From a reading of Acts the time of gathering of believers centered on other than preaching. I assume when there was someone qualified to teach that it was done, but I’m not sure they went for Sunday school and eleven o’clock worship services. They consumed their time in prayer, fasting and fellowship.
Just crossed my mind – can you envision a gathering of Christians in the book of Acts being interrupted from their prayer, fasting, and fellowship to rise and mill around the sanctuary greeting one another? Okay so that doesn’t relate a whole lot to the passage, but then I just had to say it. Then again maybe it should relate.
“Committed” is not the dedication that we relate the word to, but it is something that is committed to someone – placed in trust with another. It is a related word to the term translated “faith” in the New Testament. It is something that Christ entrusted Paul with to do. In that respect, Christ committed it to Paul. He was very committed to doing that work, but the commitment was from Christ and it was based on His belief in Paul.
Now, let us take that one step further. He relied on Paul to proclaim the Word, and in truth He is relying on us in the same way to proclaim the Gospel to the lost. II Corinthians tells us that we are ambassadors of reconciliation – we are those proclaimers that are to go forth into the world proclaiming the claims of Christ. The question comes – are we as committed to that job as Paul was to his?
“Commandment” is not only something commanded but has the idea of the command coming from someone with the authority to command. Paul knew his preaching was a direct order from God and He was committed to doing it to the very best of his ability – as we should be committed to being witnesses for Christ.
“In due times” refers specifically to the fact that it was on time – in God’s time table everything is done and occurs at the time specified in His overall plan of the ages.
As historians and theologians consider the timing of Christ’s entrance upon history, they find that there was no better time for Him to have been born. All of history was right for His appearance and the ultimate spread of the Gospel. The Roman Empire covered most of the world which allowed for the Gospel to spread easily. The roads were good for the time, for easy travel. There was basically one language in all countries – Greek. The spiritual climate was corrupt and the population was looking for a “something” that answered their spiritual needs. There was one government that allowed easy access to all countries. There was also a peace throughout the empire which allowed for free travel and preaching.
No, this was not accidental; it was the culmination of God’s plan in the bringing of the savior into history. There are no accidents. Daniel pictures God in the process of raising up and tearing down nations for His purpose. He, indeed, raised up the Roman Empire at just the right time to bring about these needed changes in history, man and time to bring His Son to the earth to work out redemption for mankind.
The spread of the Word was determined to be by the preaching of the Word. God has designated His people to be the bearer of His Good News. He has no other way for the Word to go forth, except by the preaching of His people.
The obvious application of that knowledge is that every one of us should be sharing the Word in some manner. Some by preaching, some by teaching, and ALL by witnessing. If you are not involved in spreading the Word, then you are not involved in the work God has told you to do. You are in rebellion against His wishes.
1:3 {3} But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our {f} Saviour;
(3) This truth is not to be sought anywhere else, but in the preaching of the apostles.
(f) This word “Saviour” does not only signify a preserver of life, but also a giver of life.
In recent times, however, God had revealed new information to His apostles concerning the hope of eternal life that God had promised long ago. Paul was referring to the gospel. [Note: Knight, p. 285; Towner, The Letters . . ., p. 672.] God had commanded him to pass it on (Act 26:16-18; cf. 1Co 9:16), and He has commanded us to do the same (Mat 28:19-20).
Paul’s reference to God as "our Savior" introduces the thought of salvation, which is a key theme in this epistle (cf. Tit 1:4; Tit 2:10-11; Tit 2:13; Tit 3:4-6). Salvation is a present reality in the life of the church.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)