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Titus 3:4-7 is the second theological gem of this letter, along with 2:11-14. Both texts are rich in theological language, leading many interpreters to surmise that they are creedal or liturgical in origin. Indeed, 3:4-7 may very well derive from an ancient baptismal liturgy. God’s Goodness and Loving Kindness Titus speaks of Jesus as the … Continue reading “Titus 3:4-7 Commentary by Elisabeth Johnson”

The second lesson for today, from Titus 3:4-7, is closely related to the second lesson appointed for Christmas Eve (Titus 2:11-14). It is, in a sense, a continuation of that text’s reflection over the first and second “epiphanies” of Christ (the Greek verb translated as “appeared” at 2:11 and 3:4 is epiphaino from which the … Continue reading “Titus 3:4-7 Commentary by Erik Heen”

“Sing a new world into being. Sound a bold and hopeful theme. Find a tune for silent yearnings. Lend your voice and dare to dream,” begins a hymn by Mary Louise Bringle. The hymn ends with the declaration, “Sing a new world into being: live the promise you believe!” If today’s epistle text were a … Continue reading “Titus 2:11-14 Commentary by Michael Joseph Brown”

Although the organizers of the lectionary have selected this passage from The Letter of Paul to Titus (the formal title for this writing) for use on Christmas Eve, in order to appreciate the text effectively, we must take account of the verses in their literary context before we can appreciate how they are being used … Continue reading “Titus 2:11-14 Commentary by Marion L. Soards”

Get close. Look into the manger. What do you see there? A baby? Of course. A savior? Yes. What else? An epiphany. That’s what the Letter to Titus sees–on that night in Bethlehem and all throughout Jesus’ life. The author of the Pastoral Epistles (1-2 Timothy and Titus) is fond of speaking about epiphanies. Forms … Continue reading “Titus 2:11-14 Commentary by Matt Skinner”

This passage stands out as a theological gem in the midst of the moral exhortations of Titus. Along with 3:4-7, it provides theological momentum for the letter’s ethical instruction. Between Two Epiphanies Titus presents God’s unfolding plan of salvation in terms of two appearances of Jesus, two epiphanies or manifestations of God’s presence. “For the … Continue reading “Titus 2:11-14 Commentary by Elisabeth Johnson”

I once heard a colleague joke about a possible slogan for his denomination: “God is nice. We should be nice too.” His was not the only Christian group, forged in the fires of spiritual renewal and social revolution that over time became comfortable with easy platitudes for decent living. God’s word became one good source … Continue reading “Titus 2:11-14 Commentary by Amy L.B. Peeler”

During his long tenure at Harvard Divinity School, Krister Stendahl (d. 2008) would occasionally hand out his “Ten Commandments for Biblical Preaching.” Number Ten on that list was, “No moral lessons on high holy days.” This is an appropriate perspective to have in mind as one approaches the second lessons for Christmas Eve and Christmas … Continue reading “Titus 2:11-14 Commentary by Erik Heen”

The opening of this portion of Paul’s brief letter to his assistant Titus might be described as the Christmas message in one sentence, or perhaps the Christmas Tweet, “the Grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all” (Titus 2:11). We gather together on this evening to celebrate God’s love, God’s gift, and God’s grace … Continue reading “Titus 2:11-14 Commentary by Lucy Lind Hogan”

What we have here recorded is Paul’s own farewell discourse. Whether authentically recorded or invented really makes little difference. (For rhetorical clarity, I will refer to the author of these verses as “Paul” through this commentary.) What, however, is important is the function and the character of the verses. With these verses, the admonitions to … Continue reading “2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Commentary by Dirk G. Lange”