Titus 2:15

Titus 2:15, in plain English

Titus should communicate all of this with conviction and confidence—not tentatively—because he speaks with the authority that comes from Christ, and no one should be able to undermine his credibility.

Why it's here

Paul is wrapping up with a charge to Titus. He's essentially saying: Don't apologize for this message. Don't soften it or present it uncertainly. Teach it clearly and with full authority, because you're not making this up—you're representing Christ. And live in such a way that your credibility backs up your words.

Who's speaking

Paul, giving Titus his final marching orders.

Where it sits in the story

This ties back to everything—Titus's character, his teaching, his example, his confidence all work together to establish him as someone worth listening to. It's the culmination of the entire letter.

The scholarly reading

Titus must proclaim these teachings with authority, both encouraging the obedient and rebuking the resistant, commanding respect through his authoritative pastoral presence.

Language and setting

The final imperative—λάλει (speak, proclaim) and παρακάλει καὶ ἔλεγχε (encourage and rebuke)—returns focus to Titus's pastoral office. The phrase μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς (with all authority, literally 'with all commandment') grants Titus apostolic delegated authority. The clause μηδείς σε περιφρονείτω (let no one despise you) echoes 1 Timothy 4:12 and reflects the vulnerability of a younger or lesser-known pastoral figure; Titus's authority derives ultimately not from ecclesiastical appointment but from faithful proclamation and exemplary character.

Voice

Paul, commissioning Titus with pastoral authority grounded in apostolic delegation and personal integrity

Significance

This concludes the pastoral epistles' vision of pastoral ministry—a synthesis of apostolic authority (delegated through laying on of hands), doctrinal faithfulness, and personal virtue—a model that would develop throughout the patristic period into the threefold ministry of bishop, presbyter, and deacon, with character formation recognized as prerequisite to institutional role.

13as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

14He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

15Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Read all of Titus 2 — Teach older men to be temperate, older women to be reverent, young men to be self-controlled. The grace of God trains us to say no to ungodliness.