Titus 1:9

1:9 The elders had a leading role in teaching the community. This may have been necessary in dealing with the immediate threat to these particular communities (as also in Ephesus; see 1 Tim 3:1). • Only with a strong belief in the Good News would an elder be able to provide wholesome teaching. Paul’s specific concerns are addressed in Titus 2:1–3:11, in light of the problems mentioned in 1:10-16 and 3:9-11 (see also 1 Tim 1:10). • Titus had a similar role (cp. Titus 1:13; 2:15; 3:10-11). The local leadership would carry on where Paul and his delegates left off. • Those who oppose it are described in 1:10-16.

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Tit 1:9. Ἀντεχόμενον) one who will hold fast, defend, zealously urge. By this word the LXX. mostly translate the Hebrew verb הזק.—κατὰ) ὁ κατὰ τὴν διδαχὴν λόγος [Engl. Vers. the word as he has been taught], the word appertaining to doctrine.—πιστὸς, firm, sure [lit. to be relied on], from which exhortation and power to convict (παρακαλεῖν, ἐλέγχειν) receive their strength.—καὶ—καὶ) both—and.

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1860) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Tit_1:9. To these requisites, somewhat general in nature, Paul adds another with special bearing on the official duties of a bishop: ἀντεχόμενον τοῦ κατὰ τὴν διδαχὴν πιστοῦ λόγου] The exposition given by most of the compound idea τοῦ … λόγου is inaccurate and confused. Heydenreich divides the expression into two parts: (1) ὁ πιστὸς λόγος, the true doctrine of the gospel; and (2) ὁ λόγος κατὰ τὴν διδαχήν, the doctrine in which the bishop is instructed, and gives the following translation: holding firmly, as instructed, by the word which is certain (to reliable doctrine). But manifestly this translation arbitrarily inverts the meaning. The words κατὰ τὴν διδαχήν are not dependent on πιστοῦ, but on λόγου, defined by πιστοῦ, so that τοῦ κ. τ. διδ. πιστοῦ λόγ. is equivalent to τοῦ πιστοῦ λόγου, τοῦ κατὰ τὴν διδαχήν. Ὁ πιστὸς λόγος does not occur elsewhere in our epistles, but there is no doubt that Paul means thereby the pure, wholesome word (λόγοι ὑγιαίνοντες, 1Ti_6:3; οἱ λόγοι τῆς πίστεως, 1Ti_4:6) of the gospel, in contrast to the false doctrine of the heretics. He uses the epithet πιστός because it is not treacherous, it can be relied on: the sure, reliable word. This sure word is defined more precisely by κατὰ τὴν διδαχήν] διδαχή is not active (Luther: that which can teach), but means, as it often does in the N. T., doctrine. Here it denotes the Christian doctrine, which is none other than that preached by Christ Himself and by His apostles; so Matthies, Wiesinger, Plitt, Hofmann. It is less appropriate to explain διδαχή to be the instruction imparted (so van Oosterzee, and formerly in this commentary); comp. 1Ti_4:6; 2Th_2:15.

ἀντέχεσθαι (in Mat_6:24, synonymous with ἀγαπᾷν, opposed to καταφρονεῖν; used in a similar sense, 1Th_5:14) occurs often in Polybius (see Raphelius on the passage) in the sense of: adhaerere, studiosum esse (ἀντέχεσθαι τῆς ἀληθείας). Here, too, it has this meaning, as in Php_2:16 : ἐπέχειν; 2Th_2:15 : κρατεῖν, adhere to. Luther: he holds by the word.

Heydenreich rightly remarks that this does not indicate the zeal the teacher was to show in speaking of divine doctrine, but his own internal adherence, etc.

ἵνα κ.τ.λ.] This adherence to the word is necessary for the bishop that he may discharge the duties of his office. It is further defined more precisely in two ways: ἵνα δυνατὸς ᾖ καὶ … καί: both … and. The first is: παρακαλεῖν ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ, which refers to believers. παρακαλεῖν] encourage, exhort; viz. to remain in the way on which they have entered, and to advance ever further in it, ἐν being here instrumental: through, by means of. Matthies is incorrect: to edify in sound doctrine; comp. 1Th_4:18.

ἡ διδασκ. ἡ ὑγιαιν.] see 1Ti_1:10.

The second is: τοὺς ἀντιλέγοντας ἐλέγχειν] By correction and reproof to refute those who contradict (viz. the pure doctrine of the gospel), by which are meant the heretics.

Even in classic Greek, the two conceptions refute and reprove are sometimes combined in ἐλέγχειν; see Pape, s.v.

This verse leads on to further description of the heretics.

Meyer — Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament — English translation by Peter Christie, edited by Frederick Crombie (T&T Clark, 1880) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Tit 1:9 . ἀντεχόμενον : holding firmly to . ἀντέχομαι is stronger than ἔχειν , as used in a similar connexion, 1Ti 1:19 , etc., etc. The R.V. holding to correctly suggests the notion of withstanding opposition, which is not so clearly felt in the A.V. holding fast . “Having care of it, making it his business” (Chrys.).

δυνατός : See note on 2Ti 2:2 .

τοῦ κατὰ τὴν διδαχὴν πιστοῦ λόγου : the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching . It is indicative of the weakening of the phrase πιστὸς λόγος that St. Paul strengthens and defines it here by κατὰ τὴν διδαχὴν . It was noted on 1Ti 1:15 that πιστὸς λόγος here means the totality of the revelation given in Christ; and ἡ διδαχή is to be taken passively, as equivalent to ἡ διδασκαλία , as employed in these epistles. It is tautological to take it actively, the word which is faithful as regards the teaching of others ; for that is expressed in what follows.

παρακαλεῖν ἐλέγχειν : Cf. 2Ti 4:2 for this combination. The shepherd must be able to tend the sheep, and to drive away wolves.

ὑγιαινούσῃ : See on 1Ti 1:10 . διδασκαλία here, as frequently, is a body of doctrine. So R.V., in the sound doctrine . The A.V., by sound doctrine , would refer to the faith as applied in its various parts to particular needs.

τοὺς ἀντιλέγοντας : It is only a coincidence that where this word occurs in Acts it is in reference to Jewish opponents of the Gospel.

The Expositor's Greek Testament, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll (1897–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

The fourth admonition: To apply the knowledge of true doctrine unto use, which consisteth in two things, to wit, in governing them which show themselves apt to learn, and confuting the obstinate.

The third admonition: The Pastor must hold fast that doctrine, which the Apostles delivered, and pertaineth to salvation, leaving all curious and vain matters.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

Holding fast--Holding firmly to (compare Mat 6:24; Luk 16:13).

the faithful--true and trustworthy (Ti1 1:15).

word as he has been taught--literally, "the word (which is) according to the teaching" which he has received (compare Ti1 4:6, end; Ti2 3:14).

by--Translate as Greek, "to exhort in doctrine (instruction) which is sound"; sound doctrine or instruction is the element IN which his exhorting is to have place . . . On "sound" (peculiar to the Pastoral Epistles), see Ti1 1:10; Ti1 6:3.

convince--rather, "reprove" [ALFORD], (Tit 1:13).

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 9. Holding fast the faithful word] Conscientiously retaining, and zealously maintaining, the true Christian doctrine, κατα την διδαχην, according to the instructions, or according to the institutions, form of sound doctrine, or confession of faith, which I have delivered to thee.

That he may be able by sound doctrine] If the doctrine be not sound, vain is the profession of it, and vain its influence. It is good to be zealously affected in a good thing; but zeal for what is not of God will do no good to the souls of men, how sincere soever that zeal may be.

To exhort] Them to hold the faith, that they may persevere.

And to convince] Refute the objections, confound the sophistry, and convert the gainsayers; and thus defend the truth.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

9. Holding fast the faithful word This is the chief gift in a bishop, who is elected principally for the sake of teaching; for the Church cannot be governed in any other way than by the word. “The faithful word” is the appellation which he gives to that doctrine which is pure, and which has proceeded from the mouth of God. He wishes that a bishop should hold it fast, so as not only to be well instructed in it, but to be constant in maintaining it. There are some fickle persons who easily suffer themselves to be carried away to various kinds of doctrine; while others are cast down by fear, or moved by any occurrence to forsake the defense of the truth. Paul therefore enjoins that those persons shall be chosen who, having cordially embraced the truth of God, and holding it firmly, never allow it to be wrested from them, or can be torn from it. And, indeed, nothing is more dangerous than that fickleness of which I have spoken, when a pastor does not stedfastly adhere to that doctrine of which he ought to be the unshaken defender. In short, in a pastor there is demanded not only learning, but such zeal for pure doctrine as never to depart from it.

But what is meant by according to instruction or doctrine? The meaning is, that it is useful for the edification of the Church; for Paul is not wont to give the name of “doctrine” to anything that is learned and known without promoting any advancement of godliness; but, on the contrary, he condemns as vain and unprofitable all the speculations which yield no advantage, however ingenious they may be in other respects. Thus, “He that teacheth, let him do it in doctrine;” that is, let him labor to do good to the hearers. (Romans 12:7.) In short, the first thing required in a pastor is, that he be well instructed in the knowledge of sound doctrine; the second is, that, with unwavering firmness of courage, he hold by the confession of it to the last; and the third is, that he make his manner of teaching tend to edification, and do not, through motives of ambition, fly about through the subtleties of frivolous curiosity, but seek only the solid advantage of the Church.

That he may be able The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both; for he who is deeply skilled in it will be able both to govern those who are teachable, and to refute the enemies of the truth. This twofold use of Scripture Paul describes when he says, That he may be able to exhort and to convince adversaries And hence let us learn, first, what is the true knowledge of a bishop, and, next, to what purpose it ought to be applied. That bishop is truly wise, who holds the right faith; and he makes a proper use of his knowledge, when he applies it to the edification of the people.

This is remarkable applause bestowed on the word of God, when it is pronounced to be sufficient, not only for governing the teachable, but for subduing the obstinacy of enemies. And, indeed, the power of truth revealed by the Lord is such that it easily vanquishes all falsehoods. Let the Popish bishops now go and boast of being the successors of the apostles, seeing that the greater part of them are so ignorant of all doctrine, as to reckon ignorance to be no small part of their dignity.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

(9) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught.—More literally, according to the teaching; but the English version gives the sense clearly and exactly. The elder must, St. Paul says, hold fast the faithful word or saying; or, in other words, must steadily adhere to that Christian doctrine taught by St. Paul and his brother Apostles. So St. Paul pressed on Timothy, the chief presbyter of Ephesus, “to hold the pattern of sound words which thou heardest from me” (2Ti_1:13); and again, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2Ti_3:14). Here “the faithful saying,” that formulary so common in the Epistles to Timothy and to Titus, and which we have generally explained as including the great Christian watchwords of the faith, echoes probably of sayings of Christ, taken up and expanded by His chosen servants, and then adopted in the various churches and woven into the tapestry of the earliest liturgies—now, possibly, after a form like the “comfortable words” of our Communion Service, now into a creed, now into a hymn, but in one shape or other thoroughly well known and loved in the different congregations—here the faithful word or saying seems to include all the faithful sayings, and denotes generally the teaching of St. Paul and the Apostles.

To exhort and to convince the gainsayers.—Two special purposes are specified for which the “sound doctrine” which the elder will acquire by steadfast application may be used. The first, with the sound, healthy teaching—sound, healthy, practical, compared with that sickly, morbid, and unpractical teaching of those gainsayers of whom he is going to speak—he is to exhort the adversaries; secondly, with the same true words he is to confute their arguments. Chrysostom well remarks “that he who knows not how to contend with adversaries, and is not able to demolish their arguments, is far from the teacher’s chair.”

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

9. holding fast the faithful word] Or, the faithful saying, keeping the connexion with the technical phrase of these Epistles, 1Ti_1:15. ‘Though no one “faithful saying” is quoted, yet it may be used comprehensively of them all, and is here guaranteed by “the teaching” of the Apostle himself.’ Dr Reynolds.

as he hath been taught] The grammar requires, as R.V., which is according to the teaching. The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles is the title of a newly discovered manuscript of very early days placed by Bp Lightfoot ‘somewhere between a.d. 80–110.’ But its title is not intended to suggest its authorship. We may accept it as the private venture of someone who desires to set forth his views on moral conduct and Church order, believing them to represent the mind of the Apostles. See Introduction, pp. 22, 23. Similarly then ‘the teaching’ here meant is the oral Gospel and Instruction of St Paul.

able by sound doctrine both to exhort] Accurately with R.V. (the position of the verb in the clause being noted) able both to exhort in the sound doctrine. ‘Exhort’ has nothing to do with ‘gainsayers’ but refers to the building up by exhortation and comfort of believers. Compare 1Ti_5:1, where see note. The ‘Pastoral’ phrase ‘the sound doctrine’ is examined 1Ti_5:10, where ‘the doctrine’ is seen to be the equivalent English word, as it is passing into technical use. Didachê on the other hand remains untechnical, ‘teaching.’

and to convince the gainsayers] R.V. convict. See note 1Ti_5:20.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Holding fast the faithful word,.... The doctrine of the Gospel, so called because it is true, and to be believed; it is the word of truth, and truth itself, and contains nothing but truth; and because it never deceived any, that gave credit to its doctrines, and its promises; and because it is pure, unmixed, and unadulterated, and is the sincere milk of the word; and because in it is a glorious display of the faithfulness of God to his perfections, to his holiness and justice, to his law, and to his covenant, word, and oath; and of the faithfulness of Christ, to him that appointed him and to his covenant engagements, and which has appeared in the discharge of his various offices: and this is not only to be held forth by the elder, but to be held fast, and tenaciously abode by; in opposition to all wavering about it, departure from it, dropping or concealing any part of it, and pusillanimity concerning it; whatever temptations there may be to the contrary, through popular applause on the one hand, and reproaches and persecutions on the other; and though there may be many that may endeavour to wring it out of his hands; see Ti2 1:13,

as he hath been taught; or "according to doctrine": that is, according to the doctrine of the Scriptures, Christ, and his apostles; according to the doctrine that lies in the Scriptures that was delivered by Christ, and preached by his apostles; whatever is according to that should be held fast:

or which is for doctrine, which tends to teach, instruct, and edify the minds of men, that ought to be constantly abode by: or as the elder himself has been taught, not by men, in a theoretical way, as logic, rhetoric, and other arts and sciences are taught; for such who are only taught the faithful word in this way, are not likely to hold it fast, in a time of temptation; but as he has been taught it experimentally by the Spirit of God; and such an one, who has not only the knowledge of it in his head, but the experience of it in his heart, will hold it, and hold it fast against all opposition:

that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers; sound doctrine is the faithful word, the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, which being retained, qualify an elder to discharge the following branches of his office; to "exhort" the members of churches to their duty, according to their age, sex, state, and condition, as in chapter 2 to which the doctrines of grace influence and engage; or to comfort them, as the word also signifies, and the Alexandrian copy reads, "to comfort them in all tribulation"; and this is one considerable part of the elder's work, to comfort souls under affliction, whether of body or mind; and sound doctrines, or the doctrines of the Gospel, are wonderfully suited to such a purpose: and the other part of his work is, "to convince gainsayers"; such who resist the truth, oppose themselves to it, cavil at it, and object against it; these are to be refitted, and convinced by the Scriptures, and arguments taken from them, as the Jews were by Apollos, Act 18:28 and nothing is so powerful to do it as sound doctrine, and holding fast the faithful word.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Ver. 9. Holding fast, &c.] αντεχομενον. As with tooth and nail, against those gainsayers that would snatch it from us.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Holding fast the faithful word - That is, the true doctrines of the gospel. This means that he is to hold this fast, in opposition to one who would wrest it away, and in opposition to all false teachers, and to all systems of false philosophy. He must be a man who is firm in his belief of the doctrines of the Christian faith, and a man who can be relied on to maintain and defend those doctrines in all circumstances; compare notes, 2Th 2:15.

As he hath been taught - Margin, “in teaching.” Greek “According to the teaching.” The sense is, according to that doctrine as taught by the inspired teachers of religion. It does not mean as he had individually been taught; but he was to hold the faith as it was delivered by those whom the Saviour had appointed to make it known to mankind. The phrase “the doctrine,” or “the teaching,” had a sort of technical meaning, denoting the gospel as that which had been communicated to mankind, not by human reason, but by teaching.

That he may be able by sound doctrine - By sound teaching, or instruction; Notes, 1Ti 1:10; 1Ti 4:16. He was not to dictate, or to denounce; but to seek to convince by the statement of the truth; see the notes at 2Ti 2:25.

Both to exhort and to convince - To persuade them, or to bring them over to your views by kind exhortation, and by the instruction which shall convince. The former method is to be used where men know the truth, but need encouragement to follow it; the latter, where they are ignorant, or are opposed to it. Both exhortation and argument are to be used by the ministers of religion.

The gainsayers - Opposers Literally, those who speak against; that is, against the truth; Notes, Rom 10:21.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Holding fast the faithful word, as he hath been taught; no airy, uncertain man, that is of that opinion which his company is of, or his age favours, but holding steady the word of faith, as he hath learned it from me, and the rest of the apostles.

That he may be able by sound doctrine, both to exhort, his work is to persuade others to the faith,

and to convince the gainsayers; by sound arguments to convince those that speak contrary to it; and if he himself be ignorant of, or uncertain, as to that, how can he ever discharge this employment?

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

9. Holding fast—Passing from his moral qualities to his doctrinal firmness and abilities.

Faithful word—Comp. 1Ti_1:15.

Taught—From Christ through his apostles.

Able—The elder must be a sound theologian, and a competent public defender of truth and corrector of error. The elder is thus the spokesman and preacher of his Church.

Exhort—Encourage believers, inquirers, and all willing auditors.

Convince—Refute, and produce conviction if possible.

Gainsayers—Contradictors, whether in the Church or in the circle of listeners and attendants upon the congregation. As possessor of the truth of Christ, he was to judge, refute, and condemn all opposing heresy.

Counter Portraiture of the Cretan Errorists, 10-16, 10. Ample are the reasons for such ability, for opposers are many.

Unruly—Repudiating the apostolic authority and doctrine, and setting up their own invented dogmas.

Vain talkers—Utterers of the vain jangling of 1Ti_1:6, where see note.

Deceivers—Mind-deluders, who cheat men’s brains with fancy dogmas.

Circumcision—Here, as at Ephesus, the main errorists were Jews. See note on 1Ti_1:4.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Holding to for holding fast, A.V; which is according to the teaching for as he hath been taught, A.V; both to exhort in the sound doctrine for by sound doctrine, both to exhort, A.V; convict for convince, A.V Holding to (antecomenov). Holding fast is a better and more forcible rendering than holding to. It answers to the Latin adherere, to cling to. The faithful word which is according to the teaching is awkwardly expressed. HH didash is "the Christian truth" as taught by the apostles, and "the faithful" or "sure word" to which Titus is to cleave is described as being" according to that truth". (comp. Tit_1:1, alhyeiav thv kat eusebeian) The A.V gives substantially the apostle"s meaning. The result of this adhesion to the faithful word is that he will be able to comfort and encourage believers by (en) his wholesome teaching, and also to convict the opposers of the truth. The gainsayers; or, contradictors (tougontav); such as those Jews described in Act_13:45 and Act_28:19 as "contradicting and blaspheming.

The bishop"s qualification as to doctrine.

The apostle reserves to the last place the most important of all the qualifications needed by elders.

I THE DUTY OF ADHERING TO THE TRUTH. "Holding fast the faithful Word which is according to the teaching.

1. The doctrine of the gospel is the faithful word:

a. Because it contains nothing but the truth.

b. Because it never deceived any that trusted in it.

c. Because it truly displays the faithfulness of God.

2. It is no mere subjective opinion of the preacher, but is based upon or in agreement with the teaching of the apostles. "Which is according to the teaching." The truth is not to be discovered by the preacher, but delivered to him.

3. It is to be steadfastly maintained. The preacher is not to allow it to be wrested from his grasp by false teachers. The apostle was always emphatic as to the importance of this duty. "Hold fast the form of sound doctrine, which thou heardest from me"; (2Ti_1:13) "Continue thou in the things thou hast learned". (2Ti_3:14) It was a powerful lever in his hands for moving the hearts of men.

II THE DESIGN OF THIS QUALIFICATION. "That he may be able both to exhort in the sound doctrine and to convince the gainsayers.

1. The preacher must be qualified for exhortation in the sphere of a sound, healthy, practical teaching. This implies that men had some knowledge of the truth, but they need to be persuaded to follow it rather than a morbid and unpractical teaching that can in no way minister to edification.

2. He must be qualified to refute the arguments of false teachers. And nothing is so powerfully conducive to this end as sound doctrine firmly held and wisely applied. T.C.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

As he hath been taught - Perhaps it might be more literally rendered, according to the teaching, or doctrine, of the apostles; alluding to Acts ii, 42.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

Ver. 9. Then follows at the close what more especially pertained to the teaching function of his office: holding fast the faithful word according to the teaching, in order that he may be able with the sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince (or reprove) the gainsayers. There can be no reasonable doubt as to the faithful word which the true Christian pastor is to hold fast: the expression is often used in these epistles (1Ti 1:15, 1Ti 3:1, 1Ti 4:9; 2Ti 2:11; 2Ti 3:8), and always means the word which is entitled to our confidence, the word which is in itself the proper ground of trust and hope—God’s word. The only question is, in what sense or respect is it said to be according to the teaching? Does this mean, what the person has been taught, or what he himself teaches? Of itself the expression might be taken either way, and has been so taken by commentators, though both the more natural, and the more generally received view, is that which understands it of the teaching imparted by the apostles, and which constituted by way of eminence the teaching—the church’s normal instruction and rule in spiritual things. The Authorized Version gives unambiguous expression to this, by rendering “the faithful word as he hath been taught,” putting, however, the other view on the margin (“in his teaching”). It was natural that the apostle, when he was going to refer to a sort of teaching that was unsound and perilous, should not only point attention to that which was of another character, and might fitly serve as a corrective, but should also give some hint of its nature—should indicate the source whence it came, and the authority on which it rested. This is what he does, briefly yet not uncertainly, in the expression: “the faithful word according to the teaching;” that, namely, which is recognised as true and authoritative in the apostolic church. Hence, as standing on this solid foundation, and having such choice materials to handle, he should be able by his own sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. But as the pastor is supposed here to accomplish the end in question by his own sound doctrine or teaching, this confirms the view taken of the preceding statement—that the teaching there spoken of was what he had previously received, and by which he was qualified for giving forth a teaching that should be at once sound and effective. This teaching is presented under a twofold aspect—one having respect to those within, and the other to those without the Christian community. It was the first part of the duty of the overseers of such a community to exhort, that is, to instruct and edify its own members; and only secondarily, and as occasion required, to resist and expose the false teaching of those who assailed the Christian faith, if so be they might be able to convince them of their errors. So that the qualification here associated with the true Christian pastor corresponds to the aptness to teach mentioned in 1Ti 3:2; only here it is more specifically described, and its importance indicated with reference as well to the hostile as to the friendly elements, amid which the church in Crete was placed. Having there very pragmatical and troublesome disputants to deal with, much necessarily depended on the men who stood at the helm of affairs being possessed both of enlightened views and strong convictions; as they might otherwise, even with the best motives and intentions, misrepresent and embarrass the cause of the gospel. But both duties had to be discharged; therefore, “he is the true bishop who holds the right faith, and who properly uses his knowledge to edify the people, and check the wantonness of the adversaries” (Calvin).

Patrick Fairbairn — An Exposition of Ezekiel (1851), Jonah (1849), and The Pastoral Epistles (1874) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

9. Holding fast the faithful word. Sound in the gospel doctrine, and able to teach it to others, as well as to refute opposers.

B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.

9. ἀντεχόμενον τοῦ κατὰ τὴν διδαχὴν πιστοῦ λόγου, holding by the faithful word which is according to the doctrine.

ἀντέχεοθαι is a difficult word; it is used of “holding to” one of two masters in Mat 6:24; Luk 16:13, and of “laying hold of” and so “supporting” the weak in 1Th 5:14; and again in Pro 3:18 wisdom is said to be a tree of life τοῖς ἀντεχομένοις αὐτῆς “to them that lay hold upon her,” from which it seems that holding by is a legitimate rendering here.

The phrase πιστοῦ λόγου suggests the ‘Faithful Sayings’ of the Pastoral Epistles (see on 1Ti 1:15). κατὰ τὴν διδαχήν must mean ‘in accordance with the [Apostolic] doctrine,’ διδαχή being taken objectively, and not in the active sense of ‘teaching.’ Hence the whole clause indicates the function of the ἐπίσκοπος as the guardian of the ‘deposit of faith’ (cp. 1Ti 6:20).

ἵνα δυνατὸς ᾗ καὶ παρακαλεῖν, in order that he may be able both to exhort. For the distinction between διδασκαλία and παράκλησις see on 1Ti 4:13.

ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ. For this metaphor, often recurring in the Pastoral Epistles, see on 1Ti 1:10; ἐν indicates the sphere, as it were, in which the exhortation will take place. If the ἐπίσκοπος hold not by the ‘word which is faithful,’ his ‘doctrine’ will not be ‘wholesome’ and thus his ‘exhortation’ will be ill-founded and probably ineffective, if not misleading.

καὶ τοὺς ἀντιλέγοντας ἐλέγχειν, and to convict the gainsayers. A firm grasp of the truth is the indispensable preparation for him who would undertake to dispel error. The ἀντιλέγοντες are cavillers at the truth, primarily the heretical teachers of Crete, but there are those in every age who satisfy themselves with like negations. Cp. 2Ti 4:2 ἕλεγξον … παρεκάλεσον.

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

9. ἀντεχόμενον] a strong Word—“amplectentem,” Vulg.; “tenacem sermonis,” Ambrosiaster; “utroque brachio amplexi et mordicus tenentes,” Calvin; “holding firmly to”—both for his own support (cf. Pro 3:18 of Wisdom, ξύλον ζωῆς ἐστι τοῖς ἀντεχομένοις αὐτῆς, Pap. Tebt. i. 409 ἀντέχεσθαι τῆς σῆς σκέπης), and in loyal obedience to it (cf. Isa 56:4, Isa 56:6 τῆς διαθήκης μου: Jer 2:8 τοῦ νόμου: Arist. Poet. 9, τῶν παραδεδομένων μύθων ἀντέχεσθαι: Pap. Oxyr. ix. 1203, τῶν ὑπόντων ἡμεῖν δικαίων πάντων ἀντεχόμεθα (M.M s.v.).

τοῦ πιστοῦ λόγου] not to the law or the old covenant as a Jewish Rabbi would (cf. last note), much less to commandments of men (14), but to the trustworthy (“unde admonitio et elenchus robur accipit,” Bengel) message (cf. 3), Which corresponds with the true teaching—the teaching of the Apostle himself (cf. Rom 6:17 εἰς ὃν παρεδόθητε τύπον διδαχῆς, 16:17 παρὰ τὴν διδαχὴν ἣν ἐμάθετε), which is ultimately that of the Lord Himself (cf. 1Ti 6:3).1. The phrase suggests a stereotyped outline of doctrine, either oral or written, such as is quoted in 1Co 15:3ff.

ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ] cf. 1Ti 1:10 note, almost equivalent to τὴν διδαχήν of “the body of doctrine,” but thought of as embodied by the ἐπίσκοπος in his own “teaching.”

ἐλέγχειν] refute with argument: also including the thought of “reprove,” cf. 13, 2:15 and 2Ti 3:16 πρὸς διδασκαλίαν, πρὸς ἐλεγμόν. Origen in a very interesting chapter (c. Celsum, iii. 48, cf. vi. 7) quotes this verse in answer to the taunt of Celsus that Christianity only appealed to the uneducated.

International Critical Commentary — older volumes (1896–1929), various authors — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Holding fast [αντεχομενον] . Only here in Pastorals. In Paul, 1Th 5:14 (note).

The faithful word [του πιστου λογου] . The trustworthy, reliable word. Comp. 1Ti 1:15 (note).

As he hath been taught [κατα την διδαχην] . Lit. according to the teaching. Const. with word. Agreeing with the apostolic teaching. For didach teaching see on 2Ti 4:2.

May be able by sound doctrine both to exhort [δυνατος η και παρακαλειν εν τη διδασκαλια τη υγιαινουση] . Rend. "may be able both to exhort in the sound teaching." For dunatov able or powerful, see on 2Ti 1:12. Used by Paul in the phrase eij dunaton if it be possible, Rom 12:18; Gal 4:15 : to dunaton that which is possible, Rom 9:22 : of God, Rom 4:21; Rom 11:23 : of men, in the ethical sense, Rom 14:1; 2Co 12:10; 2Co 13:9.

Convince [ελεγχειν] . Better, convict. See on Joh 3:20, and ejlegmon, 2Ti 3:16.

The gainsayers [τους αντιλεγοντας] . In Pastorals only here and chapter Tit 2:9. Once in Paul, Rom 10:21, cit. Mostly in Luke and Acts. Glainsay, Angl. Sax. gegn (Germ. gegen) "against," and;; say. "Wiclif, Luk 21:15 : For I schalgyue to you mouth and wisdom, to whiche alle youre aduersaries schulen not mowe agenstonde, and agenseye."

Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament (1887–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.