The words Presbyter and Bishop are interchangeable (Greek episkopos, meaning shepherd, is used in LXX[1]; Presbyter describes the post and comes from Hebrew usage in the Synagogue, and Bishop describes the work to be done by a Presbyter (that is, the work of oversight) and derives from Greek and Roman usage. The word Presbyter is more commonly used where there was a strong Jewish presence. This emphasis on church hierarchy was a key element in the fight against Gnostic heresy.
Clement of Alexandria traced the quotation to "the semimythical sixth- or fifth- century BCE poet, philosopher and diviner Epimenides of Crete". "The author deploys a well-known caricature of the bestial Cretan in order to shame his opponents, whoswe Cretan lifestyles have corrupted their ethical vision."[2]
This statement is a paradox, a challenge to the intellect: if a Cretan says all Cretans are liars, the statement is untrue. But the point is, there are countries and sub-cultures in every age in which truth is in short supply, and no stranger can be taken at their word. The resulting suspicion and cynicism damages social cohesion and hinders the Gospel of truth.
Christian wives were urged to obey their husbands because the surrounding culture was not ready to accept the egalitarian freedom that the Gospel offers.
The emphasis on God's grace "appearing" in these verses reminds us that Christianity is about God revealing himself to us, rather than us discovering God.
Jesus was tempted, so temptation is not sin, and we all experience it. Right living requires saying "no" to sinful ideas whenever we are tempted; failure to do so has characterised sin ever since the fall (Genesis 3:6). Jesus died so that we might have the power to win this battle (Ephesians 1:7).
T. Christopher Hoklotubbe "Civilized Christ-Followers among Barbaric Cretans and Superstitious Judeans: Negotiating Ethnic Hierarchies in Titus 1:10–14", in Journal of Biblical Literature Vol 140 no 2 2021 (Atlanta, USA) pp.371, 373f
Commentary
1:5The words Presbyter and Bishop are interchangeable (Greek episkopos, meaning shepherd, is used in LXX[1]; Presbyter describes the post and comes from Hebrew usage in the Synagogue, and Bishop describes the work to be done by a Presbyter (that is, the work of oversight) and derives from Greek and Roman usage. The word Presbyter is more commonly used where there was a strong Jewish presence. This emphasis on church hierarchy was a key element in the fight against Gnostic heresy.
1:6See comment on 1 Timothy 3:2–12.
1:7This verse is supposed to be the origin of the traditional Amethyst ring on a Bishop's finger; a-meth-ist meaning not a drunkard.
1:12Clement of Alexandria traced the quotation to "the semimythical sixth- or fifth- century BCE poet, philosopher and diviner Epimenides of Crete". "The author deploys a well-known caricature of the bestial Cretan in order to shame his opponents, whoswe Cretan lifestyles have corrupted their ethical vision."[2]
This statement is a paradox, a challenge to the intellect: if a Cretan says all Cretans are liars, the statement is untrue. But the point is, there are countries and sub-cultures in every age in which truth is in short supply, and no stranger can be taken at their word. The resulting suspicion and cynicism damages social cohesion and hinders the Gospel of truth.
1:15We should be free of smutty talk because it is a symptom of, and encourages, impure thoughts.
2:5Christian wives were urged to obey their husbands because the surrounding culture was not ready to accept the egalitarian freedom that the Gospel offers.
2:11The emphasis on God's grace "appearing" in these verses reminds us that Christianity is about God revealing himself to us, rather than us discovering God.
2:12Jesus was tempted, so temptation is not sin, and we all experience it. Right living requires saying "no" to sinful ideas whenever we are tempted; failure to do so has characterised sin ever since the fall (Genesis 3:6). Jesus died so that we might have the power to win this battle (Ephesians 1:7).
2:15Clergy should be able to relate to everyone.
3:2Meekness: see Appendix 2 Meek.
This verse understands baptism as a hyper-washing that regenerates a person, saving them for eternal life.
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