Biblion Bible Commentary
Read the introduction to Titus · About this commentary
Grace Appeared, and Grace Trains
Titus 2:11-12
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, · WEB
Grace is not only what pardons the past; it is the schoolmaster of the present, and the training is its own work.
For explains everything the household code just asked. The grace of God has appeared — epiphainō G2014, a verb for a light breaking out, used of stars showing through cloud — bringing salvation to all men. Grace is spoken of as an event with a date rather than a disposition God has always had. It appeared, and what appeared was a person.
Verse 12 gives its occupation: instructing us — paideuō G3811, the word for raising and disciplining a child, not for handing out information — that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age. The three adverbs face three directions, toward the self, the neighbor, and God. And the training is grace's own, not something added afterward to keep grace honest: the same gift that pardons undertakes the upbringing. That is why the letter can insist on conduct for a chapter and then ground all of it in something entirely unearned.
settled What this mark means