Titus 2:2 Aged men

The aged men are to be sober, grave, sane, sound in the faith, in love, in endurance;

Titus would speak to different categories of believers about attitudes and behavior that fit “the sound teaching”. First the aged men (:2) and women (:3) are mentioned respectively, then the young women (:4,5) and men (:6-8) and finally the slaves (from :9).

Many qualities mentioned here and in the following are befitting all believers. That is why various features keep coming back. So there is overlap, but some properties are extra important for certain groups.

For example, aged men would be above all sober, honorable, sensible and healthy in faith, love and endurance. On the basis of their age and experience, they may be expected to be literally sober, i.e. not under the influence of intoxicants, but certainly also figuratively, i.e. realistic and able to put things into perspective. Because of their life experience, they are to be looked up to and therefore they are said to be grave: thorough and commanding respect. The qualities “sane” and “sound in the faith” also point in that direction. Men of a certain age are expected to be stable and balanced and not to be distracted by emotions or the issues of the day. So may they be an example of endurance and enduring in both faith and love!

Delen: