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.
Holding fast {G472} the faithful {G4103} word {G3056} as {G2596} he hath been taught {G1322}, that {G2443} he may be {G5600} able {G1415} by {G1722} sound {G5198} doctrine {G1319} both {G2532} to exhort {G3870} and {G2532} to convince {G1651} the gainsayers {G483}.
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy Message that agrees with the doctrine; so that by his sound teaching he will be able to exhort and encourage, and also to refute those who speak against it.
He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.
holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.
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2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. -
2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. -
1 Timothy 6:3
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; -
1 Timothy 1:10
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; -
Revelation 3:3
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. -
1 Timothy 1:15
This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. -
Job 2:3
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
Titus 1:9 is a crucial verse outlining an essential qualification for elders (or overseers) in the early church, as instructed by the Apostle Paul to Titus, his representative on the island of Crete. This verse emphasizes the intellectual and theological integrity required of spiritual leaders.
Context of Titus 1:9
In Titus chapter 1, Paul details the necessary characteristics for those appointed to leadership roles within the Christian community. After listing moral and relational qualities (like being blameless, temperate, and hospitable in Titus 1:7-8), Paul transitions to their vital role as guardians and teachers of truth. This was particularly important in Crete, a place known for its challenging cultural and spiritual environment, where false teachers were a significant threat (as mentioned later in Titus 1:10-11).
Key Themes and Messages
Practical Application
While specifically addressing elders, the principles in Titus 1:9 have broader application for all believers. In an age of diverse and often conflicting information, it is crucial for every Christian to:
For church leaders, this verse remains a timeless call to be deeply rooted in Scripture, capable of both nurturing believers and faithfully confronting error, ensuring the spiritual health and integrity of the congregation.