Titus 2:15

KJV

¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

These things {G5023} speak {G2980}, and {G2532} exhort {G3870}, and {G2532} rebuke {G1651} with {G3326} all {G3956} authority {G2003}. Let {G4065} no man {G3367} despise {G4065} thee {G4675}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the things you should say. Encourage and rebuke with full authority; don’t let anyone look down on you.

Berean Standard Bible

Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

American Standard Version

These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 2:15 serves as a potent concluding charge from the Apostle Paul to his young protégé, Titus, outlining the comprehensive and authoritative manner in which he is to deliver the preceding instructions on Christian conduct and sound doctrine in Crete. It underscores the necessity for Titus, as a spiritual leader, to proclaim, encourage, and correct with divine backing, ensuring his message is received with the respect due to its divine origin and his apostolic commission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a powerful summation and imperative command following Paul's detailed exposition in [Titus chapter 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Instructions for Godly Living"). In the preceding verses, Paul meticulously lays out specific behavioral guidelines for various demographic groups within the Cretan church: older men ([Titus 2:2](/titus/2-2 "Titus 2:2 - Instructions for Older Men")), older women ([Titus 2:3](/titus/2-3 "Titus 2:3 - Instructions for Older Women")), younger women ([Titus 2:4-5](/titus/2-4-5 "Titus 2:4-5 - Instructions for Younger Women")), younger men ([Titus 2:6](/titus/2-6 "Titus 2:6 - Instructions for Younger Men")), and bondservants ([Titus 2:9-10](/titus/2-9-10 "Titus 2:9-10 - Instructions for Bondservants")). The overarching purpose of these instructions is for believers to "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in everything" ([Titus 2:10](/titus/2-10 "Titus 2:10 - Adorning the Doctrine of God")). Verse 15, therefore, is not merely a concluding remark but an essential directive on *how* Titus is to implement these teachings, emphasizing the authority and conviction required for effective pastoral ministry in a challenging environment. It transitions from the content of the message to the manner of its delivery, ensuring that the sound doctrine previously outlined is both proclaimed and upheld.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Titus was left in Crete, an island known for its morally lax and rebellious culture, as evidenced by Paul's direct quote from a Cretan prophet in [Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - Cretans are Liars"). The establishment of sound churches in such an environment required strong, authoritative leadership. Titus, while Paul's trusted associate, was likely younger than some of the elders he was to appoint and oversee, which could have posed challenges to his authority. Furthermore, the presence of "many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers" ([Titus 1:10](/titus/1-10 "Titus 1:10 - Rebellious People in Crete")) who "must be silenced" ([Titus 1:11](/titus/1-11 "Titus 1:11 - Silencing False Teachers")) necessitated a clear, uncompromising exercise of pastoral authority. Paul's instruction for Titus to speak, exhort, and rebuke "with all authority" directly addresses the need for firm leadership in a context where false teaching and ungodly behavior were prevalent and where Titus's youth or background might otherwise lead to his message being disregarded.
* **Key Themes:** Titus 2:15 significantly contributes to several key themes within the epistle. Firstly, it highlights **Pastoral Authority**, emphasizing that the leader's role is not merely advisory but carries the weight of divine command. This authority is derived from the message itself, which is God's Word, and from the apostolic commission given to Titus. Secondly, it underscores the **Comprehensive Nature of Pastoral Ministry**, encompassing proclamation ("speak"), encouragement ("exhort"), and correction ("rebuke"), illustrating the multifaceted responsibilities of a spiritual shepherd. This holistic approach ensures both the edification of believers and the purity of the church. Thirdly, the verse touches upon the theme of **Integrity and Respect for Leadership**. The admonition "Let no man despise thee" implies that a leader's conduct and the manner of his teaching are crucial for maintaining the respect necessary for effective ministry. This echoes similar advice given to Timothy in [1 Timothy 4:12](/1_timothy/4-12 "1 Timothy 4:12 - Don't Let Anyone Despise Your Youth"), underscoring that respect is earned through faithful and authoritative proclamation of truth, rather than merely by age or social standing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuke (Greek, _elénchō'_):** This term signifies to "convict," "convince," "tell a fault," or "reprove." It implies a strong, irrefutable exposure of error or sin, leading to conviction. In the context of pastoral ministry, it means to confront wrongdoing or false teaching with such clarity and truth that the person confronted is left without excuse, ideally leading to repentance or correction. It's not merely scolding but a reasoned, authoritative demonstration of truth against error.
* **authority (Greek, _epitagḗ'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to command" or "to enjoin," this noun denotes an "injunction," "decree," or "commandment." By implication, it conveys "authoritativeness" or "imperative force." When Paul instructs Titus to speak "with all authority," he is not referring to Titus's personal charisma or power, but to the inherent weight and binding nature of the message he delivers, which comes directly from God. It indicates a divine mandate, making the teaching non-negotiable and requiring obedience.
* **despise (Greek, _periphronéō'_):** This word literally means "to think beyond" or "to think around," and by extension, "to depreciate," "to contemn," or "to look down upon." In this context, it refers to the act of treating Titus or his message with contempt, disrespect, or disregard. Paul's warning implies that Titus's youth, his challenging environment, or the harshness of the message might tempt some to dismiss him or his teachings, hence the imperative to act with such authority that no one *can* despise him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These things speak":** This clause refers to the preceding instructions on sound doctrine and godly living detailed in [Titus chapter 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Instructions for Godly Living"). "Speak" (Greek: _laléō_) implies a clear, public, and forthright declaration of the truth. Titus is commanded to articulate these truths, making them known and understood by the church. This is the foundational act of pastoral communication – the clear proclamation of God's Word.
* **"and exhort":** The verb "exhort" (Greek: _parakaléō_) encompasses a broad range of meanings, including to "call near," "invite," "beseech," "comfort," "encourage," and "urge." It highlights the positive, nurturing, and persuasive aspect of ministry. Titus is not merely to declare truth but also to motivate believers towards obedience, offering comfort and encouragement in their pursuit of godliness. This balances the potentially stern nature of "rebuke" with compassionate pastoral care.
* **"and rebuke with all authority":** This phrase emphasizes the corrective and confrontational aspect of Titus's ministry. "Rebuke" (Greek: _elénchō_) implies a strong, convicting reproof of sin or error. The crucial addition "with all authority" (Greek: _metá pásēs epitagḗs_) signifies that this correction is not based on Titus's personal opinion or power, but on the full weight of divine command and apostolic backing. It means the message carries an imperative, non-negotiable force, demanding attention and obedience because it originates from God.
* **"Let no man despise thee":** This is a crucial admonition regarding Titus's standing and the reception of his message. It is an imperative command, implying that Titus must conduct himself and deliver his message in such a way that no one has legitimate grounds to treat him or his teachings with contempt or disregard. This is achieved not through arrogance, but through consistent faithfulness to the truth, integrity of life, and the exercise of genuine, God-given authority. It underscores the importance of the messenger's credibility for the message to be effective.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this concluding charge. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, seen in "speak," "exhort," "rebuke," and "let no man despise thee," which conveys direct commands and underscores the non-negotiable nature of Titus's responsibilities. There is a clear **Tricolon** in "speak, and exhort, and rebuke," which is a rhetorical device using a series of three parallel words or phrases. This emphasizes the comprehensive scope of Titus's pastoral duties, covering proclamation, encouragement, and correction. The phrase "with all authority" serves as a powerful **Modifier**, intensifying the force of the preceding verbs and highlighting the divine backing for Titus's ministry. Finally, the concluding admonition, "Let no man despise thee," functions as an **Antithesis** to the exercise of authority, implying that proper exercise of authority will prevent contempt, and that Titus must act to ensure his message is not disregarded, despite potential challenges to his person or office.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 2:15 encapsulates the very essence of faithful pastoral ministry, rooted in the inherent authority of God's Word. It teaches that the minister is a steward of divine truth, called to proclaim, nurture, and correct with a conviction that stems not from personal charisma, but from the divine mandate of the message itself. This verse underscores that the effectiveness of ministry is tied to the integrity of the messenger and the unwavering commitment to delivering the whole counsel of God, even the uncomfortable parts. The goal is not popularity, but the spiritual health and maturity of the church, which requires both tender care and firm discipline, all under the umbrella of God's sovereign authority.

* [2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "Preach the Word")
* [1 Timothy 4:12](/1_timothy/4-12 "Don't Let Anyone Despise Your Youth")
* [Hebrews 13:7](/hebrews/13-7 "Remember Your Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 2:15 provides a timeless blueprint for spiritual leadership and a profound challenge for all believers. For those in positions of pastoral or teaching authority, it is a stark reminder that their commission is to faithfully steward God's truth, delivering it with clarity, compassion, and courage. This means embracing the full spectrum of ministry: speaking the truth plainly, encouraging the weary, and, when necessary, rebuking sin and error with conviction, knowing that the authority comes from God, not self. For the congregation, this verse calls for a posture of respect and receptivity towards God's Word as delivered by His appointed servants. It challenges us to discern the divine authority behind the message, rather than despising the messenger due to personal preferences, perceived flaws, or the challenging nature of the truth being proclaimed. Ultimately, it encourages both leaders and congregants to prioritize God's truth and His glory above all else, fostering a church environment where sound doctrine is upheld and lived out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of "authority" in ministry align with Paul's instruction to Titus?**
* **In what ways do I, as a leader, need to grow in "speaking," "exhorting," or "rebuking" with biblical authority and pastoral care?**
* **As a congregant, how do I respond when a difficult or challenging truth is spoken from the pulpit? Do I tend to "despise" the message or the messenger?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure that my life and conduct "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior" so that my witness is not despised?**

### FAQ

**What does "with all authority" mean in the context of Titus 2:15?**

Answer: "With all authority" (Greek: _metá pásēs epitagḗs_) means that Titus's instructions are not merely his personal opinions or suggestions, but carry the full weight of a divine command or injunction. This authority stems from two primary sources: first, the inherent authority of the Word of God itself, which Titus is proclaiming; and second, Titus's apostolic commission as Paul's representative, making him a legitimate messenger of God's truth. It implies that the message is non-negotiable and demands obedience, not because of Titus's personal power, but because he speaks on behalf of God. This is distinct from human arrogance; it is a humble yet firm declaration of divine truth, as seen in the authority with which Jesus taught ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Taught with Authority")).

**Why was it important for Titus to ensure "no man despise" him?**

Answer: In the challenging cultural and spiritual environment of Crete, where false teachers and rebellious individuals were prevalent ([Titus 1:10-11](/titus/1-10-11 "Titus 1:10-11 - Rebellious People and False Teachers")), Titus's authority could easily be undermined. As a younger leader, he might have faced opposition or disrespect from older members or those resistant to correction. Paul's admonition "Let no man despise thee" is a command for Titus to conduct himself and deliver his message with such integrity, conviction, and faithfulness to God's Word that no one has a legitimate reason to disregard or look down upon him or his teachings. This ensures the effectiveness of his ministry and the proper reception of the gospel message, as a leader's credibility directly impacts the message's impact. This echoes similar advice given to Timothy in [1 Timothy 4:12](/1_timothy/4-12 "1 Timothy 4:12 - Don't Let Anyone Despise Your Youth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 2:15, while a direct charge to a pastoral leader, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential example of one who "spoke, and exhorted, and rebuked with all authority," yet was never despised by those who truly sought truth. His teaching was marked by an unparalleled authority, not like the scribes, but as one who had divine power ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus Taught with Authority")). He spoke the truth directly, exhorted His disciples to follow Him and live righteously ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")), and rebuked sin and hypocrisy with unwavering conviction ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13-36 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Despite His humble appearance, Jesus possessed "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority in Heaven and on Earth")), and His words carried the weight of divine decree. Although He was despised and rejected by many ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")), it was not because of a lack of authority or integrity on His part, but due to the hardness of hearts. Ultimately, His resurrection and ascension vindicated His authority, ensuring that His message, delivered through His Spirit and His church, would never be truly despised by those whom God calls. Thus, Titus's mandate to minister with authority and avoid contempt is a reflection of Christ's own ministry, empowering His servants to carry forth His message with the same divine backing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:13

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Titus 1:13

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

Matthew 7:29

For he taught them as [one] having authority, and not as the scribes.

1 Timothy 5:20

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Mark 1:22

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.