Titus 2:13
Verse
Context
God’s Grace Brings Salvation
12It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,13as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.14He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Looking for that blessed hope - Expecting the grand object of our hope, eternal life. See Tit 1:2. This is what the Gospel teaches us to expect, and what the grace of God prepares the human heart for. This is called a blessed hope; those who have it are happy in the sure prospect of that glory which shall be revealed. The glorious appearing - Και επιφανειαν της δοξης του μεγαλου Θεου και σωτηρος ἡμων Ιησου Χριστου. This clause, literally translated, is as follows: And the appearing of the glory of the great God, even our Savior Jesus Christ. On this passage I must refer the reader to the Essay on the Greek Article, by H. S. Boyd, Esq., appended to the notes on the Epistle to the Ephesians, where both the structure and doctrine of this passage are explained at large. Some think that the blessed hope and glorious appearing mean the same thing; but I do not think so. The blessed hope refers simply to eternal glorification in general; the glorious appearing, to the resurrection of the body; for when Christ appears he will change this vile body, and make it like unto his Glorious Body, according to the working by which he is able even to subdue all things to himself. See Phi 3:20, Phi 3:21.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Phi 3:20-21). Looking for--with constant expectation (so the Greek) and with joy (Rom 8:19). This will prove the antidote to worldly lusts, and the stimulus to "live in this present world" conformably to this expectation. The Greek is translated, "waiting for," in Luk 2:25. that--Greek, "the." blessed--bringing blessedness (Rom 4:7-8). hope--that is, object of hope (Rom 8:24; Gal 5:5; Col 1:5). the glorious appearing--There is but one Greek article to both "hope" and "appearing," which marks their close connection (the hope being about to be realized only at the appearing of Christ). Translate, "The blessed hope and manifestation (compare Note, see on Tit 2:11) of the glory." The Greek for "manifestation" is translated "brightness" in Th2 2:8. As His "coming" (Greek, "parousia") expresses the fact; so "brightness, appearing," or "manifestation" (epiphaneia) expresses His personal visibility when He shall come. the great God and our Saviour Jesus--There is but one Greek article to "God" and "Saviour," which shows that both are predicated of one and the same Being. "Of Him who is at once the great God and our Saviour." Also (2) "appearing" (epiphaneia) is never by Paul predicated of God the Father (Joh 1:18; Ti1 6:16), or even of "His glory" (as ALFORD explains it): it is invariably applied to CHRIST'S coming, to which (at His first advent, compare Ti2 1:10) the kindred verb "appeared" (epephanee), Tit 2:11, refers (Ti1 6:14; Ti2 4:1, Ti2 4:8). Also (3) in the context (Tit 2:14) there is no reference to the Father, but to Christ alone; and here there is no occasion for reference to the Father in the exigencies of the context. Also (4) the expression "great God," as applied to Christ, is in accordance with the context, which refers to the glory of His appearing; just as "the true God" is predicated of Christ, Jo1 5:20. The phrase occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, but often in the Old Testament. Deu 7:21; Deu 10:17, predicated of Jehovah, who, as their manifested Lord, led the Israelites through the wilderness, doubtless the Second Person in the Trinity. Believers now look for the manifestation of His glory, inasmuch as they shall share in it. Even the Socinian explanation, making "the great God" to be the Father, "our Saviour," the Son, places God and Christ on an equal relation to "the glory" of the future appearing: a fact incompatible with the notion that Christ is not divine; indeed it would be blasphemy so to couple any mere created being with God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
These things speak and exhort,.... Sound doctrine, the doctrine of grace, the doctrines of salvation and redemption by Christ, of peace, pardon, and cleansing by his blood; these speak out clearly, plainly, publicly, boldly, and faithfully: and the things which become sound doctrine; the duties of religion suitable to every age and sex, a denying of ungodliness and worldly lusts, a sober, righteous, and godly life and conversation, exhort unto; and encourage the saints to be zealous of good works, and comfort them with the expectation of the blessed hope, and glorious appearance of Christ. And rebuke with all authority; such as imbibe errors and heresies, or indulge to vice and wickedness, with the authority both of Christ and his church, in the name of the one, and by the order and vote of the other, that the reproof may come with the greater weight; and in a grave and solemn manner, suitable to the dignity of the ministerial office and character, and with that sharpness and severity the offence requires. Let no man despise thee; as negligent in the discharge of his office, or as doing it in a pusillanimous manner, or as behaving in his life and conversation unworthy of the character he bore, and so is a direction to himself; or else it may be considered as designed for the churches in Crete, and the professors of religion, and to be an instruction to them to value Titus, and treat him with respect, and not with contempt; which shows that this epistle was not written for Titus only, or for his own use, but for the service of others. The Ethiopic version reads, "let no man deceive thee". Next: Titus Chapter 3
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 we look forward: This implies hope as well as future accountability, both of which stimulate godly conduct in the present. • will be revealed: This phrase translates a prominent Greek word in the letters to Timothy and Titus (“epiphany” or “appearing”; also 2:11; see study note on 1 Tim 6:14). • great God and Savior: This is one of the few places in the New Testament where Jesus Christ is called “God” outright (see also John 1:1; 20:28; Rom 9:5; Heb 1:8; 2 Pet 1:1; possibly John 1:18). Yet this claim is entirely consistent with the roles and attributes of Christ and the worship that he receives. Possibly this designation is used here to insist that Christ is not a mere human promoted to membership in the pantheon of gods (see study note on Titus 1:12). At the time of this letter, Christians were insisting more and more that Christ alone, rather than rulers and emperors, should be called divine.
Titus 2:13
God’s Grace Brings Salvation
12It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,13as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.14He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Titus 1 vs. 3
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K33:27Christian LifeMAT 24:3TIT 2:11TIT 2:132PE 3:101JN 2:13In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Matthew 24, where Jesus speaks to his disciples about the signs of his coming and the end of the age. The preacher emphasizes the warning given by Jesus to not be deceived by false teachings. He highlights the prevalence of deception in the world today and gives an example of a famous man in a church who deceived people for financial gain. The preacher also mentions the opposition between the world system and the system of Christ, emphasizing the need for believers to not love the world.
(Through the Bible) Isaiah 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.6K1:23:35ISA 1:18ISA 2:3ISA 41:21ISA 46:9TIT 2:13REV 12:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a tabernacle as a place of refuge and protection from the elements. He then transitions to the topic of the day of the Lord, when God will once again rule and bless Israel and Jerusalem. The speaker uses the parable of a vineyard to illustrate God's relationship with Israel, emphasizing how God has cared for and nurtured them. However, he also warns of impending judgment and the consequences for the wicked. The sermon concludes with a message of hope in the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ and the promise of a new kingdom.
The Consummation of the Ages
By Albert Leckie1.4K56:16ConsummationISA 66:8ACT 1:9EPH 3:21COL 3:4TIT 2:13HEB 1:6HEB 6:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the millennial reign of Christ as God's final test to humanity. He explains that during this time, there will be no false religions and all people will have knowledge of God. However, despite this, there will still be those who do not believe. The preacher also highlights that the millennial reign will serve as God's conclusive proof that He has not lost anything due to the entry of sin, thanks to the sacrifice of Calvary. The sermon concludes by discussing the future manifestation of Christ and how believers will be glorified with Him, bringing an end to the reproach they face in the world.
Looking for and Loving His Appearing
By Lehman Strauss1.4K45:37Second ComingMAT 6:331TI 6:62TI 4:3TIT 2:11TIT 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. He uses the analogy of a layup in basketball to illustrate the concept of storing up spiritual treasures for the future. The speaker warns against the love of money, stating that it can lead to temptation and destructive desires. He encourages the audience to focus on doing good works, fellowshipping with others, and distributing their resources to those in need. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the listeners to be ready for the Lord's appearing and to love His appearing.
Prayer and the Victory of God
By John Piper1.3K38:01ISA 9:7MAT 6:9MAT 24:14MAT 24:29LUK 18:1ACT 4:311TH 4:152TH 1:6TIT 2:13REV 1:7REV 8:4This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer in bringing about the victory of God. Through various biblical passages and examples, the message highlights how prayers play a crucial role in ushering in God's ultimate triumph over evil and establishing His kingdom on earth. It encourages believers to pray boldly, connecting their everyday lives to the grand purpose of God's victory.
Risen and Returning
By Jim Cymbala1.2K42:00Second ComingMAT 24:36MAT 24:421CO 15:521TH 4:16TIT 2:13HEB 11:7REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ rather than just going to church. He urges the audience to examine their faith and ensure that it is real and centered on Jesus. The preacher then discusses the concept of the second coming of Christ, comparing it to the days of Noah. He highlights the need for faith and obedience, using Noah's example of building the ark despite being mocked. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God will punish unrighteousness and sin.
Diety of Christ
By J. Glyn Owen1.2K45:49ChristMAT 16:15MAT 22:41JHN 20:28ROM 9:5TIT 2:13HEB 1:82PE 1:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the deity of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus claimed to be divine in an absolute sense, a belief that sets Christianity apart from other religions. The preacher explains that the Christian view of God includes a personal God who is the creator, ruler, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable. He argues that when it comes to Jesus, these attributes do not need to be detracted or taken away, but rather can be attributed to Him. The preacher also acknowledges the mystery surrounding the concept of the Trinity, but asserts that it is a fundamental belief in Christianity.
Lives Filled With Hope
By Bob Hoekstra1.2K48:55JHN 16:33ROM 15:13EPH 1:18EPH 2:12COL 1:272TH 2:161TI 1:1TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:3This sermon focuses on the theme of lives filled with hope, emphasizing how God's remedy for discouragement, worry, and despair is unique and distinct. The key verse, Romans 15:13, highlights the God of hope filling believers with joy, peace, and abounding hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences of relying on this verse during challenging times, encouraging listeners to trust in God's promises and be flooded with hope.
Hopeless Without Chirst
By Tim Conway1.1K09:39PSA 42:1ROM 5:5ROM 8:24ROM 15:13EPH 2:12COL 1:271TH 4:13TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:3This sermon emphasizes the devastating impact of hopelessness without Christ, painting a vivid picture of being stranded on a rock in a sea of despair, thirsting for satisfaction but finding none. It contrasts the bleakness of a life without Christ, filled with emptiness and futile efforts, with the hope and assurance that believers have in Jesus Christ. The message urges listeners to heed Christ's call, find true satisfaction in Him, and rejoice in the hope of a glorious future in heaven.
The Battle in Your Mind Over Sexual Sin
By Tim Conway1.1K1:09:19PSA 15:1PSA 32:3PSA 51:8MRK 4:19ROM 8:28ROM 8:311TH 4:72TI 2:22TIT 2:13JAS 4:81PE 2:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith that breaks the dominion of sin in our lives, particularly focusing on the need for faith to save us from sexual immorality. It highlights the battle against sexual temptation and the imperative to abstain from these passions that wage war against the soul. The sermon also stresses the need for believers to equip themselves with prayer, pursue faith, love, and peace, and remember the agonies of Christ for sexual sin to maintain intimacy with the Lord.
(1 Timothy) God Became a Man
By Brian Brodersen96157:39EXO 3:14PSA 19:1MAT 6:33JHN 8:58ACT 20:28TIT 2:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on verse 16 of chapter 3, which states that "great is the mystery of godliness." The speaker emphasizes that God was manifested in the flesh through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate manifestation of God. The speaker warns against reducing the gospel to a formula or a theological system, emphasizing the importance of introducing people to the living God, Jesus. The speaker encourages listeners to fix their gaze upon Jesus and meditate on him in order to become godly and spiritual.
Christ Our Life
By Philip Powell90812:04JHN 5:39JHN 14:3JHN 14:62CO 5:17COL 3:4TIT 2:13In this sermon on John chapter 10, the preacher discusses Jesus' teachings about his sheep and the sheepfold. He emphasizes that the life Jesus offers is not just an average life, but a life that reaches higher and delves deeper than superficial human experience. The preacher highlights the promise of the blessed hope of the church, which is a sharing in the glory of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Christ is our life and that this eternal life is found only in him, not in religion or culture. The preacher also mentions a trend in Western society where people are saying no to the church but yes to Christ.
The Seventh Trumpet
By Paris Reidhead7781:00:52Revelation1TH 1:10TIT 2:13REV 11:14In the sermon, the speaker discusses a film from the New York Bible Society that depicts the gospel being disregarded and thrown on the ground. The speaker emphasizes that those who have accepted the gospel will be transformed into the image and likeness of Christ and will be caught up to be with Him. The sermon also mentions that this signifies the sealing of the end and the coming of the Lord. The speaker urges the audience to witness effectively for Christ, using tracks and gospels wisely, and to have a burden for the unsaved. The sermon concludes with the promise that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, and He will reign forever.
What Salvation Is All About
By Robert B. Thompson5531:18:00MAT 25:30GAL 5:16GAL 5:19TIT 2:11TIT 2:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the seven Feasts of the Lord. He emphasizes that these feasts provide insight into our personal journey and spiritual growth. The speaker also highlights the need for believers to lay down their lives and pursue their personal goals in order to be faithful sons and daughters of God. The sermon concludes with a reminder that grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and live upright and godly lives while we wait for the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.
Knowing God (Eng to German) (9.6.1985)
By Peter Maiden1251:04:29Knowing GodPSA 103:17MAT 6:33JHN 17:3ROM 12:22CO 6:14PHP 4:19TIT 2:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a journey and reflects on the importance of knowing the living God. He emphasizes that life without God's love is meaningless and wasteful. The speaker highlights that God's love brings purpose and value to our lives. He also discusses the goal of conforming to the image of Jesus Christ and the importance of relying on God in all aspects of life. The sermon concludes with three principles from Philippians 3 on how to know Christ.
Invitation to Greatness: Being Faithful in the Least Areas
By Mike Bickle2357:02Greatness in God's KingdomFaithfulnessMAT 5:5TIT 2:13JUD 1:4Mike Bickle emphasizes the call to greatness through faithfulness in the least areas of life, as outlined in the Sermon on the Mount. He explains that Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, urging believers to embody even the smallest commandments in their hearts. Bickle highlights that those who obey and teach these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven, while those who disregard them will be considered least. He warns against the common misconception that grace allows for disobedience, asserting that true grace empowers believers to pursue holiness. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to seek greatness in God's sight by faithfully living out His word in every aspect of their lives.
Hope: The Eternal Kingdom (Supernatural, Physical, and Political)
By Mike Bickle1551:50Eternal KingdomHopeISA 51:3ISA 65:20EZK 36:35ROM 8:18ROM 15:13TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:31JN 3:2REV 21:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of hope in relation to the eternal kingdom, discussing its supernatural, physical, and political dimensions. He explains that hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation in God's promises for the future, particularly the second coming of Jesus and the restoration of creation. Bickle highlights that believers are born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus, which impacts their present lives and decisions. He encourages the congregation to anchor themselves in this hope, which purifies their hearts and strengthens their resolve against life's challenges. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the heavenly and earthly realms in God's eternal plan.
Epistle 132
By George Fox0ISA 42:6EZK 37:26MRK 12:30JHN 1:4JHN 6:352CO 10:16EPH 4:15COL 2:2TIT 2:132PE 1:211JN 5:21REV 21:6George Fox preaches about the importance of walking in the truth and knowing one another in the measure of life, guided up to the Father of life, to be kept from idols and feigned love. He emphasizes waiting in the measure of life for hearts to be knit together, and the necessity of not willing anything with our own will but seeking God's will. Fox urges believers to mind their growth, perfecting, and steadfastness in the light of Christ for unity and nourishment, emphasizing the importance of waiting in the light that comes from Christ, the head.
Imminent Return of Christ
By David Dunlap0MAT 24:48LUK 12:40JHN 14:11CO 1:7PHP 3:20TIT 2:13HEB 9:28REV 22:7David Dunlap preaches on the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His bride, the church, emphasizing its importance in the Old and New Testaments and its impact on holy living, missionary work, and comfort in times of sorrow. The doctrine of imminency is not only a source of comfort but also essential for interpreting Holy Scripture, unlocking hidden truths and guiding believers in understanding biblical prophecy. Despite historical misinterpretations, the New Testament extensively supports the belief in Christ's imminent return, urging Christians to be watchful, ready, and actively engaged in spreading the Gospel, especially in light of the nearness of His coming.
Jesus Christ: "Our Great God and Savior"
By Greg Herrick0JHN 1:1ROM 5:10PHP 2:6COL 1:13TIT 2:13HEB 1:31PE 3:18Greg Herrick preaches on the dual nature of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that he is both fully God and fully man, with two distinct natures united in one person forever. The mystery of the incarnation is highlighted, acknowledging that while the exact relationship between Jesus' divine and human nature may be beyond full human comprehension, it is not contradictory but a profound truth to be accepted. The sermon delves into the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection, explaining how his sacrifice paid the penalty for our sins through vicarious atonement and penal substitution, ultimately defeating Satan's authority and offering salvation to believers.
Gifts, Bribes and Guilt Offerings
By Anton Bosch0JHN 3:16ROM 12:12CO 8:5TIT 2:131JN 3:16Anton Bosch addresses the commercialization and materialism that have overshadowed the true meaning of Christmas, emphasizing the need to refocus on God's greatest gift - His Son, Jesus. He highlights how the act of giving gifts has been distorted by greed and the pressure to outdo others, leading to a lack of genuine love and devotion in relationships. Bosch stresses the importance of giving ourselves first to the Lord before giving to others, pointing out that true giving stems from love rather than guilt or obligation.
I Expect Great Things Then
By James Smith0PSA 37:4JHN 14:21CO 2:91CO 15:42TIT 2:13HEB 9:281PE 1:41JN 3:2REV 22:12James Smith preaches about the blessed hope of the Christian, focusing on the glorious return of Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to eagerly anticipate the coming of Jesus, where they will be freed from pain, sin, and receive a glorious crown and eternal satisfaction. The sermon emphasizes living in holy obedience, enduring trials with hope, and actively serving the Lord in anticipation of Christ's return.
The Land of Darkness and the Shadow of Death.
By F.B. Meyer0Readiness for His ReturnHope in ChristJOB 10:21MAT 25:1JHN 14:3ROM 13:121TH 5:62TI 4:8TIT 2:13HEB 9:281PE 1:13REV 22:12F.B. Meyer reflects on the contrast between the ancient understanding of death as a land of darkness and the Christian hope of eternal life and light through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that while the patriarchs viewed life as day and the afterlife as night, believers today see the present as night and the future as a glorious day. Meyer encourages Christians to live in anticipation of Christ's return, likening the soul's affections to the tides influenced by the cross and the hope of His coming. He urges believers to remain vigilant and prepared, embodying the spirit of waiting for the Lord's return with faith and readiness.
The Son" in All Supremacy and God "All in All"
By H.J. Vine0MAT 28:19JHN 3:351CO 15:28TIT 2:13HEB 1:8H.J. Vine preaches about the eternal supremacy of the Son, who is subjected to Him by God, as shown in 1 Corinthians 15:28. Despite Satan's attempts to destroy the Son's work and degrade humanity, the Son's sacrifice on the cross brings man to higher glory and reconciles a holy God with His creation. Baptism signifies honoring 'THE NAME' of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus for eternal life.
The Rainbow in the Clouds (31 Day Devotional)
By John MacDuff0GEN 9:16EXO 3:7EXO 33:14DEU 23:25JOB 1:21PSA 35:27PSA 93:1ISA 32:2ISA 57:1JER 31:3HOS 13:14MAL 3:6JHN 13:7ROM 8:32TIT 2:13HEB 12:61PE 1:6John MacDuff preaches about the unchanging and everlasting love of God, assuring believers that all trials and tribulations are part of God's eternal plan of love and redemption. He emphasizes the sovereignty of God, His loving purpose in prosperity and adversity, the safe refuge found in Christ during life's storms, the reason for divine chastisement as a sign of God's love, and the immutability of God's character and promises. MacDuff encourages believers to trust in God's divine sympathy, gracious conditions, and the blessed hope of Christ's return, reminding them of the ultimate victory over death and the eternal rest and deliverance promised to those who love God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Looking for that blessed hope - Expecting the grand object of our hope, eternal life. See Tit 1:2. This is what the Gospel teaches us to expect, and what the grace of God prepares the human heart for. This is called a blessed hope; those who have it are happy in the sure prospect of that glory which shall be revealed. The glorious appearing - Και επιφανειαν της δοξης του μεγαλου Θεου και σωτηρος ἡμων Ιησου Χριστου. This clause, literally translated, is as follows: And the appearing of the glory of the great God, even our Savior Jesus Christ. On this passage I must refer the reader to the Essay on the Greek Article, by H. S. Boyd, Esq., appended to the notes on the Epistle to the Ephesians, where both the structure and doctrine of this passage are explained at large. Some think that the blessed hope and glorious appearing mean the same thing; but I do not think so. The blessed hope refers simply to eternal glorification in general; the glorious appearing, to the resurrection of the body; for when Christ appears he will change this vile body, and make it like unto his Glorious Body, according to the working by which he is able even to subdue all things to himself. See Phi 3:20, Phi 3:21.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Phi 3:20-21). Looking for--with constant expectation (so the Greek) and with joy (Rom 8:19). This will prove the antidote to worldly lusts, and the stimulus to "live in this present world" conformably to this expectation. The Greek is translated, "waiting for," in Luk 2:25. that--Greek, "the." blessed--bringing blessedness (Rom 4:7-8). hope--that is, object of hope (Rom 8:24; Gal 5:5; Col 1:5). the glorious appearing--There is but one Greek article to both "hope" and "appearing," which marks their close connection (the hope being about to be realized only at the appearing of Christ). Translate, "The blessed hope and manifestation (compare Note, see on Tit 2:11) of the glory." The Greek for "manifestation" is translated "brightness" in Th2 2:8. As His "coming" (Greek, "parousia") expresses the fact; so "brightness, appearing," or "manifestation" (epiphaneia) expresses His personal visibility when He shall come. the great God and our Saviour Jesus--There is but one Greek article to "God" and "Saviour," which shows that both are predicated of one and the same Being. "Of Him who is at once the great God and our Saviour." Also (2) "appearing" (epiphaneia) is never by Paul predicated of God the Father (Joh 1:18; Ti1 6:16), or even of "His glory" (as ALFORD explains it): it is invariably applied to CHRIST'S coming, to which (at His first advent, compare Ti2 1:10) the kindred verb "appeared" (epephanee), Tit 2:11, refers (Ti1 6:14; Ti2 4:1, Ti2 4:8). Also (3) in the context (Tit 2:14) there is no reference to the Father, but to Christ alone; and here there is no occasion for reference to the Father in the exigencies of the context. Also (4) the expression "great God," as applied to Christ, is in accordance with the context, which refers to the glory of His appearing; just as "the true God" is predicated of Christ, Jo1 5:20. The phrase occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, but often in the Old Testament. Deu 7:21; Deu 10:17, predicated of Jehovah, who, as their manifested Lord, led the Israelites through the wilderness, doubtless the Second Person in the Trinity. Believers now look for the manifestation of His glory, inasmuch as they shall share in it. Even the Socinian explanation, making "the great God" to be the Father, "our Saviour," the Son, places God and Christ on an equal relation to "the glory" of the future appearing: a fact incompatible with the notion that Christ is not divine; indeed it would be blasphemy so to couple any mere created being with God.
John Gill Bible Commentary
These things speak and exhort,.... Sound doctrine, the doctrine of grace, the doctrines of salvation and redemption by Christ, of peace, pardon, and cleansing by his blood; these speak out clearly, plainly, publicly, boldly, and faithfully: and the things which become sound doctrine; the duties of religion suitable to every age and sex, a denying of ungodliness and worldly lusts, a sober, righteous, and godly life and conversation, exhort unto; and encourage the saints to be zealous of good works, and comfort them with the expectation of the blessed hope, and glorious appearance of Christ. And rebuke with all authority; such as imbibe errors and heresies, or indulge to vice and wickedness, with the authority both of Christ and his church, in the name of the one, and by the order and vote of the other, that the reproof may come with the greater weight; and in a grave and solemn manner, suitable to the dignity of the ministerial office and character, and with that sharpness and severity the offence requires. Let no man despise thee; as negligent in the discharge of his office, or as doing it in a pusillanimous manner, or as behaving in his life and conversation unworthy of the character he bore, and so is a direction to himself; or else it may be considered as designed for the churches in Crete, and the professors of religion, and to be an instruction to them to value Titus, and treat him with respect, and not with contempt; which shows that this epistle was not written for Titus only, or for his own use, but for the service of others. The Ethiopic version reads, "let no man deceive thee". Next: Titus Chapter 3
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 we look forward: This implies hope as well as future accountability, both of which stimulate godly conduct in the present. • will be revealed: This phrase translates a prominent Greek word in the letters to Timothy and Titus (“epiphany” or “appearing”; also 2:11; see study note on 1 Tim 6:14). • great God and Savior: This is one of the few places in the New Testament where Jesus Christ is called “God” outright (see also John 1:1; 20:28; Rom 9:5; Heb 1:8; 2 Pet 1:1; possibly John 1:18). Yet this claim is entirely consistent with the roles and attributes of Christ and the worship that he receives. Possibly this designation is used here to insist that Christ is not a mere human promoted to membership in the pantheon of gods (see study note on Titus 1:12). At the time of this letter, Christians were insisting more and more that Christ alone, rather than rulers and emperors, should be called divine.