Titus 1:10-16
10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.”
Those of the circumcision: The number one enemy for the Christian is legalism or adopting a law-based religion. During the days of the early church there was a constant battle to not mix the Old and New Covenants. Paul was absolutely against such an act. Therefore, Paul encouraged the silencing of these teachers who are wreaking havoc on the family.
Cretans are always liars: The false teachers were engaged in racism and bigotry and stereotyping the people of Crete. This is a constant affliction for humans. We always label people according to the flesh and to what is seen. However, Christ is the only real identity for people. He brings all people together.
Reprimand them: Paul encouraged reproving of false doctrine ultimately so that the church would be strengthened in their understanding of sound doctrine, and perhaps the false teachers saved through faith in Jesus.
All things are pure: If we have believed in Jesus, we are pure to the core. To those who are pure every act, no matter how mundane, is an act of purity because we are in union with Jesus and can express Him in every context.
They profess to know God: Paul seems to be speaking of those who have mixed law and grace. These judaizers were ever present amongst the early church.
