Titus 2:1-5
1 “But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”
Sound doctrine: The sound doctrine of which Paul was a minister is the Gospel of grace. The New Covenant is our foundation (2 Corinthians 3:6-7). Anything that violates this is not sound doctrine no matter how popular the teaching.
Older men…women: Paul seems to be equating older age with Christian maturity assuming that sound doctrine is held as one ages. This is why he encourages older men to behave in a loving manner. Similarly, older women are to be examples for younger women of how to love their husbands and children. Christ breeds love in His children. The more we know sound doctrine, the more we will see this love come forth. Also, important to note: According to this verse women were teaching in the early church. They are teaching younger women about godliness. So, evidently, Paul assumed that women were fully capable of teaching in the ministry context.
Subject to their own husbands: Paul consistently encourages husbands and wives to submit to one another (See also Ephesians 5:21). Here the wife is in focus. The wife shows love to her husband by submitting to his needs and desires. This prevents the dishonoring of the word of God, or the Gospel, in a public atmosphere. People can see Christians living in unity with one another and consequently being attracted to the Gospel. So, the marriage is not to be a place of oppression for women or men. Rather, a place of submissive love and servitude.
