“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”
The promise of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began — this statement grounds the gospel in divine faithfulness predating all creation, echoing Proverbs 8 and the eternal counsels of God. The phrase before the ages began (pro chronōn aiōniōn) emphasizes that salvation is not divine afterthought but the eternal purpose now revealed. The denial that God lies (apseudes) becomes crucial background for Paul's condemnation of Cretan liars in verse 12.
Church Fathers on Titus 1:2
Titus was an approved one of the companions of Paul; otherwise, he would not have committed to him the charge of that whole island, nor would he have commanded him to supply what was deficient, as he says, “That you should set in order the things that are wanting.” Titus 1:5 He would not have given him jurisdiction over so many Bishops, if he had not placed great confidence in him. They say that he also was a young man, because he calls him his son, though this does not prove…
Read all 2 entries in the readerNicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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