TITUS 1:9 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it — the elder's doctrinal function is twofold: positive catechesis through sound teaching and negative refutation of contradiction. The word pistis (trustworthy) applied to logos echoes verse 2's God-who-never-lies; doctrine must mirror divine fidelity. The ability to rebuke (elegchein) requires both orthodoxy and apostolic authority.
Church Fathers on Titus 1:9
You see what intensity of virtue he required. “Not given to filthy lucre,” that is, showing great contempt for money. “A lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy”; he means, giving away all his substance to them that need. “Temperate”; he speaks not here of one who fasts, but of one who commands his passions, his tongue, his hands, his eyes. For this is temperance, to be drawn aside by no passion. “Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught.” By…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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