2:8a
wholesome speech: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wholesome means “healthy” or “correct.” It is related to the words in 2:1 and 2:2b that are translated “sound” by the Berean Standard Bible. Here it describes the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as speech, which means “word” or “message.”
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
sound words (Good News Bible)
or
a sound message (NET Bible)
that is above reproach: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as above reproach often describes someone who is accused of a crime but is innocent. Titus should speak what is true so that any criticism someone might make of his teaching will have no basis.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
that cannot be condemned (New International Version (2011 Revision))
or
that no one can criticize (Contemporary English Version)
2:8b
so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed: This is a purpose clause. It indicates Paul’s purpose in telling Titus to teach in a serious and sincere way.
anyone who opposes us: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as anyone who opposes us is more literally, “the opponent.” Paul probably did not have any one person in mind, but was referring in general to anyone who opposed Titus during his time of ministry on Crete. You may translate it using either a singular or plural form, whichever is most natural in your language. For example:
any opponent (New Revised Standard Version)
or
your enemies (Good News Bible)
us: This word is not in the Greek. Some versions add it or the word “you” in order to have an object for the verb “oppose.” If it is more natural in your language to say who “the opponent” is opposing, you may add either “us” to refer to Paul, Titus, and others who are working to promote the gospel message, or “you” or “your” to refer to Titus. For example:
those who oppose you (New International Version (2011 Revision))
or
your enemies (Good News Bible)
will be ashamed: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be ashamed is in the passive. There are at least two ways to translate it:
• Using a passive verb. For example:
they may be put to shame (English Standard Version)
• Using an active verb. For example:
will feel shame
2:8c
having nothing bad to say about us: This clause probably indicates the reason why Titus’ opponents would be ashamed. They would not be able to think of any good reason to criticize Titus and his teaching. If Titus spoke truthfully and acted with integrity, his enemies would end up being ashamed and silent.
Here some other ways to translate this clause:
having nothing evil to say of us (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
because there is nothing bad to say about us (New Century Version)
General Comment on 2:7c-8c
The Berean Standard Bible has translated these verse parts as one long sentence. In some languages it may be more natural to translate them as two or more shorter sentences. For example:
7cWhen you teach, do it with honesty and seriousness. 8aSpeak the truth so that you cannot be criticized. 8bThen those who are against you will be ashamed 8cbecause there is nothing bad to say about us. (New Century Version)
Section 3:1–11
Christians should live good lives among unbelievers
This section contains the last major theme in this letter. In 2:1–14, Paul had discussed relationships between Christians. Now in 3:1–11, he wrote about relationships that Christians have with non-Christians. He once more gave Titus instructions to pass on to the believers: they must submit to government authorities, be kind to other people, and not participate in useless arguments. God has given them new life because of what Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit have done, and they should live in peace and be generous to others.
Paragraph 3:1–2
In this paragraph, Paul told the believers to obey the laws of the government officers. He also gave general instructions about living peacefully and in a humble and kind way with other people.
These two verses form one long sentence in Greek and contain seven instructions for Titus to pass on to the believers on Crete. In some languages it may be natural to divide these verses into several shorter sentences. For example:
1Remind your people to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, and to be ready to do good in every way. 2Tell them not to speak evil of anyone, but to be peaceful and friendly, and always to show a gentle attitude toward everyone. (Good News Bible)
-or-
1aRemind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 2aThey must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
3:1a
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Remind here indicates that Paul wanted Titus to tell the people to remember something that they already knew.
Here are some other ways to translate this:
Remind your people to submit to rulers and authorities (Good News Bible)
-or-
Remind believers to willingly place themselves under the authority of government officials. (God’s Word)
-or-
You(sing) should tell the people there to remember to respect the authority of the various government officials and leaders.
to submit to: The Greek word the Berean Standard Bible translates as submit to means “to be subject to, respect the authority of.” Paul told Titus that Christians must respect the authority of the local (secular) leaders.
rulers and authorities: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rulers and authorities is more literally “rulers, authorities.” The two nouns basically mean the same thing. They refer to government rulers, not church leaders. They include people like the king or president, district officials, village chiefs—anyone who has been appointed or elected as a leader of the community. In some languages it may be natural to translate the two terms rulers and authorities using just one term. For example:
all those who rule
-or-
the various government leaders
-or-
the authority of government officials (God’s Word)
to be obedient: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to be obedient here indicates that Paul wanted Titus to tell the people to obey their secular rulers. They should do as they were instructed. This word is very similar in meaning to the Greek word translated as “to submit to” in the previous clause.
Here are some other ways to translate this:
to obey them (God’s Word)
-or-
Believers should obey them. (God’s Word)
General Comment on 3:1a
In some languages it may be natural to combine the commands “submit” and “be obedient.” For example:
1aDiligently obey the commands of those who have authority over you.
3:1b
ready for every good work: Paul told Titus to tell the Christians that they must be willing or prepared to do anything that was good and helpful.
Here are some other ways to translate this:
and to be ready to do good in every way (Good News Bible)
-or-
always ready to what is good (New Living Translation (2004 R