As in previous cases (1 Tim 6.11; 2 Tim 3.14), the introductory part of the verse (But as for you) draws a contrast between the person being addressed and those mentioned in the immediately preceding section. Here the contrast is between Titus and the false teachers.

Teach is literally “speak” but in this context refers to a more formal setting where the speaking is part of a structured activity; hence teach. The same word occurs in its general meaning in 1 Tim 4.13.

Befits translates a word that means “fitting,” “right,” or “proper” in a specific context or situation. Here it is used to emphasize that whatever Titus teaches should be “consistent with sound doctrine” (New Revised Standard Version; compare New International Version “in accord with”); for sound doctrine see 1 Tim 1.10. Since this is the first verse of a new chapter, it will be helpful to show whom the pronoun you is referring to, and to translate, for example, “Titus, you must…” or “But as for you, Titus, you must….”

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to Titus. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1995. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .