This section ends with another direct appeal to Titus, exhorting him to use his teaching function with authority, and not to allow anyone to undermine him.

Declare is literally “speak,” for which see Titus 2.1 of this chapter. These things refers to everything that is contained in this chapter. For exhort see 1 Tim 1.3 and Titus 2.6 of this chapter. For reprove see “rebuke” in 1 Tim 5.20. For authority see comments on 1 Tim 1.1, where the same word is translated “command.” The focus here is on Titus’ authority as a pastor and a church leader. For disregard see 1 Tim 4.12, where a different verb is used but with the same meaning, namely “despise,” “deprecate.” The last sentence in this verse can be translated positively; for example, Contemporary English Version “Make sure you earn everyone’s respect.” However, it does seem that the negative has greater force and effect (see Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation).

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 .