“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:15 ESV).
The Apostle Paul summarized his pastoral mentoring, in the immediate context, to Titus with four imperatives. Paul’s directives were to be obeyed for they ultimately came from the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). What were these four command from Paul to Titus?
Declare these things. This present active imperative pertains to all the Apostle Paul previously stated to Titus. It concerned the qualifications of church elders (1:5-9), how to treat false teachers (1:10-16), pursuing a multigenerational ministry (2:1-10), and personal godliness (2:11-14). This command concerns proclamation.
Exhort! To exhort (παρακαλέω; parakaleō) means to urge and implore. This second present, active imperative transitions from declaring truth to the application of God’s declared truth. This command is about application.
Rebuke! Pastors not only have the responsibility to declare God’s truth, and urge believers in Christ to apply God’s truth, but also to rebuke those who do not comply with God’s truth. To rebuke (ἐλέγχω; elenchō) means to expose, reprove and convict someone of wrong. Pastors are to rebuke those within the church who do not obey God’s Word. This refers to confrontation.
The pastor’s responsibility to exhort and rebuke God’s people is due to his God-given authority. This does not mean that pastors are unaccountable to anyone. However, God calls pastors to exhibit great care in ministering in the church.
“Titus must never grow slack in his duty. He must continue to do what he has been doing all along. He must constantly talk (see on verse 1) about this glorious life of sanctification as a thank-offering presented to God for his wonderful grace in Christ. He must urge it upon the people, doing this whenever the occasion presents itself, admonishing (see on verse 6) those who are in need of special admonition, and even reproving (see on Titus 1:9, 13) those who have merited reproof. All this he must do “with all authority,” the authority of Christ whom he represents.”[1]
Let no one disregard you. To disregard (περιφρονέω; periphroneō) is also a present, active imperative. It means to look down on or to be condescending. Pastors are to presently, actively and obediently not allow anyone to despise their position as pastor (Hebrew 13:7, 17). This refers to respect and appreciation.
“Declare . . . exhort . . . rebuke. These three verbs identify the need for proclamation, application, and correction by the word. “Authority” to command people in the spiritual realm comes only from God’s word. Cf. Matt. 7:28–29. Rebellion against the truth has to be dealt with. Cf. Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5:9–13; 2 Thess. 3:14–15,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
“First Timothy 4:11–16 is an important parallel passage, demonstrating along with Titus 2:15 the significance of the teaching office in the church. In fulfillment of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18–20), all believers have a role in instructing others; however, the church’s appointed teachers have special authority to teach biblical doctrine, exhort and encourage others to believe it, and rebuke professing Christians who reject it. This authority is not inherent in the teacher but is based on the Word of God (15:1–9; 18:15–20), and his teaching is not binding if it violates Scripture,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.
Pray for your pastor(s) and church elders to be faithful in obeying these biblical commands set forth in today’s text. Pray for your congregation that they will be respectful of their pastor(s) and church elders. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 377.
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Thank you, Pastor Tom.
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