Titus 1:13 Commentary and Bible Study

‘This witness is true’, the apostle has to say. It is indeed a national characteristic. The Bible allows us to make generalisations even though we know there are exceptions. Not all people are equally sinful, but all are members of this fallen human race, and for whatever reason there are national characteristics. ‘Wherefore rebuke them sharply’, and the word ‘rebuke’ here means more refute or confute them. And it is to be done ‘sharply’ – the translation is perfect. It comes from the verb ‘to cut asunder’. Contradict them sharply. But it is figurative more than literal. It doesn't mean bark at them. It doesn't mean, so speak that venom and hostility comes out of your mouth. By ‘sharply’ as previously, what is meant here is decisively: cut it off completely. This error is so great. Don't play around with it and say, ‘Oh, I do appreciate this about you, and that about you, and I'm sure there are good things in what you are doing, and I'm sure there is something to be said for it, but there is a little problem I have here.’ No, the whole thing is wrong. ‘Sharply’ means decisively; absolutely draw the line. Cut it off and show right from wrong. Do it firmly, but not sharply in a literal sense, with hostility in the voice. ‘Rebuke them’, or contradict them ‘[immediately].’ You could put it that way. And do it wholly, dealing with the whole package. Contradict it and show its error. ‘That they may be sound in the faith.’ Some of them may be genuine. If you are sharp in the wrong sense, you just make an enemy; you won't help them. No, you show very clearly and absolutely why something is wrong, and what is right, according to the Scripture. By doing so, then if they are sound, you win them. If they are not sound, they take no notice of you. If they are not truly saved they will ignore you, and then in due course the church has to act and put them out.