Titus 1:2-4 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But had in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
‘Promised’ [Greek, epangello] announce; command; gives orders. Translated “promise” (Tit. 1:2; Mark 14:11; Acts 7:5; Rom. 4:21; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 6:13; 10:23; 11:11; 12:26; Jas. 1:12; 2:5; 2Pet. 2:19; 1Jn. 2:25) and “profess” (1Tim. 2:10; 6:21). To whom such promise was announced, that God would give eternal life to men who were not yet created, is not known. If He made such a plan before the ages of time or in eternity past, there were beings or creatures then to whom He gave such information. This takes us back even before the pre-Adamite world of Genesis 1:1-2; Isaiah 14:12-14; Jeremiah 4:23-26; Ezekiel 28:11-17 and 2Peter 3:5-8. That the announcement and promise of eternal life concerned man and our times are clear in Titus 1:3 and Ephesians 1:4; 3:1-6.
‘World’ [Greek, ‘chronon’ and ‘aionion’] means ages of time (1:2; 2Ti. 1:9; Rom. 16:25). It means eternity; before the ages of time began. It is not the Greek words katabole which means disruption or overthrow of the world, or themelios which means founding of the world. Aionios is translated as “eternal” 42 times and everlasting 25 times.
‘Committed unto me’ – Referring to Paul’s commission (Acts 9:15-17; Gal. 1:15-16; 2:2). It is clear from these Scriptures that we cannot claim the same commission as the one given to him by Jesus Christ.
‘Commandment’ [Greek, epitage] translated “commandment” (1:3; Rom. 16:26; 1Cor. 7:6, 25; 2Cor. 8:8; 1Tim. 1:1) and “authority” (Tit. 2:15). The apostles were apostles by the commandment of God, it was by appointment.
‘Titus’ – like Timothy, Titus was a convert and fellow worker of Paul (Tit. 1:4; 2Cor. 2:13; 7:6-14; 8:23; 12:17-18; Gal. 2:1-3). He was given charge of Cretian congregations (Tit_1:5).
‘From God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Again and again, God the Father and Jesus Christ are referred to as being separate persons.
Living the Word 