Sound Doctrine in the Life of the Household

“Sound doctrine” in Titus immediately becomes visible conduct. Older men are called to sobriety, dignity, self-control, faith, love, and patience; older women to reverent conduct and the teaching of good things; younger women are to learn faithful love and wise household life. The repeated concern is that the word of God not be dishonored.

Where this fits in the story: New Testament moral instruction repeatedly moves from gospel confession into household and community relationships. Titus is especially concentrated: doctrine is “healthy” when it produces a community whose ordinary life does not give outsiders an easy reason to slander the message.