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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Titus 1:5 - 1:5
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
For this cause (toutou charin). In N.T. only here and Eph 3:1, Eph 3:14. Paul may be supplementing oral instruction as in Timothy’s case and may even be replying to a letter from Titus (Zahn).
Left I thee in Crete (apeleipon se en Krētēi). This is the imperfect active of apoleipō, though MSS. give the aorist active also (apelipon) and some read kateleipon or katelipon. Both are common verbs, though Paul uses kataleipō only in 1Th 3:1 except two quotations (Rom 11:4; Eph 5:31) and apoleipō only here and 2Ti 4:13, 2Ti 4:20. Perhaps apoleipō suggests a more temporary stay than kataleipō. Paul had apparently stopped in Crete on his return from Spain about a.d. 65.
That thou shouldest set in order (hina epidiorthōsēi). Late and rare double compound (inscriptions, here only in N.T.), first aorist middle subjunctive (final clause with hina) of epidiorthoō, to set straight (orthoō) thoroughly (dia) in addition (epi), a clean job of it.
The things that were wanting (ta leiponta). “The things that remain.” See note on 2Ti 3:13; Luk 18:22. Either things left undone or things that survive. In both senses the new pastor faces problems after the tornado has passed. Parry takes it “of present defects” in Cretan character.
And appoint (kai katastēsēis). Final clause still and first aorist active subjunctive of kathistēmi, the word used in Act 6:13 about the deacons. The word does not preclude the choice by the churches (in every city, kata polin, distributive use of kata). This is a chief point in the epidorthōsis (White).
Elders (presbuterous). See note on 1Ti 3:2; 1Ti 4:14.
As I gave thee charge (hōs egō soi dietaxamēn). First aorist (constative) middle imperative of diatassō, clear reference to previous personal details given to Titus on previous occasions.