10For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. 12One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.
Interesting Words
rebellious men
(ἀνυπότακτος – Greek) – anupotaktos ► Rebellious, insubordinate, not subject to rule, unsubdued, i.e. insubordinate (in fact or temper) – 1Tim 1:9; Heb 2:8;
empty talkers
(ματαιολόγος – Greek) – mataiologos ► empty, vain talker, an idle (i.e. senseless or mischievous) talker, i.e. a wrangler – used only once in the NT
deceivers
(φρεναπατής – Greek) – phrenapatés ► deceiver, from mind, “outlook from insignt” (phren) and mislead, deceive (apatáō), mind-misleader, i.e. seducer – used only once in the NT
upsetting
(ἀνατρέπω – Greek) – anatrepó ► overturn, overthrow, subvert, upset – John 2:15; 2Tim 2:18;
sordid
(αἰσχρός – Greek) – aischros ► Rebellious, disgraceful, improper, not subject to rule, unsubdued, i.e. insubordinate (in fact or temper) – Eph 5:12; Heb 2:8;
sound
(ὑγιαίνω – Greek) – hugiainó ► To be sound, to be healthy, to be well, safe, to be uncorrupt, true in doctrine, in good health, root of the English term, “hygiene”) – Luke 5:31; 1Tim 1:10, 6:3; 2Tim 4:3; 3John 1:2;
myth
(μῦθος – Greek) – muthos ► a myth; a false account, yet posing to be the truth; a fabrication (fable) which subverts (replaces) what is actually true – 1Tim 1:4, 4:7; 2Tim 4:4; 2Peter 1:16;
defiled
(μιαίνω – Greek) – miainó ► verb, stain, defile, pollute, sully, taint, contaminate. The root mia- (“tainted at the source”) – Heb 12:15; Jude 1:8;
know
(εἴδω – Greek) – eidó ► To see, to know, to perceive, to be aware. Compare: ginóskó (ἐπιγινώσκω) which often signifies progressive learning, and eidó (οἶδα) which denotes immediate perception. In John 14:7 both verbs appear: “If you had known Me [ginóskó], you would know [eidó] My Father also.” –
ginóskó ► Phil 3:10; John 17:3;
eidó ► John 14:17; Eph 1:18-19;
Cross References
▪︎ Following deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons – 1Tim 4:1
▪︎ Example of the Pharisees – John 8:38, 44, 47;
▪︎ Coming judgement – 2Peter 2:3; James 4:2-3, 4;
Discussion Questions
1. What is the underlying root cause for rebellious, empty talkers?
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2. Who are they really following, and for what purpose?
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3. What are the corrective actions recommended in Titus 1:12-13?
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4. As with most counterfeits, how does the real problem show itself (Titus 1:16)?
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5. What is a good personal application that will help counteract these false teachers?
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