Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The core of this verse isn't just about Titus having authority, but about his belief in that authority. He's urged to speak with "all authority" because the original Greek implies he shouldn't underestimate or cheapen the divine commission he carries, ensuring his message has the weight it deserves.
Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up a section that explains how the grace of God transforms believers, moving them from ungodliness to a life of sober, righteous, and godly living in anticipation of Christ's return. He now charges Titus to firmly proclaim these foundational truths, to encourage the people in their faith, and to correct any deviation with the full weight of his God-given authority, ensuring his message is taken seriously.
Paul instructs Titus to do more than just 'speak.' There's a progression in how the truth should be delivered. What are these distinct actions, and why do they matter?
Paul uses three powerful verbs to describe Titus's ministry:
These three actions move from simple proclamation to active encouragement and finally to firm correction. They represent the full spectrum of teaching needed to nurture a healthy faith community.
Paul tells Titus to rebuke 'with all authority.' Where does this authority come from? Is it about Titus's personality, or something greater?
The authority Paul refers to isn't self-generated; it's delegated authority. It stems directly from God's commission.
Ask a follow-up
The final command, 'Let no one despise you,' seems almost like a personal plea. But what’s at stake when people dismiss the message or the messenger?
This isn't about personal pride; it's about the effectiveness of the Gospel. If the messenger is despised, the message often is too.
Understand the original words
elenchō · Greek Verb
To challenge, correct, or bring to conviction, often involving a call to repentance or a confrontation of error with the intent of restoration.
Titus 2:15 is a powerful instruction from Paul to Titus, given during Paul's later ministry, likely while facing or anticipating persecution. The words carry the weight of a seasoned leader commissioning his protégé to boldly preach sound doctrine and exercise spiritual authority in a challenging environment, ensuring the message of God's grace is clearly proclaimed and respected.
c. 63 AD— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, writes letters including those to Timothy and Titus. This period likely saw the composition of Titus, where he gives instructions for church leadership and teaching.
c. 63-67 AD
Paul's Final Ministry Years
Following an earlier release from Roman imprisonment, Paul undertakes further missionary journeys, including a visit to Crete and potentially Macedonia. It is during this time he likely wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, entrusting leadership to these younger men.
c. 67-68 AD
Paul's Martyrdom
Paul is believed to have been martyred in Rome during Nero's reign. His final letters, like 1 Timothy and Titus, served as his last pastoral instructions and encouragements to his colleagues.
This passage also instructs Timothy on how to address different groups within the church, emphasizing respectful yet firm correction, which mirrors the 'authority' Titus is to exercise.
Proverbs 20:14The idea of 'let no one despise you' echoes the buyer who dismisses his purchase as worthless, highlighting the danger of devaluing God's message or the messenger.
Jeremiah 1:17This verse shows God commissioning Jeremiah, telling him to 'gird up his loins, rise and speak to them all that I command you; do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you,' underscoring the divine backing for prophetic authority.
Luke 1:74-75Calvin references this passage when discussing the purpose of God's grace appearing, which is 'that we might serve him in holiness and righteousness all our days,' aligning with the doctrine Titus is to uphold and enforce.
1 Corinthians 7:25Paul speaks of giving his 'judgment' or 'command' in matters of faith and life, similar to the 'authority' or 'command' (epitage) Titus is to use in his teaching and correction.
cambridgeTitus 2:15: "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."
15 . These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke ] The three verbs rise as a climax, describing the degrees of earnestness and intensity to be put forth according to the occasion; ‘these things,’ all from Titus 2:1 . with all authority ] The word looks back to the ‘authority’ of St Paul’s own commission Titus 1:3 , and implies its delegated fulness. So 1 Timothy 1:1 , where see note. Let no man…
calvinTitus 2:11-15: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,"
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
haec loquere et exhortare et argue cum omni imperio nemo to contemnat
11 For the grace of God [248] hath appeared He argues from the design of redemption, which he shews to be a desire to live a godly and upright life. Hence it follows, that the duty of a good teacher is rather to exhort to a holy life than to o…
The core of this verse isn't just about Titus having authority, but about his belief in that authority. He's urged to speak with "all authority" because the original Greek implies he shouldn't underestimate or cheapen the divine commission he carries, ensuring his message has the weight it deserves.
Paul is wrapping up a section that explains how the grace of God transforms believers, moving them from ungodliness to a life of sober, righteous, and godly living in anticipation of Christ's return. He now charges Titus to firmly proclaim these foundational truths, to encourage the people in their faith, and to correct any deviation with the full weight of his God-given authority, ensuring his message is taken seriously.
Paul is wrapping up a section that explains how the grace of God transforms believers, moving them from ungodliness to a life of sober, righteous, and godly living in anticipation of Christ's return. He now charges Titus to firmly proclaim these foundational truths, to encourage the people in their faith, and to correct any deviation with the full weight of his God-given authority, ensuring his message is taken seriously.
"Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you." — The core of this verse isn't just about Titus having authority, but about his belief in that authority. He's urged to speak with "all authority" because the original Greek implies he shouldn't unde…
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Last reviewed October 2026