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The Book of Titus: The Responsibilities of The Aged Women

May 06, 2004

Titus 2:3-5

3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

FOUR CHARACTERISTICS OF AN AGED WOMAN

1. “In Behavior as becometh holiness”

The word behavior only used here in the New Testament speaks of their manners or mannerisms. How they carry themselves.

Other translations of this phrase:

“…to be reverent in the way they live” (NIV)

“…to be reverent in their behavior” (NASB)

“…that they be reverent in behavior” (NKJ)

“…to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy” (NET)

The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word reverent in this manner:

"A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love; veneration".

2. “Not false accusers”

“…not to be slanderers” (NIV)

“…not malicious gossips” (NASB)

“…not slanderers” (NKJ)

3. “Not given to much wine”

4. “Teacher of good things”

women may teach in the church

Titus 2:3-4 The aged women … teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach…”

They only may teach Other women

Titus 2:4

That they may teach the young women…

What are they to teach?

Titus 2:4-5 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Women are forbidden to teach men

1 Timothy 2:11-15

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

12 But I suffer not (“I do not permit,” NKJ) a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.