Titus 2:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Titus 2:13
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Chapter Context
Titus 2 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, holiness, obedience. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Cretan culture's negative reputation required special attention to Christian character.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-15: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Titus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Titus 2:13
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Analysis
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ—προσδεχόμενοι (prosdechomenoi, awaiting/expecting) τὴν μακαρίαν ἐλπίδα (tēn makarian elpida, the blessed hope). καὶ ἐπιφάνειαν (kai epiphaneian, and appearing/manifestation) τῆς δόξης (tēs doxēs, of the glory) τοῦ μεγάλου θεοῦ καὶ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (tou megalou theou kai sōtēros hēmōn Iēsou Christou).
Grammatically, this is the famous "Granville Sharp Rule": single article governing two nouns joined by καί (kai, and) indicates they're the same person. "The great God and our Savior" both refer to Jesus Christ—explicit affirmation of Christ's deity. Jesus is θεός (theos, God), awaited in glory. This motivates present godliness (v. 12): we live between Christ's first appearing (v. 11, ἐπεφάνη, epephanē) and second appearing (v. 13, ἐπιφάνειαν, epiphaneian).
Historical Context
Early Christianity's eschatological orientation distinguished it from pagan resignation and Jewish this-worldly messianism. Believers lived in the "already-not yet," inaugurated eschatology: the kingdom begun but not consummated. This created urgency without fanaticism, hope without passivity. Maranatha (1 Corinthians 16:22)—"Our Lord, come!"—expressed this longing.
Reflection
- Does Christ's return function as living hope shaping daily conduct, or is it abstract doctrine divorced from practice?
- How does affirming Jesus's full deity ("the great God") affect your worship, prayer, and obedience?
- What specific sins would you cease and what good works would you pursue if you truly expected Christ's imminent return?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Mark 14:62, 1 Corinthians 1:7
- Salvation: Hebrews 9:28, 2 Peter 3:18
- Glory: Matthew 16:27, 2 Corinthians 4:4
- Hope: Titus 1:2, Romans 5:5, 15:13
- Parallel theme: 2 Timothy 4:8