Instructions for Older Women
Titus 2:3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things——
Here "reverent" is a different word than in verse 2. Here it's allude to sacredness. That is, that their behavior be holy, doing everything as unto the Lord.
"Not Slanderers" - women tend to particularly be prone to gossip. And where there's gossip, there's inevitably slander. Paul characterizes younger widows saying, "they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to." 1Tim 5:13
"Not given to much wine" - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Eph 5:18
"Teachers of good things" - Understand that Paul is instructing older Christian women to become teachers. And this likewise the case for me as well. In fact the writer Hebrews expresses frustration at older Christians not achieving this objective, "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again." Heb 5:12
While all the mature are instructed to become teachers, there is a difference between men and women with regards to whom they teach. For Paul also writes, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man" 1Tim 2:12a Rather Paul will next focus on whom the older women should be teaching.
Titus 2:3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things——
Here "reverent" is a different word than in verse 2. Here it's allude to sacredness. That is, that their behavior be holy, doing everything as unto the Lord.
"Not Slanderers" - women tend to particularly be prone to gossip. And where there's gossip, there's inevitably slander. Paul characterizes younger widows saying, "they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to." 1Tim 5:13
"Not given to much wine" - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Eph 5:18
"Teachers of good things" - Understand that Paul is instructing older Christian women to become teachers. And this likewise the case for me as well. In fact the writer Hebrews expresses frustration at older Christians not achieving this objective, "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again." Heb 5:12
While all the mature are instructed to become teachers, there is a difference between men and women with regards to whom they teach. For Paul also writes, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man" 1Tim 2:12a Rather Paul will next focus on whom the older women should be teaching.
