What does Titus 2:2 mean?

Verses 2–10 instruct Titus regarding various groups of people. Verse 2 focuses on "older men." In that time and culture, this meant those about age 40 and over. These men were given six traits. First, they were to think clearly. They were not to be easily angered and certainly not drunk. The stereotype of Cretan culture was undisciplined and lazy (Titus 1:12), but these older men were to live differently. Second, they were to be "dignified," or "worthy of respect." This term implies a contrast to the disrespectful lifestyle which was mentioned among unbelievers in Crete. It is also different from the behavior of the "circumcision party" mentioned in chapter 1. Third, they were to be "self-controlled," or "sensible," which is also a qualification of elders (Titus 1:5–9).

Fourth, older men were to be "sound in faith." Just as church leaders were to hold to sound doctrine (Titus 1:9), older men were to affirm biblical teaching, and live according to it. Fifth, older men were to be sound "in love." This trait is exemplified most clearly by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. It is the Greek term agape, which means a love focused on others, rather than on one's self. Sixth, they were to possess "steadfastness," or "endurance," which is a key theme both in this letter, and the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 12).