He gave Himself for usThis phrase emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Christ's work. The concept of giving oneself is rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, where offerings were made to atone for sin (
Leviticus 17:11). Jesus' self-giving is the ultimate fulfillment of these sacrifices, as seen in
Isaiah 53:5, which prophesies the suffering servant who would bear the iniquities of many. The voluntary nature of His sacrifice is highlighted in
John 10:18, where Jesus states that He lays down His life of His own accord.
to redeem us from all lawlessness
Redemption in biblical terms refers to the act of buying back or liberating from bondage. In the context of the New Testament, it signifies liberation from the power and penalty of sin. Lawlessness, or anomia in Greek, denotes living in a state of rebellion against God's law. This redemption is a fulfillment of the promise seen inJeremiah 31:33, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people, indicating a transformation from within.
and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession
The idea of purification is deeply rooted in the Jewish purification rites, which were necessary for worship and fellowship with God (Leviticus 16:30). This purification is not merely external but internal, as seen inPsalm 51:10, where David asks God to create a clean heart within him. The phrase "a people for His own possession" echoesExodus 19:5, where God calls Israel His treasured possession. This indicates a special relationship and covenant, now extended to all believers through Christ, as seen in1 Peter 2:9.
zealous for good deeds
Zeal for good deeds reflects a transformed life that results from genuine faith. This is consistent withJames 2:17, which states that faith without works is dead. The early church was known for its acts of charity and service, as seen inActs 2:44-45, where believers shared everything in common and cared for those in need. This zeal is not self-generated but is a result of the Holy Spirit's work within believers, as described inGalatians 5:22-23, where the fruit of the Spirit includes goodness and faithfulness.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this verse, who gave Himself for humanity's redemption.
2.
TitusA young pastor and the recipient of this letter, tasked with teaching sound doctrine.
3.
PaulThe apostle and author of the letter, providing guidance and instruction to Titus.
4.
Cretan ChurchThe community of believers in Crete, where Titus was ministering.
5.
RedemptionThe act of Jesus giving Himself to free believers from lawlessness.
Teaching Points
Redemption through SacrificeJesus' self-giving is the ultimate act of love and redemption, freeing us from the bondage of sin.
Purification for PurposeBelievers are not only redeemed but also purified to be set apart for God's purposes.
Zealous for Good DeedsOur response to redemption should be a life characterized by eagerness to do good works.
Identity as God's PossessionUnderstanding our identity as God's treasured possession should influence our daily living and priorities.
Living Out Our FaithThe call to be zealous for good deeds is a practical outworking of our faith, demonstrating the transformation Christ brings.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Titus 2:14?
2.How does Titus 2:14 define Jesus' purpose in redeeming us from lawlessness?
3.What does it mean to be "a people for His own possession"?
4.How can we be "zealous for good deeds" in our daily lives?
5.Connect Titus 2:14 with Ephesians 2:10 on good works and purpose.
6.How does Christ's redemption influence our pursuit of holiness and good works?
7.How does Titus 2:14 define the purpose of Jesus' sacrifice?
8.What does "redeem us from all lawlessness" mean in Titus 2:14?
9.How does Titus 2:14 relate to the concept of being a "people for His own possession"?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Titus 2?
11.What does the Bible say about good works and salvation?
12.What does "Peculiar People" mean?
13.What does it mean that Jesus is our Redeemer?
14.What does "created for good works" mean?What Does Titus 2:14 Mean
He gave Himself for us“Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).
• The initiative is entirely His—no one took His life; He laid it down (John 10:17-18).
• The phrase underscores substitution: He stands in our place (Galatians 1:4).
• His self-giving sets the pattern for Christian love and service (1 John 3:16).
to redeem us from all lawlessness“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness” (Colossians 1:13).
• Redeem means to pay the ransom price; the cost was His blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).
• The scope is “all lawlessness”—not just past sins but every form of rebellion (Romans 6:14).
• Freedom is not license; it is liberation to live under God’s good rule (Romans 6:17-18).
and to purify for Himself“If we walk in the light… the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
• Purification is both positional (declared clean) and practical (being made holy) (Hebrews 10:14).
• The ongoing work of the Spirit applies Christ’s finished work to daily life (2 Corinthians 3:18).
• His goal is a spotless bride “without stain or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:26-27).
a people for His own possession“You are a chosen people… a people for God’s own possession” (1 Peter 2:9; cf.Exodus 19:5).
• We belong to Him; identity is tied to relationship, not performance (John 1:12-13).
• Possession carries protection: what He owns, He keeps (John 10:28-29).
• Community flows from this shared belonging—one family, one body (Ephesians 4:4-6).
zealous for good deeds“We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10).
• Zeal is passionate eagerness, not reluctant duty (Romans 12:11).
• Good deeds authenticate saving faith (James 2:17) and draw others to glorify God (Matthew 5:16).
• The Spirit fuels this zeal, producing fruit that matches our new nature (Galatians 5:22-23).
summaryTitus 2:14 paints the full arc of the gospel: Christ voluntarily offered Himself, paid the redemption price, cleanses His people, claims them as His very own, and ignites them with a burning desire to do good. Salvation is therefore complete—past (redeemed), present (purified), and future (zealous living)—all rooted in His gracious, sacrificial love.
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Who gave himself for us.--(See
Galatians 1:4;
Ephesians 5:25.) These words take up the thought expressed in the term "Saviour" of the last verse. "Himself," His whole self, as has been well said, "the greatest gift ever given;" "for us," that is, on our behalf.
That he might redeem us from all iniquity.--That He for us might pay a ransom, the ransom being His precious blood. Our Saviour, by the payment of this tremendous ransom--O deepest and most unfathomable of all mysteries!--released us from everything which is opposed to God's blessed will. Here the mighty ransom is spoken of as freeing us from the bondage of lawlessness; elsewhere in the divine books the same ransom is described as delivering us from the penalties of this same breaking the divine law--"alles was der Ordnung Gottes widerstreitet" (Hofmann,Commentary on Titus).
And purify unto himself a peculiar people.--The expression "a peculiar people" is taken from the LXX. translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, where the words occur several times (seeExodus 19:5;Deuteronomy 14:2); the idea is also purely an Old Testament one. Just as Jehovah wished to establish a people which should belong to Him ("peculiarly His," "His very own"), submitting to His laws, in contrast to the rest of mankind, lawless, idolatrous--so Jesus would set apart and purify for Himself a people, which for His sake should devote itself to God, in contrast to the rest of humanity sunk in selfish sins. As Israel of old lived under the constant impression that they would again behold the visible glory of the Eternal, so His people now should live as men waiting for a second manifestation ofHis glory.
Zealous of good works.--The man who hopes to see the epiphany of Jesus his Lord and Love in glory will struggle zealously with hand and brain to live his life in such a manner that he may meet his Lord, when He comes in glory, with joy. It was a people composed of such "zealots" of goodness, of men longing for His sake to do their utmost for His cause, that our great God and Saviour wished to purify unto Himself. . . .
Verse 14. -
A people for his own possession for
a peculiar people, A.V.
Who gave himself for us. The resemblance in thought and diction to
1 Timothy 2:3-6 has been already pointed out. "Who gave himself" (
ο{ς ἔδωκεν ἑαυτόν) is there expressed by
ὁ δοὺςἑαυτόν, and "that he might redeem us" (
ἵναλυτρώσηται ἡμᾶς) by
ἀντίλυτρον ὑπὲρ πάντων. (For the great truths contained in the words "who gave himself," comp.
John 10:11, 17, 18;
Galatians 1:4;
Ephesians 5:2, 25;
1 Peter 2:24;
Hebrews 9:14.) The voluntary offering of himself is also implied in the office of our Lord as High Priest (
Hebrews 9:11-14).
For us (
ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν);
on our behalf; not exactly synonymous with
ἀντὶ ἡμῶν, "in our stead." Both phrases, however, are used of our redemption by Jesus Christ. We find
ὑπὲρ in
Luke 22:19, 20;
John 6:51: 10:11, 15; 11:50-52; 15:13; 18:14;
Romans 5:6, 8;
Romans 8:32;
1 Corinthians 5:7;
2 Corinthians 5:14, 15, 21;
Galatians 1:4;
Ephesians 5:2, 25;
1 Thessalonians 3:10;
Hebrews 2:9;
1 Peter 2:21;
1 Peter 3:18;
1 Peter 4:1;
1 John 3:16: and we find
ἀντί in
Matthew 20:28 and
Mark 10:45, and in
αντίλυτρον,
1 Timothy 2:6. The literal meaning of
ὑπὲρ is "in defense of," and hence generally "on behalf of," "for the good of." The primary idea of
ἄντι is "standing opposite," and hence it denotes "exchange," "price," "worth," "instead," etc.
Redeem (
λυτρώσηται); as
Luke 24:21:
1 Peter 1:18; common in classical Greek. In the middle voice, as here, it means "to release by payment of a ransom;" in the active voice, "to release on receipt of a ransom." In
1 Peter 1:18 the ransom price is stated, viz. "the precious blood of Christ;" as in
Matthew 20:28 it is "the life of the Son of man." The effect of this redemption is not merely deliverance from the penalty of sin, but from its power also, as appears by the following words: "a peculiar people, zealous of good works," and by the passage in St. Peter above referred to.
Purify (
καθαρίσῃ); as very frequently in the New Testament of cleansing lepers, the outside of the platter, etc., cleansing the Gentiles (
Acts 10:15), putting away all sin (
2 Corinthians 7:1), cleansing the Church (
Ephesians 5:26), purging the conscience (
Hebrews 9:14), etc. The
iniquity just spoken of was a defilement; the
redemption from iniquity removed that defilement. The blood of Jesus Christ, the price paid for the redemption, was the instrument of cleansing (
1 John 1:7, 9).
A people for his own possession (
καὸν περιούσιον); only here in the New Testament, but frequent in the LXX., coupled, as here, with
λαός (
Exodus 19:5;
Deuteronomy 7:6;
Deuteronomy 14:2;
Deuteronomy 26:18), to express the Hebrew
סְגֻלָּה or
עַם סְגֻלָּה, a people the
peculiar property, or treasure, of God; "peculiar" being derived from the Latin
peculium, one's own private property, reserved for one's own private use. The Authorized Version "peculiar" expresses the sense exactly, and the
περιούσιος of our text and of the LXX., from whom it is borrowed, is meant to define either that special reserved portion of a man's property over and above what he spends for ordinary expenses, which nobody can interfere with, or those jewels on which he sets a special value, and places safely in his treasury. In
1 Peter 2:10λαὸς εἰςπεριποίησιν ("a peculiar people," Authorized Version) means the same thing, that being the LXX. translation of the same Hebrew word,
סְגֻלָּה, in
Malachi 3:17 ("jewels," Authorized Version), "They shall be my reserved portion or possession." The application of the phrase,
λαὸν περιούσιον, descriptive in the Old Testament of Israel, to the Church of Christ, is very instructive. The passage in
1 Peter 2:10 is exactly analogous, as is the phrase, "the Israel of God" (
Galatians 6:16).
Zealous (
ζηλωτής); as
Acts 21:20;
Acts 22:3;
1 Corinthians 14:12;
Galatians 1:14. From its special application to those who were zealous for the Law of Moses it became the name of the sect or party of the
Zealots who played such a terrible part in the Jewish war (see
Luke 4:15).
Canaanite (
Matthew 10:4;
Mark 3:18) is the Hebrew for
Ζηλωτής. Zeal for good works is the indispensable mark of God's peculiar people, the inseparable fruit of the redemption and purification which is by the blood of Jesus Christ (comp.
1 Peter 1:2).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Heὃς(hos)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.gaveἔδωκεν(edōken)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.Himselfἑαυτὸν(heauton)Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.forὑπὲρ(hyper)Preposition
Strong's 5228:Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.usἡμῶν(hēmōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.toἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.redeemλυτρώσηται(lytrōsētai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3084:To release on receipt of ransom; mid: I redeem, release by paying ransom, liberate. From lutron; to ransom.usἡμᾶς(hēmas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.fromἀπὸ(apo)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.allπάσης(pasēs)Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.lawlessnessἀνομίας(anomias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 458:Lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin. From anomos; illegality, i.e. Violation of law or wickedness.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.to purifyκαθαρίσῃ(katharisē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2511:To cleanse, make clean, literally, ceremonially, or spiritually, according to context. From katharos; to cleanse.for Himselfἑαυτῷ(heautō)Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.a peopleλαὸν(laon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992:Apparently a primary word; a people.for His own possession,περιούσιον(periousion)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4041:From the present participle feminine of a compound of peri and eimi; being beyond usual, i.e. Special.zealousζηλωτὴν(zēlōtēn)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2207:One who is eagerly devoted to a person or a thing, a zealot. From zeloo; a 'zealot'.for goodκαλῶν(kalōn)Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2570:Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.deeds.ἔργων(ergōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041:From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.
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NT Letters: Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us that he (Ti. Tt.) 
