| Geneva Study Bible {8} Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, {9} that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (8) The third admonition: the pastor must hold fast that doctrine which the apostles delivered, and pertains to salvation, leaving behind all curious and vain matters. (9) The fourth admonition: to apply the knowledge of true doctrine to use, which consists in two things, that is, in governing those who show themselves able to learn, and confuting the obstinate. People's New Testament Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word. Sound in the gospel doctrine, and able to teach it to others, as well as to refute opposers. Wesley's Notes 1:9 As he hath been taught - Perhaps it might be more literally rendered, according to the teaching, or doctrine, of the apostles; alluding to Acts 2:42. King James Translators' Notes as...: or, in teaching Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 9. Holding fast-Holding firmly to (compare Mt 6:24; Lu 16:13). the faithful-true and trustworthy (1Ti 1:15). word as he has been taught-literally, "the word (which is) according to the teaching" which he has received (compare 1Ti 4:6, end; 2Ti 3:14). by-Translate as Greek, "to exhort in doctrine (instruction) which is sound"; sound doctrine or instruction is the element IN which his exhorting is to have place . On "sound" (peculiar to the Pastoral Epistles), see 1Ti 1:10; 6:3. convince-rather, "reprove" [Alford], (Tit 1:13). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 1:5-9 The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and overseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and God's stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to be, as servants of Christ, and able ministers of the letter and practice of the gospel. And here are described the spirit and practice becoming such as should be examples of good works. | 
