Sound in Doctrine

Titus 1:7 described elders as “overseers,” pointing out the authority committed to them to rule the church in Christ’s name and by his Word. If there is a danger that guardians would fail to keep watch against error, then it is essential that these watchmen themselves be sound in doctrine. The word for “doctrine” is simply “teaching” (Greek: didaskalia). It informs us that there is a body of truth taught by the prophets and apostles and recorded in Scripture. The gospel consists not merely of sentiments and ideals but of truths that can be taught and learned by Christians. Since Paul emphasizes “the trustworthy word” (Titus 1:9), there must be an unfaithful contrast; since Paul calls for sound doctrine, there is obviously unsound teaching that must be opposed.

教義上的健全

提多書 1:7 將長老描述為“監督”，指出他們被賦予奉基督的名和話語治理教會的權柄。如果存在監護人無法警惕錯誤的危險，那麼這些監護人本身就必須在教義上保持健全（和合本譯作“純正”）。 “教義doctrine”這個詞就是“教導teaching”（希臘語：didaskalia）。它告訴我們，有一套由先知和使徒教導並記錄在聖經中的真理。福音不僅包含情感和理想，還包含基督徒可以教導和學習的真理。既然保羅強調“道是可信的”（多 1:9，和合本譯作“真實的道理”），那麼必然存在着不忠實的對比。既然保羅呼籲健全的（純正的）教義，顯然就必須反對不純正的教義。