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.

教义上的健全

提多书 1:7 将长老描述为“监督”，指出他们被赋予奉基督的名和话语治理教会的权柄。如果存在监护人无法警惕错误的危险，那么这些监护人本身就必须在教义上保持健全（和合本译作“纯正”）。 “教义doctrine”这个词就是“教导teaching”（希腊语：didaskalia）。它告诉我们，有一套由先知和使徒教导并记录在圣经中的真理。福音不仅包含情感和理想，还包含基督徒可以教导和学习的真理。既然保罗强调“道是可信的”（多 1:9，和合本译作“真实的道理”），那么必然存在着不忠实的对比。既然保罗呼吁健全的（纯正的）教义，显然就必须反对不纯正的教义。