SEV Biblia, Chapter 1:2
para la esperanza de la vida eterna, la cual prometi el Dios, que no puede mentir, antes de los tiempos de los siglos,
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Titus 1:2
Verse 2. In hope of eternal life] In expectation of a state of being and well being which should last through eternity, when time should be no more. This includes, not only the salvation of the soul and its eternal beatification, but also the resurrection of the body. This was a point but ill understood, and not very clearly revealed, under the Mosaic law; but it was fully revealed under the Gospel, and the doctrine illustrated by the resurrection and ascension of Christ.
Which God, that cannot lie, promised] We have often seen that the phrase, the foundation of the world, means the Jewish economy, and, before the foundation of the world, the times antecedent to the giving of the law. This is evidently the meaning here. See 2 Tim. i. 9-11.
Supposing the word aiwniwn in this verse to signify eternal, says Dr. Macknight, the literal translation of pro cronwn aiwniwn would be, before eternal times; but that being a contradiction in terms, our translators, contrary to the propriety of the Greek language, have rendered it before the world began, as Mr. Locke observes on Rom. xvi. 25. The true literal translation is before the secular times, referring us to the Jewish jubilees, by which times were computed among the Hebrews, as among the Gentiles they were computed by generations of men. Hence, Col. i. 26, The mystery which was kept hid apo twn aiwnwn kai apo twn genewn, from the ages and from the generations, signifies the mystery which was kept hid from the Jews and from the Gentiles.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 2. In hope of eternal life , etc.] Or for the hope of eternal life; in order to bring souls to the hope of it. This is another end of the Gospel ministry, as to bring God's elect to faith in Christ, and to the knowledge and acknowledgement of the truth, as it is in Jesus, so to the hope of eternal glory and happiness: in a state of nature, they are without the grace of hope, or any true ground and foundation of it; and though it is the gift of God's grace, and is implanted on the soul by the Spirit of God in regeneration; yet the Gospel is the means of producing it at first, as well as afterwards encouraging and increasing it; for in it, Christ the foundation of hope is proposed, and set forth before awakened and convinced sinners: the object of this hope is eternal life; not anything now seen and enjoyed, for that is not hope; not anything in this present life, but something future; a life of perfect bliss and happiness with Christ to all eternity; which is a hope laid up in heaven, an inheritance reserved there; a life which is secured in the hands of Christ, which he has a power to give, and does give to all his sheep, and is the gift of God through him: and of which it is further said, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began ; eternal life is a promise, and so of free grace, and not by the works of the law, which is inconsistent with a promise: it is the promise of God, who is faithful to his word, and can not lie; being the God of truth, that can neither deceive, nor be deceived: this does not contradict his omnipotence, but argues the perfection of his nature, which cannot admit of anything that implies weakness and mutation: and this promise was made before the world was, as early as the choice of God's elect in Christ, and the gift of grace to them in him; as early as the covenant was made with him, and he was set up as the Mediator of it; who was present to receive this promise as their head and representative for them, and to whom it was made as federally considered in him, and in whom it was secured for them; (see 2 Timothy 1:1).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-4 - All are the servants of God who are not slaves of sin and Satan. All gospel truth is according to godliness, teaching the fear of God. The intent of the gospel is to raise up hope as well as faith; to take of the mind and heart from the world, and to raise them to heaven and the things above. How excellent then is the gospel, which was the matter of Divine promise so early, and what thanks are due for our privileges Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God; and whoso i appointed and called, must preach the word. Grace is the free favour of God, and acceptance with him. Mercy, the fruits of the favour, in the pardon of sin, and freedom from all miseries both here and hereafter And peace is the effect and fruit of mercy. Peace with God throug Christ who is our Peace, and with the creatures and ourselves. Grace in the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and peace, and all good, sprin out of this.
Greek Textus Receptus
επ 1909 ελπιδι 1680 ζωης 2222 αιωνιου 166 ην 3739 επηγγειλατο 1861 5662 ο 3588 αψευδης 893 θεος 2316 προ 4253 χρονων 5550 αιωνιων 166
Vincent's NT Word Studies
2. In hope of eternal life (ep elpidi zwhv aiwniou). Const. with Apostle, verse 1. 149 Epi resting upon.
God that cannot lie (o ayeudhv qeov). Ayeudhv N.T.o . Once in LXX, Wisd. vii. 17. Comp. Rom. iii. 4; Heb. vi. 18. Paul expresses the idea positively, by ajlhqhv truthful, Rom. iii. 4.
Before the world began (pro cronwn aiwniwn). Lit. before eternal times. Before time began to be reckoned by aeons. See on 2 Tim. i. 9, and additional note on 2 Thess. i. 9.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
1:2 {God who cannot lie} (ho apseuds qeos). "The non-lying God." Old adjective (a privative and yeudes), here only in N.T. See #2Ti 2:13. In Polycarp's last prayer. {Promised} (epeggeilato). First aorist middle indicative of epaggellw. Antithesis in ephaner"sen de (manifested) in verse #3 (first aorist active indicative of fanerow). Same contrast in #Ro 16:25; Col 1:26. {Before times eternal} (pro chron"n aiwn"n). Not to God's purpose before time began (#Eph 1:4; 2Ti 1:9), but to definite promises (#Ro 9:4) made in time (Lock). "Long ages ago." See #Ro 16:25.
