Some argue that Titus 2:11 demonstrates that Calvinism and unconditional election cannot be true because it teaches that Jesus brought “salvation for all people.” However, there is a very reasonable interpretation of Titus 2:11 that does not at all contradict the doctrines of Calvinism.
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people
Titus 2:11
The Answer
Interpretation of Titus 2:11 (Calvinism)
The context of Titus 2 helps us understand what the word “all” means in verse 11. In the phrase, “salvation for all people,” the word “all” does not refer to ”every individual person”, but rather to ”classes”, or ”groups”, of people.
1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people
Titus 2:1-11
In verses 1-10, Paul clarifies how he is using the word “all.” He refers to groups of people, namely, “older men,” “older women,” “young women,” “younger men,” and “bondservants.” The phrase, “all people,” is used in reference to these groups of people, not to every individual person.
The Meaning of “All”
The meaning of words such as “all” and “world” is not as simple as Arminians sometimes assert. More often than not, the Bible uses the words “all” and “world” to refer to ”’groups”’ of people, rather than to every single individual person.
See The Bible and the Meaning of “All” and “World” (Calvinism)
