What tense is 'hath appeared' in Titus 2:11 and what does it mean?
In Titus 2:11, 'hath appeared' is a past tense verb. It means the grace of God that brings salvation has already appeared unto all men—not just a favored few. This grace is God's unmerited favor poured out on the whole human race.
Les explains that Titus 2:11 is a Holy Spirit-inspired statement from Paul near the end of his earthly ministry, before his martyrdom. The phrase 'hath appeared' is past tense, meaning the grace of God that brings salvation has already appeared to all men, not just a favored few. Les notes this is the unmerited favor God poured out on the whole human race, and though he once struggled with it, he takes it by faith because the book says it.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
More Questions
In Titus 2:11 has the grace of God that brings salvation appeared to all men or only to some?
The grace of God that brings salvation has already appeared to all men, not just a favored few; the verb 'hath appeared' is past tense.
What does Titus 2:11 say about the grace of God and who it has appeared to?
In Titus 2:11 Paul writes that the grace of God which brings salvation has already appeared to all men — a completed, past-tense act.
Why could Paul write that saving grace had already appeared to all men in Titus 2:11?
Because the converted Roman guards carried the Gospel from Paul to the ends of the earth, Paul could truthfully say to Titus that God's saving grace had already appeared to all men.