1:12

their own prophet: Paul likely quotes Epimenides, a Cretan poet of the sixth century B.C.E. The Greek term here rendered “prophet” had a broad meaning and was sometimes used in the general sense of a spokesman or an interpreter. In fact, some ancient Greek writers spoke of Epimenides as a prophet, and others used the same word regarding such men as the poet Homer and the philosopher Diogenes. Paul certainly does not suggest that Epimenides was an inspired prophet of God. (2Pe 1:21) Rather, Paul simply quotes a man whom Cretans respected and would likely accept as a spokesman for their society.

“Cretans are always liars, injurious wild beasts, idle gluttons”: In ancient times, the Cretan people had a reputation for dishonesty. In fact, a Greek verb that literally meant “to act [or “speak”] as a Cretan” was sometimes used to denote lying or cheating. However, Paul is not applying this generalization to faithful Christians in Crete. (Ac 2:5, 11, 33) Rather, he focuses on certain Cretans who were posing a threat to the congregations there. In this context, he speaks of “rebellious men, profitless talkers, and deceivers” who were promoting circumcision and subverting households. (See study notes on Tit 1:10.) So Paul quotes this famous saying to make a strong point: Certain false Christians were actually living up to it.

idle gluttons: The Greek word for “glutton” literally means “belly,” so it is suggestive of a person who focuses on nothing but his appetite. Of course, such individuals were not unique to Crete. (See the study notes on Ro 16:18; Php 3:19.) In quoting this part of the saying, Paul is apparently referring to lazy, inactive people who want to satisfy their greedy appetites without doing any work.