<p>2:2 <i>That older men- </i>This may refer to old in age, or to elders. The way the commands proceed to younger men (:6) may suggest it is older people who are in view.</p><p><i>Be sober-minded, dignified</i>- This and other characteristics which Paul is appealing for were not inculcated by obedience to Jewish food laws and rituals which form the context of these exhortations (1:15). A number of these characteristics are mentioned in :12 as being inculcated instead by living under grace. Realizing that we are saved in spite of ourselves actually provokes in us a desire to be spiritual in response to that grace. For we cannot be passive to knowing that by grace, I shall indeed live eternally. </p><p><i>Self-controlled</i><i>, sound in faith, in love, in patience</i>- This appeal is made to old men elders?, old women and young men (:5,6). It was obviously a very needed exhortation in the context. And yet the ecclesias in Crete were prone to be attracted by hard core Judaism, according to our notes on chapter 1. This is proof for all time that legalistic obedience and keeping Jewish food laws (see on 1:15) is not the same as self-control. Indeed it would seem that by attempting legalistic obedience, these Gentile converts were justifying a lack of self-control in their lives in other areas. Col. 2:23 makes precisely the same point- that obedience to Jewish rituals is of &quot;no value&quot; in the battle against self-gratification. By contrast, living under grace is what teaches us to overcome the flesh (:12).</p>