Titus3

Paul instructs Titus to remind believers to be subject to authorities, practice gentleness, and avoid evil speech. He emphasizes that salvation comes not from works, but from God's mercy through regeneration by the Holy Ghost, leading to justification by grace and the hope of eternal life. Believers are then to maintain good works, while avoiding unprofitable disputes and rejecting divisive individuals.
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Respect for Authority and Good Conduct

1
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, ​
2
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
3
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ​
4
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
5
He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. ​
6
This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7
so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life. ​
8
This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people. ​

Dealing with Division and Heresy

9
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. ​
10
Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, ​
11
knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned. ​

Final Instructions and Greetings

12
As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. ​
13
Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need. ​
14
And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful. ​
15
All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.

Study Notes for Titus 3

Verse 1

Instruction mirrors Romans 13:1, emphasizing that Christians must be exemplary citizens who respect government authority, even if the rulers are non-Christian.

Verse 3

Paul provides the theological motivation for meekness and gentleness. Believers must remember their own depraved state before Christ, which prevents arrogance toward those who are still unbelieving.

Verse 5

This is a classic Pauline statement on justification by grace (Eph 2:8–9), emphasizing that salvation is not earned by human merit or ritual performance. The 'washing of regeneration' refers to the spiritual transformation that occurs upon conversion, often associated with baptism as the external sign of the internal renewal.

Verse 7

Justification (being declared righteous) leads to adoption into God's family, securing the believer's inheritance of eternal life and hope.

Verse 8

This formula ('faithful saying') highlights a core teaching. While salvation is by grace (v. 5), the necessary result is diligent devotion to practical good works, which benefit both the believer and society.

Verse 9

Paul warns against speculative, non-essential debates (like 'genealogies' or endless legalistic arguments) common among false teachers, which distract from practical godliness and are spiritually unproductive.

Verse 10

The term *hairetikos* (heretic) here refers to one who causes destructive division or factionalism within the church. Discipline must be firm, but preceded by attempts at correction (admonition).

Verse 11

The divisive person is 'condemned of himself' because they persist in error and factionalism despite being warned and knowing the truth of the gospel.

Verse 12

Paul sends one of these trusted messengers (Tychicus often carried Paul’s letters) to relieve Titus in Crete. Nicopolis, likely in Epirus, was where Paul planned to spend the winter, indicating his mobility during this period.

Verse 13

Zenas the lawyer and Apollos (a well-known teacher, Acts 18:24) were traveling. Titus is instructed to ensure their travel needs are diligently met, illustrating practical Christian hospitality.

Verse 14

This reinforces the teaching of verse 8. Good works are not just abstract piety but practical actions that meet the tangible needs of the community and make the church fruitful.

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