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.

Respect for Authority and Good Conduct

1
Remind people to submit to the government and its officials, to obey them, to be ready to do any honorable kind of work, ​
2
to slander no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be friendly, and to behave gently towards everyone.
3
For at one time, we too were foolish and disobedient, deceived and enslaved by a variety of passions and pleasures. We spent our lives in evil and envy; people hated us, and we hated each other. ​
4
But when the kindness and love for mankind of God our Deliverer was revealed,
5
he delivered us. It was not on the ground of any righteous deeds we had done, but on the ground of his own mercy. He did it by means of the mikveh of rebirth and the renewal brought about by the Ruach HaKodesh, ​
6
whom he poured out on us generously through Yeshua the Messiah, our Deliverer.
7
He did it so that by his grace we might come to be considered righteous by God and become heirs, with the certain hope of eternal life. ​
8
You can trust what I have just said, and I want you to speak with confidence about these things, so that those who have put their trust in God may apply themselves to doing good deeds. These are both good in themselves and valuable to the community. ​

Dealing with Division and Heresy

9
But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, quarrels and fights about the Torah; because they are worthless and futile. ​
10
Warn a divisive person once, then a second time; and after that, have nothing more to do with him. ​
11
You may be sure that such a person has been perverted and is sinning: he stands self-condemned. ​

Final Instructions and Greetings

12
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you. Do your best to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. ​
13
Do your best to help Zenas the Torah expert and Apollos with their arrangements for travelling, so that they will lack nothing. ​
14
And have our people learn to apply themselves to doing good deeds that meet genuine needs, so that they will not be unproductive. ​
15
All who are with me send you greetings. Give our greetings to our friends in the faith. Grace be with you all.

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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