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 them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, ​
2
to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
3
For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. ​
4
But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,
5
not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the mikveh of rebirth and renewing by the Holy Spirit, ​
6
whom he poured out on us richly, through Yeshua the Messiah our Savior;
7
that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ​
8
This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; ​

Dealing with Division and Heresy

9
but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. ​
10
Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning; ​
11
knowing that such a one is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned. ​

Final Instructions and Greetings

12
When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. ​
13
Send Zenas, the Torah scholar, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. ​
14
Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful. ​
15
All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

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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