Titus 1:3

KJV

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} hath {G5319} in due {G2398} times {G2540} manifested {G5319} his {G846} word {G3056} through {G1722} preaching {G2782}, which {G3739} is committed {G4100} unto me {G1473} according to {G2596} the commandment {G2003} of God {G2316} our {G2257} Saviour {G4990};

Complete Jewish Bible

but made public this word of his in its own season through a proclamation with which I have been entrusted by order of God, our Deliverer.

Berean Standard Bible

In His own time He has made His word evident in the proclamation entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.

American Standard Version

but in his own seasons manifested his word in the message, wherewith I was intrusted according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 1:3 continues Paul's opening salutation by declaring that God, our Savior, has sovereignly and perfectly revealed His eternal promise of salvation through the proclamation of His word. This divine revelation, manifested "in due times," was specifically entrusted to Paul for the purpose of preaching, underscoring the divine origin and authority of the gospel message he delivered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended salutation in his letter to Titus, immediately following his identification as "a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ" and his mention of "eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began" ([Titus 1:1-2](/titus/1-1-2 "Titus 1:1-2 - Paul's Apostolic Identity and God's Eternal Promise")). Verse 3 then explains *how* this ancient promise, hidden for ages, has now been brought to light: through the manifestation of God's word via preaching. It serves to establish the divine authority behind Paul's apostleship and, by extension, the authority of the message Titus is to uphold and teach in Crete. The subsequent verses, particularly [Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Titus's Mission in Crete"), detail Titus's mission to "set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city," which necessitates a message rooted in divine revelation and apostolic commission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter to Titus, whom he had left on the island of Crete, a place known for its challenging moral and cultural environment (as indicated in [Titus 1:12-13](/titus/1-12-13 "Titus 1:12-13 - Cretan Character and Rebuke")). The Cretans had a reputation for being liars, evil beasts, and slow bellies. In such a setting, the establishment of sound doctrine and the appointment of godly leadership were paramount. Paul's emphasis on the divine origin and authoritative manifestation of the gospel through his preaching served to validate the truth he had delivered to Titus and, through him, to the nascent churches on the island. It underscored that the message was not a human philosophy but a divine imperative, essential for combating false teachings and establishing order in a chaotic moral landscape.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter to Titus and Pauline theology at large. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Timing and Revelation**, emphasizing that God's plan of salvation unfolds according to His perfect schedule, bringing previously hidden truths into the light ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")). Secondly, it underscores the **Centrality of Preaching** as God's chosen means for manifesting His word and disseminating the gospel message to humanity. This is not merely human rhetoric but a divinely ordained instrument. Thirdly, it reinforces **Apostolic Authority and Commission**, as Paul explicitly states that this ministry was "committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour," affirming his divine mandate and the authoritative nature of his gospel proclamation, a theme consistent with his self-understanding as an apostle set apart for the gospel of God ([Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul, a Servant and Apostle")). Finally, the title **"God our Saviour"** introduces a crucial theological concept, emphasizing God the Father's ultimate role as the initiator and orchestrator of salvation, a title also applied to Jesus Christ elsewhere in the New Testament ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Jesus Christ, Our Great God and Saviour")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **manifested (Greek, _phaneróō'_):** This verb (G5319) means "to make visible," "to render apparent," or "to disclose clearly." It implies that what was previously hidden, obscure, or merely promised has now been brought into full, clear light. In this context, God has actively revealed His word, making it undeniably clear and accessible through the act of preaching.
* **due times (Greek, _ídios kairós'_):** This phrase combines G2398 (_ídios_), meaning "one's own," "proper," or "peculiar," with G2540 (_kairós_), meaning "an appointed time," "opportune moment," or "season." Together, "in due times" signifies God's sovereignly determined and perfectly opportune moments for revelation throughout salvation history. It speaks to a divinely appointed schedule, not merely a random or convenient time, but the specific, fitting moment in God's eternal plan.
* **preaching (Greek, _kḗrygma'_):** This noun (G2782) refers to a "proclamation," "announcement," or "message preached." It carries the connotation of an authoritative declaration, like that of a herald announcing a king's decree. It is not merely human discourse but the official, divinely sanctioned proclamation of God's truth, specifically the gospel message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But hath in due times manifested his word":** This clause highlights God's active role in revelation. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) often introduces a contrast or a continuation, here emphasizing the active manifestation of what was previously promised (as mentioned in [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God's Promise of Eternal Life")). God Himself, in His perfect and appointed timing (the "due times"), has made His "word" (G3056, _lógos_ – encompassing His message, truth, and plan of salvation) clearly visible and understandable to humanity.
* **"through preaching,":** This phrase specifies the divinely chosen means by which God's word is manifested. It is not through mystical experience or private revelation for all, but through the public, authoritative proclamation of the gospel. Preaching serves as the channel through which God's truth is disseminated and made known to the world.
* **"which is committed unto me":** This clause clarifies the specific instrument of this preaching: Paul himself. The verb "committed" (G4100, _pisteúō_, here in the passive voice, meaning "to be entrusted with") signifies a divine entrustment, a sacred stewardship bestowed upon Paul. It underscores his apostolic commission and the weighty responsibility he bore in proclaiming this manifested word.
* **"according to the commandment of God our Saviour;":** This final clause provides the ultimate source of Paul's commission and the authority behind the manifested word. His ministry is not self-initiated but is in full alignment with a direct "commandment" (G2003, _epitagḗ_ – an authoritative injunction or decree) from "God our Saviour." This firmly roots the entire process—the manifestation of the word, the means of preaching, and Paul's personal commission—in the sovereign will and saving purpose of God the Father.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Passive** is evident in "which is committed unto me," where the action of committing is performed by God, though not explicitly stated as the subject of that particular verb form. This subtly emphasizes God's sovereign agency in entrusting the gospel to Paul. The phrase "manifested his word" can be seen as a form of **Personification**, as "word" (abstract concept) is given the active quality of being "manifested" by God, implying a dynamic, living truth. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "God our Saviour," functions as a powerful **Appellation** and **Emphasis**, highlighting God's essential character as the deliverer and emphasizing the salvific nature of the entire divine plan being revealed. This title underscores the ultimate purpose of God's manifestation and Paul's preaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 1:3 profoundly articulates God's sovereign initiative in salvation history. It reveals that the gospel message is not a human invention or a philosophical construct, but a divinely conceived and executed plan, revealed at God's perfect time and through His chosen instruments. This highlights the essential truth that salvation originates entirely with God, who, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrated the timing and means of His revelation. Paul's commission, therefore, is not merely a personal calling but a direct extension of God's authoritative will, making the preached word a powerful, divinely-backed declaration. This verse reminds us that the authority of the gospel rests not on the eloquence of the preacher, but on the God who commands its proclamation and manifests His truth through it.

* [Romans 16:25-26](/romans/16-25-26 "Romans 16:25-26 - The Revelation of the Mystery")
* [2 Timothy 1:9-10](/2_timothy/1-9-10 "2 Timothy 1:9-10 - God's Purpose and Grace in Christ")
* [Ephesians 3:8-9](/ephesians/3-8-9 "Ephesians 3:8-9 - The Mystery Revealed to Paul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 1:3 offers profound encouragement and clear direction for believers today. It calls us to marvel at God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to revealing His truth to humanity. We are reminded that the gospel we share is not a human story but a divine manifestation, entrusted to us as a sacred stewardship. This should instill both humility and confidence: humility, knowing that the power is God's, not ours; and confidence, knowing that we proclaim a message that God Himself has manifested and commanded. Our role is to faithfully echo the divine proclamation, trusting that God will use our imperfect voices to manifest His perfect word. This verse also compels us to deeply value the preached word, recognizing it as God's primary means of revealing Himself and drawing people to salvation. We are called to be diligent in hearing, studying, and, where called, proclaiming this glorious truth, always acknowledging God as the ultimate source of salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "due times" for revelation impact your trust in His timing for your own life or for broader global events?**
* **In what ways can you personally contribute to the "preaching" or manifestation of God's word in your sphere of influence, recognizing it as a divine entrustment?**
* **How does the knowledge that your faith and salvation come "according to the commandment of God our Saviour" deepen your worship and assurance?**

### FAQ
**What does "in due times" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "in due times" (Greek: _kairois idiois_) refers to God's perfectly appointed and opportune moments throughout history. It signifies that the manifestation of His word, particularly the gospel of salvation, was not random but occurred precisely when God intended it to, as part of His sovereign and eternal plan. This concept emphasizes God's perfect timing and foreknowledge in orchestrating salvation history, culminating in the revelation of Christ ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")) and the subsequent proclamation of His message.

**Why is "preaching" highlighted as the means by which God's word is manifested?**

Answer: Preaching (Greek: _kḗrygma_) is highlighted because it is God's divinely ordained instrument for publicly proclaiming His truth and making His word known to humanity. It's an authoritative declaration, not merely a human discussion. Through the faithful proclamation of the gospel, what was once a mystery or a promise is brought into clear understanding and made accessible to all who hear. This underscores the vital role of the spoken word in God's redemptive plan, making the message of salvation tangible and understandable to the world ([Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14-15 "Romans 10:14-15 - How Shall They Hear Without a Preacher?")).

**What is the significance of "God our Saviour" in this context?**

Answer: The title "God our Saviour" emphasizes that salvation originates with God the Father. While Jesus Christ is also called "our Saviour" (e.g., [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Jesus Christ, Our Great God and Saviour")), this verse attributes the ultimate initiative and authority for salvation to God the Father. It highlights His sovereign will in promising eternal life, manifesting His word, and commissioning His apostles to preach. This title underscores the comprehensive nature of God's saving work, from eternal decree to historical revelation and personal commission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 1:3 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "word" that God "manifested in due times" is ultimately the living Word, Jesus Christ Himself, through whom God has spoken most fully and finally ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The "due times" for this manifestation were precisely when Christ, the promised Messiah, came into the world, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and inaugurating the new covenant ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")). The "preaching" that Paul was committed to was the proclamation of this Christ, His death, resurrection, and ascension, as the means of salvation. Jesus is the embodiment of God's saving "commandment," for He perfectly obeyed the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Thus, "God our Saviour" is perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God and the one through whom God's saving purpose is fully accomplished and made known to the world ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God"), [1 Timothy 2:5-6](/1_timothy/2-5-6 "1 Timothy 2:5-6 - One Mediator Between God and Man")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 1:11

According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

Titus 3:4

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Titus 3:6

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

1 Timothy 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, [which is] our hope;

Titus 2:10

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

1 Timothy 2:5

For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1 Timothy 2:7

Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, [and] lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.