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
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, ​
2
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. ​
4
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; ​
6
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ​
8
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. ​

Dealing with Division and Heresy

9
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. ​
10
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; ​
11
Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. ​

Final Instructions and Greetings

12
When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. ​
13
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. ​
14
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. ​
15
All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the 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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