Titus 3

Chapter Overview

What happens in Titus 3

Paul instructs Titus to remind believers of their civic duties and gentle conduct, grounds this in the transforming mercy of God, and closes with practical instructions about avoiding divisive people and supporting fellow workers.

Scripture

Conduct Toward Outsiders

Study note

Paul instructs Titus to remind the Cretan believers to submit to governing authorities, obey them, and be ready for every good work. They must speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show true humility toward all people. These instructions counter the cultural reputation of Cretans and demonstrate that the gospel transforms not only personal piety but public character and civic engagement.

1 Remind the believers to respect and obey the government and its leaders. They should be ready and willing to do anything that is good. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

2 They should not trash-talk anyone. They should avoid picking fights, be gentle with people, and be truly humble toward everyone. To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

Saved by Mercy, Not Works

Study note

Paul grounds the call to gentle conduct in a vivid before-and-after portrait. Believers were once foolish, disobedient, enslaved to desires, living in malice and envy, hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us not because of righteous works we had done but because of his mercy, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, poured out generously through Jesus Christ. Being justified by grace, we became heirs with the hope of eternal life. Paul calls this a trustworthy saying and insists that those who believe in God must devote themselves to good works, which are good and profitable for everyone.

3 We need to remember that there was a time when we were foolish and stubborn too. We were led around by every desire and pleasure that came our way. Our lives were filled with meanness and jealousy. People hated us, and we hated each other. 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 then God our Savior showed the world his incredible kindness and love for all people. 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, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. 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 God poured out his Holy Spirit on us in a rich and generous way through Jesus Christ our Savior. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 He did this so we could be made right with him by his grace. Now we can look forward with hope to living forever. 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 you affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. 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.

Avoiding Division and Final Instructions

Study note

Titus must avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, and quarrels about the law, which are useless and worthless. A divisive person should be warned once, then twice; after that, have nothing more to do with them, knowing such a person has turned away and stands self-condemned. Paul closes with practical matters: he plans to send Artemas or Tychicus and asks Titus to meet him in Nicopolis for the winter. Zenas and Apollos should be generously provisioned for their journey. The believers must learn to devote themselves to good works to meet pressing needs, so their lives bear fruit. Final greetings and a benediction of grace conclude the letter.

9 But do not waste your time on foolish debates, arguments about family trees, and fights over the law. Those things accomplish nothing and are a complete waste of time. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10 If someone keeps stirring up division, give them one warning, then give them a second warning. After that, cut ties with them. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

11 You can be sure that a person like that has been twisted off course. They keep on sinning, and their own choices condemn them. Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to take your place, do your best to come meet me in Nicopolis. I have decided to spend the winter there. 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 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos get on their way. Make sure they have everything they need for their trip. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

14 Our people need to learn to step up and do good work that meets real needs. That way their lives will produce something worthwhile. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

15 Everyone here with me says hello! Please pass along our greetings to all who love us because we share the same faith. May God's grace be with every one of you. Amen. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in Titus 3

Submission to authority and civic responsibilitySalvation by mercy, not by worksThe washing of rebirth and renewal by the SpiritJustification by grace making us heirs of eternal lifeDevotion to good works as the fruit of salvationDealing decisively with divisive people

Prophetic Connections

How this chapter points to Christ

Titus 3:5 Ezekiel 36:25-27

The washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit directly fulfills Ezekiel's prophecy that God would sprinkle clean water on his people, give them a new heart and spirit, and put his Spirit within them to cause them to walk in his ways.

Apply This Today

Living Titus 3

Paul's reminder that we were once foolish, enslaved, and hateful is meant to produce humility rather than condemnation. Remembering where grace found us should make us the most compassionate and gentle people toward those who are still lost. The insistence that believers devote themselves to good works is not a contradiction of salvation by grace but its natural consequence. We are saved by mercy alone, but that mercy transforms us into people who eagerly serve others and meet real needs in our communities.

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