New Testament
Titus 3
Overview
Paul widens the circle from household to society, telling Titus to remind believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, and to show perfect courtesy to all people. He grounds this gentleness in memory: "we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions" (3:3) — and then comes the great turn: "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" (3:4-5). This salvation is poured out richly through Jesus Christ so that, justified by grace, we become heirs of eternal life. Paul calls this "a trustworthy saying" and insists Titus stress these truths so believers will devote themselves to good works. He then warns against the false teachers' useless controversies, genealogies, and quarrels about the law, instructing Titus to warn a divisive person twice and then have nothing more to do with him. The letter closes with travel plans, the urging that believers learn to devote themselves to good works to meet pressing needs, and a final greeting of grace.
1Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
3For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,
5not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior;
7that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;
9but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
10Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning,
11knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.
12When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.
13Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.
14Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.