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.
1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5Not 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;
6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8This 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.
9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
11Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
12When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
13Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
14And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
15All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.