Bible Commentaries
Titus 3

Verse 2

Speak evil of no man ; falsely or unnecessarily. True religion makes good subjects, quiet citizens, peaceful neighbors, and renders men meek, patient, and forgiving in all the relations of life.

Verse 3

We ourselves also ; as well as the unbelieving world without us now lying in wickedness. From the regenerating and renewing grace of God, which had elevated believers from a life of inward uncleanness and outward vice to one of holiness and righteousness, he draws an argument for consistency in a godly life. When not restrained by divine grace, men naturally run into all kinds of vicious, hateful excesses; and nothing but the Holy Spirit will prevent their growing worse and worse for ever.

Verse 4

Appeared ; in the gift of his Son, the preaching of the gospel, and the operations of the Spirit.

Verse 8

To the gracious operations of the Holy Spirit Christians are indebted for the difference between them and the most heinous sinners. This they should feel, and should show their gratitude in doing good as they have opportunity, by precept, example, and every proper method, to all their fellow-men.

Verse 10

A heretic ; in New Testament usage, sectarist, attaching himself to a factious party that rejected sound doctrine and a godly life.

The first and second admonition ; Matthew 18:15-17 ; Romans 16:17-18 . Kind, watchful, and efficient discipline should ever be maintained in Christian churches. Efforts, not by pains and penalties, but by sound argument and kind persuasion, should first be made to reclaim offenders. If all is unavailing, Christians should separate themselves from them, and thus bear open testimony against their transgressions; but they should never feel unkindly towards them, or seek to injure them. Persecutions, prisons, inquisitions, fires, and tortures are measures instigated by the devil and pursued by his adherents, not by the friends of Jesus Christ.

Verse 11

Subverted ; turned from the right way.

Sinneth ; by embracing the side of error and sin.

Condemned of himself ; by his own conduct and conscience.

Verse 13

Nothing be wanting ; needful for their journey.

Verse 14

Ours ; those of our side, those who profess godliness.

Maintain good works ; live godly lives, and habitually and diligently pursue some useful business.

For necessary uses ; that they may have the means of honorably maintaining themselves and helping others, thus being not unfruitful in their lives. John 15:16 ; Ephesians 4:28 ; Philippians 4:17 ; Colossians 1:10 .