Bible Commentaries
Titus 3

Verses 1-15

Chapter 3

1 Titus is yet further directed by Paul, both concerning the things he should teach, and not teach. 10 He is willed also to reject obstinate hereticks: 12 which done, he appointeth him both time and place, wherein he should come unto him, and so concludeth.

1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers [rulers and authorities], to obey magistrates [the temporal power], to be ready to every good work [cheerfully, to aid all lawful authority, municipal and otherwise],

2. To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers [not contentious], but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.

3. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived [for we were once ourselves foolish, disobedient, going astray], serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4. But after that the kindness and love [ or, pity] 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 [Gr. richly] through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7. That being justified [freed from the future punishment and consequences of sin] by his grace [by the favour and kindness of God the Father are we restored to his love and friendship], we should be made heirs [ Rom 8:17 ] 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.

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 [shun or avoid]:

11. Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself [is perverted and sinneth, being self-condemned].

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 [a name contracted from Zenodorus] the lawyer and Apollos [a distinguished Alexandrian scholar and a disciple of John the Baptist. This famous teacher appears often in the New Testament records, in the Acts, and several of the Epistles] on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

14. And let ours also learn to maintain good works [ or, profess honest trades] for necessary uses, that they may be not unfruitful.

15. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith [an inclusive greeting, embracing each member of the Cretan Church whose love to him (St. Paul) was based upon the common faith in the Lord Jesus. Greet all who love me, as the earnest preacher of their faith and mine]. Grace be with you all. Amen.