Titus 3 A Commentary

Verses 1-8
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Verses 1-2 are admonitions for us as Christians to obey local and federal jurisdictional laws. To practice Christian qualities of consideration for others. To be peaceable and to not incite any problems with anyone.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Verses 3-8 point out the past tense of our lives prior to knowing God. It reminds us the extent of the grace of God. Particularly the part where he says "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit," when you think of how a newborn is when they enter the world..they are a clean slate with a promise for hope. As we are "born again" we have this renewed rebirth and a chance to start over clean and be better.

We are now saved, not due to our own efforts but through the mercy and love of God. He saved us. Not by our means, but by his mercy. By the cleansing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Ghost. Two things happen when you are baptized. You are born of water and of the Spirit. Both are required to inherit the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)

God's spirit causes this renewal of the spirit inside of us by bringing us to faith and repentance through the Word; thus the renewal of the Holy Spirit begins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit happens post-baptism.

Rom. 6:1-8 tells us we die in sin and are buried by baptism, becoming new creatures in Christ. Washing of regeneration literally means being cleansed and renewed by the rite of baptism.

Regeneration itself is due to the Holy Spirit, but baptism is the outward manifestation that God asks of us. Read further on regeneration in Matt. 19:28 .

The Holy Spirit. Is given to us abundantly even in miraculous ways. (Acts 2:1-10) .

We become God's children all sins are forgiven.

Verses 9-11

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.


Vs 10-11 refer to people who want to take the Word of God and twist it to fit their teachings or beliefs. (Jude 17-19) Some places describe these verses as referring to heretics or people whose teachings are unorthodox and outside the actual Word itself and what God teaches us in His word. The Word is full of admonition of false prophets who will rise up in the last days to mislead. (Matthew 24:10-12) They are to be counseled. Then warned. Then if they are still holding fast to teachings not of the Word they are to be removed from the congregation or Church.

Final Remarks verses 12-15

As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Titus was not to stay permanently in Crete, as a bishop, he was only there temporarily.

Tychicus. One of Paul's closest dearest friends and companions. Often referred to in the Scriptures as such. (Col. 4:7 and Eph. 6:21.)

Nicopolis. A town on the west coast of Greece in Epirus, named because Augustus Caesar won a great battle there. It means, "City of Victory."

Yet in the end is this greeting:

Grace be with you all!



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