Titus
Chapter 3
Titus Ch.3:1 to 11. Demonstration of good works. Grace motivates godly living. Be good citizens. Cretans were notoriously deficient. Seven qualities listed in verses 1-2 in relation to political leaders and people. Be an influence for good when understanding God’s Grace to you. Courtesy to all men with gentleness and godly virtue.
Verse 3. Superiority of the Gospel over paganism. Remember what we once were – apart from Grace. 1st Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 4:17-24.
‘Deceived’, in v.3, in Gk. is ‘planao’ – ‘false guide leading astray’; ‘living in malice’ – anti-social
nature of former behaviour. ‘Hateful and hating’ – the last stage of degradation leading to a hopeless state. Odious character – total ruined state, like animals fighting over bones.
Verse 4. ‘BUT’ – what a change when Divine love appears in flesh to bring Salvation rescue. Startling contrast.
Verse 5.Grace defined – kindness; love; mercy. No mention of faith here, but what God alone has done. (1) Washing from the filth of sin. (2) Renewal with new life by the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:33. John 16:7, 13-14; Ch. 14:16-17; Ch. 15:26. Sonship by the Spirit. Gal. 4:6-7; Eph. 1:13-14. Sons are heirs of certain hope.
Verse 8. ‘Faithful’ or ‘trustworthy’ saying. Same in 1st Tim. 1:15; Ch. 3:1; Ch.4:9; 2nd Tim. Ch. 2:11. Titus – ‘speak out’ Ch. 2:1 & 15. Remember – behaviour comes from belief.
Verses 9-11. List of behaviours to avoid – these come from false teachers especially: controversies” and “strivings” – quarrels from Mosaic law arguments from Jewish false teachers again. “Avoid” – Gk. is: ‘periistemi’ – ‘to turn oneself about so as to face the other way’. Such are unprofitable, useless false teaching. The emphasis is on Grace for salvation which Law cannot produce.
Verse 10. ‘Heretic’ – Gk. is ‘hairetikos’ – ‘a self-opinionated propagandist who promotes dissension by his pertinacity’. Reject – avoid. Gk. is ‘paraiteomai’ – ‘to leave out of account’, perhaps ignore. After the third warning – serious action taken and determined. Failure to respond to two warnings is a clear indication of the person described in verse 3. See what Jesus said in Matt. 18:15-17. Three chances to repent, then cut off, but note 2nd Thess. 3:14-15 again.
Verses 12-15. Final instructions and Farewell. Paul wants to see Titus again.
Verse 13. Support travelling servants of the Lord. See 3 John 5-8. ‘Do faithfully whatever you do to the brethren and to strangers, which have borne witness to your love before the Church, whom if you bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, you will do well. Because, for His Name’s sake, they went forth, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow-helpers to the Truth.’
Verse 14. Cretan Believers are to learn to practice good deeds, to meet the needs of others – be practical and useful.
Verse 15. Greetings to Believers who love Paul and others. This excludes false teachers who opposed Paul.