Chapter Three
Conduct Among Others
How believers live in society is vital. Whether we like the idea or not we who are living are alive for one primary reason, to serve God. What does that mean? Jesus before He ascended into heaven gave every believer a command. It is often referred to as the “Great Commission” (see Matthew 28:18-20), which instructs each of us to go and make disciples, or in other words to evangelize. Preaching the gospel may be one way to evangelize, but that is only part of process. As Christians we reflect Jesus in everything we do, our lives should offer testimony to that fact, including being obedient to government authority.
3:1 Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
Paul tells Titus to remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities. Both Paul and Peter wrote regarding the need for all Christians to submit to authority: “Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2, CSB) “Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.” (1 Peter 2:13-15, CSB) It is easy for a Christian to justify their lack of compliance to unfavorable rules, like paying taxes. Which is why Paul continues a few verses later, “And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s servants, continually attending to these tasks. Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.” (Romans 13:6-7, CSB)
You might wonder, “Why should we submit?” It all boils down to how we show others what we believe, our witness (which is why we are here, to spread the gospel). God wants us to follow human rules so that people can see our faith in God is real and that we truly care about others (not just our own). This way, others might see our example and maybe even want to accept Jesus themselves. Does that mean Christians should just blindly follow everything? No, that’s not what Paul is saying. Christians should follow all the laws and respect all authority, but only up to the point where we’re told to do something God forbids or not do something He commands.
Paul says we all need to submit, to obey (yes, that includes speed limits) and be ready for every good work, which implies something that needs to be done. Paul recognizes that for a believer to live in society, they need to be an active participant, one who is ready to lend a hand, participate in local events, talk to neighbors, etc.
3:2 to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.
Similar to chapter two’s rapid-fire listings, Paul presents a number of instructions for Christians to consider when interacting with society. He begins with the command to slander no one, we are not to hurt the reputation or speak evil of others. Something that many modern-day Christians apparently have forgotten. We are to avoid fighting (Greek amachous, meaning without battle or controversy, not disposed to fight, not contentious or quarrelsome), and be kind always showing gentleness to everyone. These attributes would certainly get noticed, some believe that would make the wrong impression that a Christian would appear weak and vulnerable. That is not true, the first one refers to our spoken words, the second being our actions, and the third and fourth reflect Jesus. Remember the words of Jesus from His sermon, “Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.” (Mathew 5:5, CSB) The Greek word translated as ‘humble’ can also be translated as ‘meek’, it implies humility, patience, and acceptance of situation, essentially someone who does not anger quickly. Not that they are incapable or lack strength, but remain calm, composed, and more willing to accept circumstances, power under control.
3:3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.
Paul reminds Titus, and us, that there was a time before we were believers. A time where he describes as being foolish (Greek anoētoi, typically referring to one lacking intelligence, but it can also refer to one who does not govern their lusts), disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions (Greek epithymiais, to covet, to lust, evil desires) and pleasures (Greek hēdonais, to have sensual pleasure, the root word for hedonism), living in malice (Greek kakia, feeling of hostility and strong dislike), combined with envy, being hateful, and detesting one another. Not a nice picture of our past! Before getting upset with Paul and proclaim that you were never that way, stop and think why Paul listed these. Anytime a believer looks back and reflects on their own former condition helps us see first of all what God has done for us, but also helps us recognize that we were once without Jesus and remember we only had the world to guide us, which should motivate us to be loving, kind, and patient with others.
Paul contrasts our past that was heading to eternal condemnation (as we were already condemned, see John 3:18) to that of life eternal in heaven after accepting God’s plan of salvation through Jesus. Paul offers Titus an overview of that plan which includes the involvement of every member of the Godhead, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Speaking about when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared (see commentary for Titus 2:11), Paul is referring to the appearance of Jesus, as He is the only path to salvation. He saved us, not by any works of righteousness we may have done, or anything else that was done or could be done by us. We are saved because of His mercy on us, not receiving the condemnation that we deserve. Made possible through the washing of regeneration (Greek palingenesias, to experience a complete change, literally “to be born again,” a word found here and in Matthew 19:28), referring to being thoroughly washed and cleansed from all sins. This renewal (Greek anakainōseōs, becoming new and different, also seen only in one other verse in the Bible, see Romans 12:2) was entirely done by the Holy Spirit.
3:6 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.
Referring to God the Father, Paul tells us that He poured out His Spirit on us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we can be justified (Greek diakaiōthentes, to put right with, to cause to be in a right relationship, the act of being declared righteous) by His grace (receiving what we do not deserve). As a result we become heirs with the hope (Greek elpida, looking forward in confidence, not a possibility but one of absolute happening) of eternal life.
3:8 This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.
Paul reassures Titus that everything he has written is true and trustworthy. He wants him to insist (Greek diabebaiousthai, to state with confidence) these things when he teaches, so that for those who believe the gospel will engage in doing good deeds as these are good and beneficial for everyone.
3:9 But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.
But while proclaiming the gospel or teaching, avoid the enemy’s many distractions. Paul tells Titus to avoid four specific tactics Satan likes to use to attempt to stump, wear out, or misguide the gospel presenter:
1. Foolish debates. The word foolish implies nonsensical thinking, thoughts devoid of understanding or reason. But a debate that may be impeccable in logic and stands on solid ground can also be considered ‘foolish’ if the subject is not relative to what is being taught or encompasses a minor issue. These debates often challenge one’s ability to to rationalize and therefore appeal to one’s pride and then the debate, although having nothing to do with the teaching, begins. We need to see these efforts for what they are and deny any participation. See also 1 Timothy 6:4.
2. Genealogies. Another subtle distraction. Issues regarding bloodlines is unimportant as Paul tells us that, “In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.” (Colossians 3:11, CSB) There is no hierarchy or higher calling in Christianity. Some faux-Christian groups have attached great importance on genealogies. See also 1 Timothy 1:4.
3. Quarrels. The Greek word ereis refers to conflict resulting from rivalry or discord. If there is contention that can lead to a quarrel it should be stopped to prevent escalation. If the subject matter pertains to the lesson it should be answered before a quarrel starts, but if the answer is unknown, then postpone the discussion to a later time to research an appropriate answer. See also Romans 1:29; 13:13; 1 Corinthians 1:11; 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:19-21; Philippians 1:15; 1 Timothy 6:4.
4. Disputes about the law. This category has a long history of debates and quarrels. Today one can extend this category to include disputes over interpretation of the Bible in general. Especially if the issue is related to end-time prophecy, sacraments, predestination, or age of the earth. In most cases a dispute will not change the mind of either side and therefore Paul’s advice to avoid is probably the best solution.
3:10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning. 11 For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.
Paul’s closing instruction is to reject a divisive person (Greek hairetikon, originally meant “to chose,” but became a reference to someone placing their opinions above the truth and refuses to consider any other view, that which pertains to causing divisions) after one or two warnings. Paul then reminds Titus, “For you know…” that such a person has gone astray (Greek exestraptai, to have become corrupt) and is sinning, engaged in wrong doing and since they chose to be divisive they are self-condemned.
Final Instructions and Closing
3:12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, so that they will lack nothing. 14 Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.
Paul closes the epistle with some last-minute updates for Titus. He is sending either Artemas (only mentioned here in the Bible) Tychicus (traveled with Paul on his third missionary journey, and later sent to Colossae and Ephesus, referenced in Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:12) to replace him, but wants him to join Paul in Nicopolis (a name that can apply to several cities, unknown which one Paul is referring to, thought to be the one now called Paleoprevesa, on the boundary between Thrace and Macedonia in Greece) as he will be spending the winter there. He also wants Titus to be sure to help Zenas a lawyer (also not found elsewhere in the Bible, nothing more is known) and Apollos (a Jew who was a believer from Alexandria who was a noted eloquent preacher, see Acts 18:24–19:1) on their journey, so that they will be fully equipped. Paul also wants Titus to help their people learn to make good deeds a priority when an urgent need arises, so they won’t be unproductive.
3:15 All those who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.
Paul closes the epistle with a short set of greetings, one from those who are with him, and one that he requests Titus to greet those who love them in the faith. Then he closes with a brief benediction, grace be with all of you.