Titus 3

Titus 3 teaches how Christians should live in society and in the church. Paul tells believers to respect authorities, be ready for good works, avoid foolish arguments, and treat others with gentleness and humility. He also reminds them that salvation comes by God’s mercy and grace, not by their own righteous works. The chapter ends with practical instructions about helping fellow workers and maintaining good works.

Titus 3:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

Paul tells Titus to remind believers to be respectful and obedient toward rulers and authorities. Christians should not be rebellious or troublesome, but should be ready to do every good work. They must not speak evil of others, but should be peaceable, gentle, and humble toward all people. This shows that Christian faith should be seen in public life through respectful conduct, kindness, and a good witness before society.

Titus 3:3 (NKJV)
3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

Paul reminds believers that they also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, and controlled by sinful desires. They lived in envy, hatred, and selfishness before God saved them. This reminder should make Christians humble and patient toward others, because they know they were also once in need of God’s mercy. Their new life in Christ is not because they were better than others, but because God’s grace changed them.

Titus 3:4-7 (NKJV)
4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Paul explains the heart of salvation. God saved us not because of our own righteous works, but because of His mercy, kindness, and love. Salvation comes through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. This points to the new birth and the cleansing, renewing work of God’s Spirit in the life. The Spirit is poured out abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, showing that Christ is the channel through whom God gives this renewing life. By God’s grace, believers are justified and made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This means salvation is God’s gift from beginning to end, producing a new life and a future hope.

Titus 3:8 (NKJV)
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Paul says this teaching is trustworthy and must be repeated often. Those who believe in God must be careful to maintain good works. Good works do not save us, but they are the natural fruit of salvation. When God’s grace changes the heart, the life should become useful, kind, and fruitful. These good works benefit both the believer and the wider community.

Titus 3:9-11 (NKJV)
9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,
11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Paul warns Titus to avoid foolish disputes, arguments about genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law. These debates were unprofitable and useless because they distracted believers from the true gospel and godly living. Many of these arguments likely involved Jewish traditions, ceremonial issues, or legalistic requirements that some tried to impose on Christians. Paul shows that the gospel is based on God’s grace through faith in Christ, not on outward legalism or endless disputes. If a divisive person continues after being warned once and twice, Titus must reject him, because such a person shows a corrupt and self-condemned spirit. This passage teaches believers to avoid legalistic arguments and focus on truth, unity, grace, and spiritual growth.

Titus 3:12-14 (NKJV)
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that they may lack nothing.
14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

Paul then gives Titus practical instructions about travel and ministry. He plans to send Artemas or Tychicus, and then wants Titus to come to him at Nicopolis. He also tells Titus to help Zenas and Apollos on their journey so they lack nothing. This shows the teamwork and support among early Christian workers. Paul also reminds believers to maintain good works by meeting urgent needs. Faith should not be unfruitful, but should show itself in practical care and support for others.

Titus 3:15 (NKJV)
15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Paul closes with greetings from those who are with him and sends greetings to those who love them in the faith. This shows the warmth, fellowship, and unity of the early Christian community. His final blessing, “Grace be with you all,” reminds believers that they need God’s grace to continue in faith, good works, and love.