Naravist

The Letters · New Testament

Titus 3

Mercy and the work of doing good

General context

The chapter urges obedience to authorities, gentleness toward others and readiness for good work. It recalls an earlier life of disobedience, envy and mutual hatred before turning to God's kindness. Salvation is grounded in mercy, the Spirit's renewing work and grace through Jesus Christ. Good works then serve others in practical ways. The closing instructions connect this teaching with avoiding unprofitable disputes and making sure travelling coworkers have what they need.

Cited passages: Titus 3:1, Titus 3:2, Titus 3:3, Titus 3:4, Titus 3:5, Titus 3:6, Titus 3:7, Titus 3:8, Titus 3:9, Titus 3:13, Titus 3:14

Titus 3 (KJV)

1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

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

4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

5Not 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;

6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8This 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.

9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

11Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

12When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

13Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

14And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

15All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Printed after this letter in the King James Version: It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.

This page shows the King James Version. In the app, reading opens in the Berean Standard Bible unless you have chosen another translation. The reader includes five translations: the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), the King James Version (KJV), the World English Bible (WEB), the Bible in Basic English (BBE), and the American Standard Version (ASV). Search covers three of them: Berean Standard, King James, and World English. Basic English and American Standard readers search the King James words.

Historical context

The letter names Paul as its writer and Titus as its recipient; its opening places Titus's assigned work in Crete. The closing instructions describe plans to send Artemas or Tychicus and ask Titus to join the writer in Nicopolis, where he intends to spend the winter. Zenas and Apollos are also named as travellers needing support. These plans place the teaching about useful work within the letter's network of local responsibilities and travelling coworkers.

Cited passages: Titus 1:1, Titus 1:4, Titus 1:5, Titus 3:12, Titus 3:13, Titus 3:14

Literary context

The contrast between an earlier way of life and the appearance of God's kindness gives the central paragraph its movement. Repeated references to good works link the opening commands, the response to believing and the final practical instructions. The chapter also contrasts what is profitable with disputes called unprofitable. Help for Zenas and Apollos is one concrete example of the useful action requested.

Cited passages: Titus 3:1, Titus 3:3, Titus 3:4, Titus 3:5, Titus 3:8, Titus 3:9, Titus 3:13, Titus 3:14

Key moments

  1. Practice gentleness (Titus 3:2). The readers are urged not to speak evil of anyone or quarrel, and to show gentleness to all.
  2. Remember mercy (Titus 3:5). Salvation is attributed to God's mercy and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, not to righteous works already performed.
  3. Attend to good work (Titus 3:8). Those who believe are urged to maintain good works that benefit others.
  4. Provide for travellers (Titus 3:13). Zenas and Apollos are to be helped on their journey so that nothing is lacking for them.

For reflection

Where does this chapter connect received mercy with concrete care for other people?

People in this chapter

Also indexed here:

  • Artemas
  • Zenas