USB ~ Titus 3

1 † Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities,† to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise. a

2 They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone.

3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another. b

4 But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, c

5 not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit, d

6 whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, e

7 so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. f

8 This saying is trustworthy.

Advice to Titus. † I want you to insist on these points, that those who have believed in God be careful to devote themselves to good works; these are excellent and beneficial to others. g

9 † Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries, and quarrels about the law, h for they are useless and futile.

10 After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic, i

11 realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned.

Directives, Greetings, and Blessing. †

12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, try to join me at Nicopolis, where I have decided to spend the winter. j

13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey soon, and see to it that they have everything they need. k

14 But let our people, too, learn to devote themselves to good works to supply urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive. l

15 All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you. m

Footnotes

†. 3:1-8 The list of Christian duties continues from Ti 2:9-10, undergirded again as in Ti 2:11-13 by appeal to what God in Christ has done (Ti 2:4-7; cf. Ti 2:11-14). The spiritual renewal of the Cretans, signified in God’s merciful gift of baptism (Ti 3:4-7), should be reflected in their improved attitude toward civil authority and in their Christian relationship with all (Ti 3:1-3).

†. 3:1 Magistrates and authorities: some interpreters understand these terms as referring to the principalities and powers of the heavenly hierarchy. To be open to every good enterprise: this implies being good citizens. It could also be translated “ready to do every sort of good work” (as Christians); cf. Ti 3:14.

†. 3:8-11 In matters of good conduct and religious doctrine, Titus is to stand firm.

†. 3:9 See note on 1 Tm 6:20-21.

†. 3:12-15 Artemas or Tychicus (2 Tm 4:12) is to replace Titus, who will join Paul in his winter sojourn at Nicopolis in Epirus, on the western coast of Greece.

3:1 Rom 13:1-7; 1 Tm 2:1-2; 1 Pt 2:13-14.
3:3 1 Cor 6:9-11; Eph 2:1-3; 5:8; Col 3:5-7; 1 Pt 4:3.
3:4 1:3; 2:10; Ps 24:5; 1 Tm 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Jude 25.
3:5 Dt 9:5; Eph 2:4-5, 8-9; 2 Tm 1:9.
3:6 1:4; 2:13; Phil 3:20; 2 Tm 1:10; 2 Pt 1:1, 11; 2:20; 3:2, 18.
3:7 1:2; 2 Tm 1:1; 1 Jn 2:25.
3:8 1 Tm 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tm 2:11.
3:9 1 Tm 1:4; 4:7; 2 Tm 2:23.
3:10 Mt 18:15-18; Rom 16:17; 1 Cor 5:11; 2 Thes 3:6, 14-15.
3:12 Acts 20:4; Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; 2 Tm 4:12.
3:13 Acts 18:24-26; 1 Cor 1:12; 3:4-6, 22; 4:6; 16:12.
3:14 2:14; 3:8; Heb 10:24; 1 Pt 3:13.
3:15 Heb 13:25.