Tituschapter 3

15 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 278 cross-references outward and receives 391 — heaviest partner: Romans.

Chapter summary

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work. Not 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. These things I will that thou affirm constantly. Avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject. Let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses. JFB reads the chapter as the gospel's ethic for outward witness.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the Titus overview for the book's full setting.

1 Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,

2 to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.

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

4 But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared,

5 not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

6 which he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

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

8 Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:

9 but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.