> [[titus-02|← Previous]] | [[titus-00|TOC]] --- # Titus, Chapter 3 ## Chapter 3 1 Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise. ^titus-03-1 2 They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone. ^titus-03-2 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. ^titus-03-3 4 But when the kindness and generous love ^titus-03-4 of God our savior appeared, 5 not because of any righteous deeds we had done ^titus-03-5 but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit, 6 whom he richly poured out on us ^titus-03-6 through Jesus Christ our savior, 7 so that we might be justified by his grace ^titus-03-7 and become heirs in hope of eternal life. 8 This saying is trustworthy. ^titus-03-8 **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. 9 Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries, and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and futile. ^titus-03-9 10 After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic, ^titus-03-10 11 realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned. ^titus-03-11 **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. ^titus-03-12 13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey soon, and see to it that they have everything they need. ^titus-03-13 14 But let our people, too, learn to devote themselves to good works to supply urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive. ^titus-03-14 15 All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. ^titus-03-15 Grace be with all of you. \* (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. a. (3:1) [Rom 13:1] – [7]; [1 Tm 2:1] – [2]; [1 Pt 2:13] – [14]. b. (3:3) ([[1-corinthians-06|1 Cor 6]]:9] – [11]; [Eph 2:1] – [3]; [5:8]; [Col 3:5] – [7]; [1 Pt 4:3]. c. (3:4) [1:3]; [2:10]; ([[psalm-24|Ps 24]]:5]; [1 Tm 1:1]; [2:3]; [4:10]; [Jude 25]. d. (3:5) [Dt 9:5]; [Eph 2:4] – [5], [8] – [9]; [2 Tm 1:9]. e. (3:6) [1:4]; [2:13]; [Phil 3:20]; [2 Tm 1:10]; [2 Pt 1:1], [11]; [2:20]; [3:2], [18]. f. (3:7) [1:2]; [2 Tm 1:1]; ([[1-john-02|1 Jn 2]]:25]. g. (3:8) [1 Tm 1:15]; [3:1]; [4:9]; [2 Tm 2:11]. h. (3:9) [1 Tm 1:4]; [4:7]; [2 Tm 2:23]. i. (3:10) ([[matthew-18|Mt 18]]:15] – [18]; [Rom 16:17]; ([[1-corinthians-05|1 Cor 5]]:11]; [2 Thes 3:6], [14] – [15]. j. (3:12) ([[acts-of-the-apostles-20|Acts 20]]:4]; [Eph 6:21]; [Col 4:7]; [2 Tm 4:12]. k. (3:13) ([[acts-of-the-apostles-18|Acts 18]]:24] – [26]; ([[1-corinthians-01|1 Cor 1]]:12]; [3:4] – [6], [22]; [4:6]; [16:12]. l. (3:14) [2:14]; [3:8]; [Heb 10:24]; [1 Pt 3:13]. m. (3:15) [Heb 13:25]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[titus-02|← Previous]] | [[titus-00|TOC]]