Titus 3:14-15

Coming to the end of the letter, we see Paul's final words. They are to devote themselves to good works. "Good works" or just "works" appears a number of different times in Titus. These things he wants them to do. Specifically, he calls "our people" to do these good works. This isn't just anybody, but specifically for their people. They are different and so they should act differently. Not only do they do "good works", but they go beyond and are to devote themselves to good works. The purpose for this is to help cases of urgent need. There are many needs, but the urgent needs are to be taken care of by the devotion towards good works. Paul also adds that they are to not be unfruitful. It seems to imply that to do the opposite of good works and helping cases of urgent need would be to be unfruitful. The letter ends with Paul acknowledging those with him and them sending their greetings as well. Greetings, love and grace are mentioned as the letter comes to an end.

Titus 3:12-13

The end of this letter to Titus includes some small chit-chat that gives us some insight into Paul and his situation. He's going to be sending these two people to Titus and wanting Titus to come to him. His current location we learn as he says he plans to be spending the winter in Nicopolis. We also hear mention about Zenas and Apollos, who are probably delivering this very letter. Zenas is a lawyer apparently, and we can learn a bit about Apollos in books like Acts.

Titus 3:11

So, there are these people who are stirring up division. They are to be warned, of course, but the instruction is to have nothing to do with them after warning them twice. This must be tough I can imagine. This person I'm assuming is a professing believer, and probably one who has been involved in the church. It may be tough to have nothing to do with this person, but Paul adds that there is something important to know. It is important to know that this person is warped and sinful. Those doing these things are means that they are warped and sinful. It is also important to know that they are self-condemned. It is not you who has nothing to do with him who condemns them. They condemn themselves.

Titus 3:10

There will be those within the church that causes trouble. With regards to these people, Titus is instructed by Paul to deal with this and warn them. However, you cannot continue warning them if they continue to ignore you and cause trouble. Therefore, Paul instructs that after warning them twice you should have nothing to do with them. This sounds similar to Jesus' instruction to show a brother his fault when he sins against you. The end of the matter is either winning your brother over, or treating him as a pagan or tax collector.

Titus 3:8-9

Paul now reminds Titus and urges him about the words he writes. These things are not only for Titus, but also to others. The goal is for the believers to devote themselves to good works. This is the way it should be and this is what it should look like. As they do these things, they are also to avoid things such as foolish controversies. There are many things that people, even believers, can get caught up in that aren't really that important. These other things may distract and be detrimental to them and the church. Paul clearly states that they are unprofitable and worthless.

Titus 3:7

We are justified by grace. We are not justified by works. We don't work for all of this or any of this in any way. Justification comes by grace and grace alone. But what does this lead to? This leads to us to becoming heirs. We are to be put into a position of inheritance though we were not in that position before. Typically, children receive an inheritance, but what kind of child is not an heir at first but later becomes an heir? In Galatians Paul talks about this as well. We are adopted as sons and therefore are put into a position of heir. I can't relate or have a hard time understanding what it's like to be adopted, but I'm sure it's a good feeling to be adopted into a good family by good parents. Being without parents must be tough, but being adopted and saved from fatherlessness by a good dad I'm sure is a joy. What better dad is there than our God our father? I'm sure some of us are thankful for our earthly fathers. They are sinners too, so they make mistakes like everyone else. But God our father is the best and he is the one who adopts us as sons.

Titus 3:6

We are washed by regeneration and renewed by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it may be easy to simply neglect the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit is quite important. Jesus left so that the helper could come which is talked about in John 16. It's interesting how it's mentioned here that the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us. It's as if we're being doused in the Holy Spirit. This isn't just a mere sprinkling, but it is given to us richly. It's not as if there is a squandering or a holding back because there isn't enough.

Titus 3:5

He appeared - so what? Well, he saved us. I guess the first question may be about why he would save us. Paul is first clear to point out wrong reasons for his saving of us. He didn't save us because of any kind of "good works" that we did. It's not as if we were so good that we deserved being saved in any way, shape or form. His saving of us has to do with his mercy. He withholds the wrath and punishment of sin upon us. In a sense, we are saved from God because he would otherwise destroy us. He is merciful and does not give us what we rightfully deserve. It's not what we do, but it's what he does.

Titus 3:3-4

This somewhat reminds me of Ephesians 2. In Ephesians 2, Paul begins to talk about how we were dead in our trespasses and sins. However, that whole tone is changed by the words "but God". Here in Titus 3, the word "but" is used with reference to the goodness and loving kindness of God appearing. Even though we were slaves to various passions, the goodness of God appeared. This is good news to hear about God who is our savior.

Titus 3:2-3

Paul continues in his reminder for them to live and act a certain way. He goes on to explain why they are to do things such as avoid quarreling and be gentle. The reason for this is because of our former selves. He is speaking to those who are followers of Jesus Christ. These people are those who have been saved and are now alive. This means that they formerly were dead in their trespasses and sins. We used to live a certain way, which is a bit of the reason why we are to now live differently from our former selves.

Titus 2:15-3:1

These things Paul is telling Titus are to be taught. It is very important the teaching of these things. Paul then moves on to encourage the teaching of other things. First of all, we see that we are to be submissive to rulers and authorities. It may have been a bigger deal to be submissive to rulers in that time to the Jews. They were under Roman rule and they may have longed for a savior to overthrow the Roman government and be their king. As you may already know, they didn't get the king they wanted, but King Jesus was better than what they expected.

Titus 2:14

We are waiting for his appearing, which is his second appearing, but now Paul talks about what Jesus has already done. When he came down to earth, he redeemed us from all sin by giving himself up for us. He died on the cross for our sins, paying the price we couldn't pay and received in our place the wrath of God that was due to us. Part of what he did by giving himself up for us was also to purify us. This sounds similar to what is said in Ephesians about Christ and the church. Jesus wishes to present for himself a pure and spotless bride. What is also mentioned here is that they are zealous for good works. Not only do they do good works, but they really are passionate about it. I guess these are all part of what it means for Jesus to give himself up for you. He redeems, purifies, and you end up being zealous for good works.

Titus 2:12-13

This grace that has appeared is the very thing that gets us to do what Paul is calling us to do. It is what trains us to put away ungodliness and to live self-controlled lives. It's not that we are the ones who first act and clean up ourselves. This grace of God that has appeared is what trains us to move away from the filth and move towards the things of God. But why or what's the point of this? It is a preparing for the appearing of the glory of Jesus. Those who are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are waiting in hopeful anticipation for his coming. Waiting for his return also means that they are ready for his return. It's like the virgins in Matthew who are waiting with their lamps. Some were not prepared and did not bring enough oil. They had to leave to get more oil, and when they left, the bridegroom arrived. By the time they had gotten more oil and came back, they were unable to enter the wedding banquet for the door had been shut. Similarly, earlier in Matthew, we read about how the day and hour is unknown. It will come like a thief in the night. If someone knew when the thief would arrive, then he would be ready during that time, but he does not know. Also, the owner of a house may be away for a long time. Servants in charge may take advantage of this and not be diligent while the master is away. The master may return at a time unexpected to find the servant in an unfaithful manner. For the return of Jesus, we should be ready as a servant in charge of a master's house works diligently while the master is away.

Titus 2:11

Paul has just finished giving instructions to different groups of people to live properly. He was encouraging them towards living holy and upright lives as opposed to ones filled with sin. Verse 11 begins with the word "for", connecting what was mentioned previously to this verse. The reason for what Paul mentioned as instructions to these different groups of people in the previous section is because of what he says here in verse 11. They are to live and act a certain way because of the appearing of the grace of God. The grace of God has appeared, so slaves are to be submissive and younger men are to be self-controlled. The grace of God should compel a certain reaction in line with what Paul is saying. This very grace is that which brings salvation for all people.

Titus 2:9-10

Perhaps another problem among slaves was that they were stealing. I guess as a slave, you don't have much, so they may resort to stealing. Regardless, this is a bad thing, and Paul clearly tells them not to do it. Instead of pilfering, they are to show good faith. Acting and living in such a way allows them to adorn the doctrine of God. Do you really think you can adorn the doctrine of God as someone who isn't submissive to their masters and/or one who pilfers? They are to show good faith, which I guess is the outward appearance and result of your faith. The faith in God our savior should result in something outward, part of which in a sense is being submissive and not doing things like stealing.

Titus 2:9

Paul begins to talk about slaves now. Slavery in that day is quite different from slavery in our day. Some people were actually slaves in that day. They could have been sold or even born into slavery. It wasn't that uncommon for a person to be a slave, so I'm also guessing that some of the believers among them were slaves. There are other times in which Paul provides specific teaching or instruction to slaves. Here he says that they are to be submissive to their masters. Perhaps believers who were slaves were tempted to disobey their masters. However, as bad as it was to be a slave, slaves still have a duty to their masters to be submissive. Looking at the example of Joseph, as a slave he was obedient and showed character. God showed him favor and he was blessed in all that he did. It may be possible that you respect your master and things still go poorly for you. Joseph was thrown in prison after being framed by Potiphar's wife, so he experienced hardships though he was submissive to his master. However, the story ended well for Joseph. Slaves are called to be submissive to their masters. In 1 Peter, we are instructed to be submissive to authority, which is somewhat similar to a slave being submissive to his master. Believers all have the Lord as their master, and ultimately we are to be submissive to him.

Titus 2:8

Continuing to talk about the teacher or Titus, there are these teachings Paul gives. With respect to these standards, they are to put opponents to shame. Clearly, they had enemies or opponents, as will any and every follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, sound speech that cannot be condemned is that which will put them to shame. Opponents will try to twist your words and attack you pointing to your faults and shortcomings. However, acting and living above reproach gives little to nothing for enemies to use against you. Therefore, they are shamed in their attempts to say something against you but not being able to find something.

Titus 2:6-7

The young women are to be taught a number of different things. Also, the young men are to be taught. They are to be taught self-control. I guess young men are prone to be out of control. Perhaps it is the nature of young men to be more impulsive or quick to act on certain things. Self-control is important and it is also part of the fruit of the spirit described in Galatians.

If these things are to be taught to the young women and the young men, the person who teaches these things must also adhere to something as well. Paul doesn't let them off the hook, but they must ensure that they are a model of good works. They are to have integrity and dignity with regards to their teaching. If those that teach do not live accordingly, why would anyone listen to their teaching? If the teacher doesn't practice what he teaches, then it all falls apart.

Titus 2:5

Not only are the young women to be taught to love their husbands and their children, but they are to be taught other things like self-control. They are to be submissive to their husbands, which is something the modern day feminist would strongly object to. However, this is what the bible teaches and to oppose it would be to oppose God. Another interesting thing that is mentioned here is that the younger women should be taught to be working at home. Does this mean that they are to be housewives? Perhaps it could mean that they are to be housewives and perhaps it could mean something else. At the very least, there is work to be done at home which they should do. This seems to be a responsibility that the wife cannot neglect. They are to be busy at home. I don't think this frees husbands from the responsibility of being busy at home, but perhaps it is something that is more focused on the wife.

Titus 2:1-4

Now, directing towards Titus, Paul tells him to teach what accords with sound doctrine. It's not like Titus is exempt from this standard. Paul goes on to talk about how men and women are to be. Sometimes I hear of people referring to Titus 2 women. Well here we are in Titus 2 and Paul is talking about women. They can't be slaves to much wine. They also are to teach younger women to love their husbands and their children. I can't relate, but perhaps it's not always natural for women to love their husband or their children. It seems like it's something difficult for a women not to do, but I guess it is still something that older women need to teach younger women. Either way, there are still some standards that are being laid out by Paul that I guess we should pay attention to.

Titus 1:16

What's more is that these people even profess to know God. However, they actually deny him. This doesn't make sense; what kind of person professes to know God but at the same time denies him? The way in which they deny God is by their works. They may with their lips profess a knowledge of God, but their actions prove otherwise. This can be seen everywhere. There are many people who say they know God, but their actions do not align with that of a person who knows God. What Paul says about them is not good; they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work. I guess this isn't the type of person you want to be, but there are so many like them.

Titus 1:15

There is a standard required of elders and overseers. They are to sharply rebuke those who contradict the truth. Paul continues to talk about those who contradict the truth. One interesting thing he mentions is that for those who are pure, all things are pure. In contrast, nothing is pure to the defiled and unbelieving. I guess this makes sense because if all things were not pure to those who are pure, then they would no longer be pure. Like, if someone or something was pure, then for them to associate or have something that was impure would cause themselves to be impure. Purity demands purity and to cease in purity would result in being impure. If impure things cause things to be impure, then it makes sense for all things to be impure to those who are impure. Another way to say this is defiled, which is the word that the ESV uses. If someone were to call themselves defiled, they can't associate or say that some of their lives are pure. The pure ceases to be pure in the presence of the defiled, so all things are defiled to the defiled.

Another interesting thing is that the unbelieving is associated with the defiled. Those who are unbelieving are those who are impure and defiled. All these things mentioned about the defiled seems to apply to the unbelieving. All things are defiled to those who are unbelieving. Some people who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ may claim to be pure or have some or some form of purity in them, but Paul is saying that to them, nothing is pure.

For the defiled and unbelieving, both their minds and their consciences are defiled. Having your mind defiled causes you to act and do things that are not pure. Moreover, having a defiled conscience keeps you from acknowledging your actions as wrong. Therefore, you'd probably continue doing that which is impure and not even stop to consider what is right or wrong.

Titus 1:13-14

One of the things that they were doing that was wrong was devoting themselves to Jewish myths. This is clearly wrong, yet they believe these things. Not only do they believe them, but they go as far as devoting themselves to these things. The other thing that is mentioned that they devote themselves to is the commands of people who turn away from the truth. So, now it's not one thing they're devoting themselves to, but to a person or people. Now, if this person they devoted themselves to was Jesus, then that'd be great. However, they are devoting themselves to people who turn away from the truth. It doesn't matter what these people are saying or doing, it is different from the truth and that isn't good. They could even be changing their minds constantly, but the one who devotes him or herself to this person would still be as one lead astray. This is unwise to say the least. Why would you want to follow someone who turns away from the truth? They are to be rebuked sharply, so that they are not allowed to go as far as devoting themselves to the wrong things.

Titus 1:12-13

One of the Cretans even give a poor testimony against Cretans, calling them liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons. As a result, Paul affirms this testimony and encourages Titus to rebuke them sharply. Perhaps Paul needed to add this to add legitimacy to what he was saying. Perhaps it was hard to believe that Cretans were like this. However, it is important to call something what it is, instead of deceiving yourself into believing it to be something else.

Titus 1:11

These deceivers must be silenced. They are going about doing "bad" stuff, and should not be allowed to continue. What is required are people who hold firm to the trustworthy word able to rebuke those who contradict it sound doctrine. What these deceivers are doing is upsetting families. This kind of thing doesn't just affect individuals, but it also affects whole families. What is the root of what they're teaching? They are teaching shameful gain, which is opposed to what is right and of God.

Titus 1:10

What is the point of these standards for overseers and elders? They are needed because of the existence of people who are quite the opposite of them. If everyone were like elders or overseers, perhaps Paul wouldn't need to make it a point to specify their requirements. Perhaps leaders would still need to be appointed for organization and structure. However, the fact that some are insubordinate and deceivers means that the overseers must be above reproach and hold fast to the trustworthy word as taught.

Titus 1:7-9

Overseers must similarly be above reproach. The requirements for an overseer seem less focused on things relating to having a family compared to that of an elder. There are a lot of solid character traits that he must have, such as being a lover of good and self-controlled. What's also mentioned is holding firm to a trustworthy word that is taught. An overseer must not be unwavering when it comes to the word, which is truth. This is important for when he is to teach and rebuke others, which must be done on an unwavering foundation of the word.

Titus 1:6

Titus is supposed to appoint elders in every town. This is his instruction that was given to him by Paul. Now Paul is listing out the qualifications for the elders to appoint. They have to be above reproach and the husband of one wife. This is beginning to sound similar to Paul's qualifications for overseers and deacons in 1 Timothy. In particular, they need to handle their household well, which includes their children. The children must be believers, which seems like a tall order to fill. I hear about all sorts of parents with kids who are wayward, and it seems like something that one can't control. Of course God is in control, but it seems as if parents try their hardest to ensure God in the center, but their children turn away from God. Though, perhaps I'm wrong about the parents. Either way, this is a requirement and seems necessary for appointed elders.

Titus 1:5

We read about Paul in Crete near the end of the book of Acts. He is being sent to Rome as a prisoner, and one of the places they go to on the way there is Crete. Here in the letter of Paul to Titus, we read that Paul left Titus in Crete. Titus' job was to complete the work to be finished and to appoint elders in every town according to Paul's instructions. Paul was unable to do this task, but he put Titus in charge. This tells us that Paul thought well of Titus; he was a man whom Paul thought was good enough for the task at hand. It seems a bit weird since Paul was in chains at the time, but I guess somehow Titus still tagged along with Paul. Either way, work was needed to be done, and Paul had Titus stay behind to get it done.

Titus 1:4

Paul is writing a letter and the letter obviously has a recipient. The recipient of this letter is Titus, who we hear mentioned of a few times in the New Testament. Here, he is referred to as Paul's true child in a common faith. Though he is not his biological child, he is his child in Christ. Paul has assumed a fatherly position and relationship towards Titus. This requires Titus to be naturally receiving on the other end with regards to this relationship. We see in this letter the words of Paul as a father in Christ towards this man, Titus. He then ends his introduction with a typical ending by saying "grace and peace". This is done in association with God the father and Christ Jesus who is our savior. I guess this is part of what differentiates this letter from any old letter sent by some random people who are not followers of Jesus Christ.

Titus 1:1-3

So yes, here we see that Paul is the author of this letter. Here he is also mentioning or asserting his apostleship, though, I don't see why he would need to assert that to Titus since he would already know it. However, he does mention it with regards to his goal or purpose, which is for the sake of faith of God's elect. He cares about the continuing faith and the bringing to faith of the elect. This means the preaching of the gospel to bring people to faith and the nourishing and encouragement of those who already believe. Paul goes on to talk about the promise of eternal life, which God made. God never lies, so we can trust that what he has said is true. He promised it long time ago and revealed it at the proper time. Some may wonder why he didn't reveal it sooner or to everyone. However, God in his great wisdom showed it at the right time, which we may not know or understand. At the very least, he is making it manifest through his servants, such as Paul. Through their preaching is it being revealed, by the instruction of the very God who saved them.