Titus 3

¹Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise.[#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).; #: some interpreters understand these terms as referring to the principalities and powers of the heavenly hierarchy. : this implies being good citizens. It could also be translated “ready to do every sort of good work” (as Christians); cf. Ti 3:14.; #Rom 13:1–7; 1 Tm 2:1–2; 1 Pt 2:13–14.]

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

³For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.[#1 Cor 6:9–11; Eph 2:1–3; 5:8; Col 3:5–7; 1 Pt 4:3.]

⁴But when the kindness and generous love

of God our savior appeared,

⁵not 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,

⁶whom he richly poured out on us

through Jesus Christ our savior,

⁷so that we might be justified by his grace

and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

⁸This 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.

⁹Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries, and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and futile.[#See note on 1 Tm 6:20–21.; #1 Tm 1:4; 4:7; 2 Tm 2:23.]

¹⁰After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic,[#Mt 18:15–18; Rom 16:17; 1 Cor 5:11; 2 Thes 3:6, 14–15.]

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

Directives, Greetings, and Blessing.

¹²When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, try to join me at Nicopolis, where I have decided to spend the winter.[#Acts 20:4; Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; 2 Tm 4:12.]

¹³Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey soon, and see to it that they have everything they need.[#Acts 18:24–26; 1 Cor 1:12; 3:4–6, 22; 4:6; 16:12.]

¹⁴But let our people, too, learn to devote themselves to good works to supply urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.[#2:14; 3:8; Heb 10:24; 1 Pt 3:13.]

¹⁵All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with all of you.