1
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work.
2
Speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, and be gentle, showing all meekness toward all people.
3
For we ourselves also once were foolish, disobedient, led astray, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4
But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love toward mankind appeared,
5
He saved us, not because of works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
6
whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7
so that, being justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8
This saying is trustworthy, and I desire that you affirm these things strongly, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are good and profitable for men.
9
But avoid foolish questions, genealogies, contentions, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10
Reject a divisive man after a first and second warning.
11
You know that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.
12
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13
Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, so that they may lack nothing.
14
And let our people also learn to devote themselves to good works, to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unfruitful.
15
All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all!
📖 Titus 3 – New Life in Grace
🧾 Summary of the Passage
Titus 3 contains the apostle Paul’s teaching on how Christians should behave toward rulers, leave the old life behind, and live in the grace of God. Paul reminds us that salvation is not by good works, but wholly by the mercy of God through renewal by the Holy Spirit. He also exhorts believers to avoid vain disputes, reject troublemakers, and live with a good testimony.
📘 Verse-by-Verse Explanation
| Verse | Main Point | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Submit to rulers | Believers should obey the government and live gently toward all people. |
| 3 | The old life | In former days we lived in foolishness, disobedience, envy, and hatred. |
| 4–7 | Salvation by grace | We are saved not by merit, but by God’s mercy, through new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. |
| 8 | A life full of good works | Believers are urged to be earnest in doing good works. |
| 9–11 | Avoid useless disputes | Shun arguments, quarrels, and those who lead others astray. |
| 12–15 | Personal instructions | Paul gives instructions to receive Zenas and Apollos, and closes with greetings. |
✨ Main Lessons
- Live orderly as citizens
Followers of Christ should honor the government and not be troublemakers. - Salvation is a gift, not the result of effort
We are saved because of God’s love, not because of our deeds or greatness. - New life means a life of good works
Good works are not the condition of salvation, but the fruit of salvation. - Avoid divisive disputes
False teaching and useless theological quarrels must be left behind. - Correct those who lead astray with love, but firmly
If a person does not change after two warnings, he should be avoided.
💡 Spiritual Meaning
Titus 3 is a call to live as new creatures. We were once sinful, but now we have been saved and renewed. Our new identity in Christ should be seen clearly in obedience, good works, and a peaceful life. The Holy Spirit works in us to shape godly character, not merely a spiritual status.
📖 Key Verse
“He saved us, not because of works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
— Titus 3:5
