Titus 3:

[Chapter Synopsis: Include in your teaching right attitudes to rulers & authorities but also [paint the big picture of the sort of lives we are now to live that contrast with what we once were. Finally some administrative guidance for the travelling apostles]

• v.1-7 Lives transformed by the Work of Christ
• v.8-11 Teach positively, avoid negative behvious and people
• v.12-15 Final Remarks

v.1-11 Lives transformed by the Work of Christ

[Passage Synopsis: teaching on right attitudes towards authorities, remembering what we used to be like, but contrasting that with what we are now called to be.]

v.1-7 Our transformed lives

v.1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,

v.2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

v.3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

v.4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,

v.5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

v.6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

v.7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

[Note: Teach respect and obedience to authorities, revealing goodness, truth, peace and gentleness and, yes, remember what we were once like but also that that was now in the past since we have been saved and renewed to a new life.]

v.8-11 Teach positively, avoid negative behavior and people

v.8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

v.9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

v.10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.

v.11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

[Note: Hold those basic truths and teach them clearly so all the believers may apply them, avoiding disputes over the truth, and carefully deal with divisive people who condemn themselves.]

v.12-15 Final Remarks

[Passage Synopsis: his final remarks indicate the amount of movement that went on among the apostles, as the Spirit led them and as needs required]

v.12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.

v.13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.

v.14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

v.15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

[Note: After I’ve sent reinforcements there, seek to come to me. Help and prepare the two who have to move on, and generally help our people clearly see who they ought to be. Greetings from all here, greet those with you we know and love.]

For those who may wish to make a study of this chapter, to perhaps think some more about what you have been reading, use the link below: