titus 3 accountability: maintaining an effective christian...

1Titus Chapter 3 Klaus G. Schiessel © January 2005

TITUS 3 Accountability: Maintaining an Effective Christian Witness in a Secular World

Closing Remarks & Greeting The public expression of a Christian witness is perhaps the most challenging

aspect of following Jesus Christ. Its where the “rubber meets the road” and where we “put our money where our mouth is”. All Christians live within some form of government authority and God’s Word is not silent on describing our relationship to that authority.

Note that the last chapter of this pastoral letter is fairly short with only about 210 words but the Holy Spirit has “power packed” it with spiritual truth! Whereas chapter 1 emphasized church order and chapter 2 emphasized sound doctrine, this last chapter emphasizes the works of a Christian as being salt to a decaying society and light in a dark world. vv. 1, 2Ø REMINDER TO BE A GOOD ‘CITIZEN’

[1 Remind them to be subject to rulers1 and authorities2, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.]

Paul closes his letter to Titus by giving practical instruction on how a Christian is to respond to and behave in a hostile and ungodly society. Any worldly, secular culture is going to challenge the integrity of a Christian’s witness and Paul wanted that to remain an effective influence. So the Holy Spirit inspires Paul to remind us what the characteristics of the “Christian citizen”.

Although most Gentile kingdoms have been and are secular in nature, the Bible tells believers they are to respect governmental authority since God has ordained the powers that be. Refer also to Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and 1 Peter 2:13-16.

The scriptures describe what it is to be a Christian citizen and here Paul, inspired by

the Holy Spirit, adds to that understanding. [“…subject to rulers and authorities, to obey…”] The Greek word translated “subject” here is the same word translated “obedient to” in Titus 2:5,9 in relation to young wives towards their husbands and servants towards their masters. It literally means to arrange under, and is a military term carrying with it the meaning of respecting order and arranging oneself under another. The word for “obey” here is an interesting compound Greek word: [3980 peitharcheo (pi-tharkh-eh'-o)] Literally “persuaded/convinced by a ruler”, that is to submit or conform to authority. 1 Rulers [746 arche (ar-khay')] Chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank). Beginning, corner, first estate, magistrate, power, principality, principle, and rule. Translated principalities in Ephesians 6:12 and magistrates here and in Luke 12:11. But most often this word is translated beginnings in the New Testament. 2 Authorities/powers [1849 exousia (ex-oo-see'-ah)] Lit. “out of self (rule)”, privileged capacity, jurisdiction, freedom to act, liberty to make decisions, right, strength or (objectively) mastery, delegated influence. Translated powers in Ephesians 6:12 referring to supernatural adversaries. But most often this word is translated powers in the New Testament.


Note that the Bible does not qualify our submission to established authority based on a preference to any of the various forms of government [democratic republic, imperial monarchy, parliamentary, religious or fascist dictatorship]. Christians are to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey the laws and be ready to serve in the interest of the public good regardless of the form of government.

Are there any exceptions to this in God’s Word? Yes, but only one: when a

government law is in direct opposition to a higher law of God. This action is given the term “civil disobedience”. See for example Acts 4:17-20; 5:25-29; 16:16-23.

Why can Christians be subject to the powers that be? Because God is control of all nations and sets up kings and brings them down, He even allows the lowliest person to be put in high public office3. All this to serve His eternal purposes. See Daniel 2:20,22; 4:17. Why can Christians be good citizens while here on earth? Because of the hope a believer has in his/her real citizenship4 in heaven. Note what Philippians 3:20 says

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ….”

What kind of conditions existed in the society that Paul was speaking about? The

people of Crete were “…always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” and posed a challenging problem for a believer to maintain the integrity his or her Christian witness. Additionally, there was the problem of “…many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision…”, that is the Judaizers5, “…who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.”

Paul describes the actions of these in individuals in Galatians 2:1-5; 4:4-11 and Colossians 2:4-17. And yet Christians are to be………. [“…Be ready for every good work…”] This is the will of God and part of responsibility we have as Christians because of our salvation. It occurs when the Word of God is understood and practiced. See 1 Timothy 3:14-17. Note that Paul reiterates the exhortation to maintain good works in verse 8 because they are good and profitable to society. And in verse 14 he repeats the same exhortation because by maintaining good works urgent needs will be met and the believer will be fruitful. 3 Does this imply that God sets up people like Stalin, or Hitler (and all the evil that they wrought) or even an immoral President? I do not think the Bible teaches this but rather the responsibility lies with the people in what God allows them to have. {e.g., 1 Samuel 8:6,7; Psalms 106:15}. 4 Interestingly this word in the Greek is "politeuma" from which we get the word "politics" or "conversation" as it is translated in the King James. And ‘politics’ certainly does generate a lot of conversation. It refers to a “manner of life” within a commonwealth of people. It can also pertain to things we concern ourselves with most or to get involved in the "marketplace" of community discussion. 5 Jews who were believers or unbelievers that required the keeping of the Law, especially circumcision. See Acts 15:1, Philippians 3:2,3.


In Philippians 2:9-16 Paul elaborates on this theme by explaining it in terms of “…working out our salvation with fear and trembling”. Listen to Paul, writing from prison, as he talks about being ready for every good work

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

What are the attributes of ‘every good work”. Paul now lists them for us:

[to speak evil of no one ] 987 blasphemeo (blas-fay-meh'-o); Literally, “injurious speech”. To vilify; specially, to speak impiously: blaspheme, defame, rail on, revile, to speak reproachfully, to be evil spoken of.

[to be peaceable] 269 amachos (am'-akh-os); Literally, “without, instead of or opposed to battling/fighting/striving”; not contentious, abstaining from fighting, peaceable, i.e., without a ‘macho’ attitude. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” This then refers to only what the believer can do in having an attitude of forgiveness – he or she is not responsible for the other person to be peaceable.

[gentle] 1933 epieikes (ep-ee-i-kace'); Literally “to take after/resemble” [weakness], appropriate behavior as becoming a Christian, by implication mild, patient, moderate, suitable, equitable.

[Showing all humility to all men] 4236 praiotes (prah-ot'-ace); gentleness, by implication humility, mildness, meekness.

There was a lot of false doctrine being propagated and it needed to be stopped. But in opposing the false teaching, Christians are to maintain an orderly and peaceful demeanor within the society they live – not speaking evil of anyone, being peaceable, gentle and showing an attitude of humility to all men.

Paul next quickly moves from this subject to reminding Christians that before their conversion to faith in Jesus Christ they exhibited the same kinds of wicked and unruly behavior. Therefore, by remembering this, a believer will be ready to submit to authority, be ready for every good work, speaking evil of no one, being peaceable, gentle and humble before all men.

Why can we be good citizens while here on earth? Because our real citizenship6 is in heaven. Note what Philippians 3:20 says “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ….”

6 Interestingly this word in the Greek is "politeuma" from which we get the word "politics" or "conversation" as it is translated in the King James. And ‘politics’ certainly does generate a lot of conversation. It refers to a “manner of life” within a commonwealth of people. It can also pertain to things we concern ourselves with most or to get involved in the "marketplace" of community discussion.


vv. 3Ø REMINDER OF OUR PAST WORLDLY ‘ROOTS’

[3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.] To encourage believers live a Christian life in a godless society with its associated evils, Paul reminds them of where they came from and what they once were. The culture of Crete would have put any Christian ‘to the test’. {See also Romans 11:30,31; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11}.

[“…were also once …”] We have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the marvelous kingdom of light. {1 Peter 2:9,10; Colossians 1:12-14} We were once children of God’s wrath – now we ARE God’s children through ‘adoption’ {Ephesians 1:3-7; 2:1-3; Galatians 4:4-6}. Paul puts it this way in Romans 13:13-14

“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”

In short, to remain civil in an otherwise normally uncivilized world, Christians need to remember that they were once:

• foolish [453 anoetos (an-o'-ay-tos)] Lit. “not intelligent”, slow to understand or without understanding, unwise; dull of hearing, by implication, sensual.

• disobedient [545 apeithes (ap-i-thace')] Lit. “unpersuadable”, stubborn. Refer to 1 Samuel 15:22,23. Unreasonable and self-centered.

• deceived [4105 planao (plan-ah'-o)] “to roam” (from safety, truth, or virtue), to wander, go astray, be seduced. Wandering in one’s thoughts.

• serving various desires & pleasures [1939 epithumia (ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah)] Lit. “on heat”, a longing for what is forbidden, craving, desire, lust (after). [2237 hedone (hay-don-ay')] from handano (to please); sensual delight; by implication, desire for pleasure, i.e., hedonistic. Lit. “enslaved to various forbidden passions and sensual delights”.

• living in malice & envy [1236 diago (dee-ag'-o)] Lit. “to pass time or life”. [2549 kakia (kak-ee'-ah)] desire to injure, harm or cause trouble, depravity, wickedness. [5355 phthonos (fthon'-os)] ill-will (as detraction), i.e. jealousy. Lit. “passing the time with a desire to cause harm and being jealous of others”.

• hurtful & hating each other [4767 stugnetos (stoog-nay-tos')] hated, detestable, odious. [3404 miseo (mis-eh'-o)] to detest (especially to persecute), to pursue with hatred.


vv. 4-7 Ø REMINDER OF THE SOURCE OF OUR GREAT SALVATION

[4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.] But can anything change this pathetic state of sin? Paul now launches into a theological discussion relating to the nature and glory of salvation.

In due time the ANSWER to saving us from this state of sin appeared, literally ‘shined upon’, i.e., came to light. In English this word is ‘epiphany’. Oftentimes this is depicted in the comics when a person gets an idea or suddenly realizes what’s going on. To illustrate this the artist draws a light bulb over their head indicating a ‘light turned on’. The same word used here for ‘appeared’ is translated ‘give light’ in Luke 1:79 in the context of Zacharias referring prophetically to the ministry of his son, John the Baptizer

“…Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

And also in John 1:5; “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” How did He do this? By appearing in the flesh to save that which was flesh. Refer to John 1: 12-14, 17 and Galatians 4:3-7. Note 2 Corinthians 4:6:

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

God did not leave the work of salvation to another ‘agency’ like a set of rituals or to angels but became personally involved7. {See Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:14-18}.

In Jesus Christ the kindness and love of God our Savior literally ‘shined upon’ us! In other words the God of Heaven and Creator of the Universe illuminated His kindness and love upon us by becoming our Savior and dying in our place for our sins! The word translated kindness here is a Greek word that means moral excellence or goodness and is derived from another word meaning useful – that is; ‘to furnish what is needed’. God’s moral superiority is demonstrated in His desire to become flesh and die in a most cruel and humiliating manner to pay the penalty for our sins which is death – separation.

7 Note especially Hebrews 2:17: “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”


The word translated love here is not the normal word ‘agape’ as in “For God so loved the world….” but it is the word [5363 philanthropia (fil-an-thro-pee'-ah)] which literally means “lover of mankind”. It can also mean fondness of man or benevolence and is where we get the English word ‘philanthropist’ and ‘philanthropy’. God’s goodness and moral excellence and His love of mankind furnished the action that was necessary to save us from sin and eternal condemnation. HALLELUJAH! God’s love is illustrated by Him giving us a piece of bread when we ask for it. His loving kindness is when He also adds strawberry jam to it without us asking for it. This is actually a character trait of God that Jonah was upset about! {Refer to Jonah 4:1,2.}. God saved us with loving kindness through Christ Jesus our LORD. [“…not by works of righteousness which we have done…”] Refer to Romans 10:3-10. But by His mercy and grace He saved us…… Romans 5:6-10. HOW DID GOD SAVE US?

• [“According to His mercy….”] God’s faithfulness and mercy in saving us is praised in Lamentations 3:21-23; Psalms 89:1.

• [“….washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit”] Refer to John 3:3-6; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Ephesians 5:26; Hebrews 10:18-22.

Regeneration8 = lit. “a new beginning”, i.e., a new start or new genealogy. In Jesus Christ we have been made a ‘new creature’. {}. Renewed9 = lit. “new in the midst”, i.e., a renovation. A true Christian {‘born again’ believer; John 3:3,7} will not practice sin {1 John 2:29; 3:1-10; 5:4,18}. We have been given the Holy Spirit10 who has regenerated and renewed us as a new creation in Christ {Rom. 8:9-17; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10; 4:20-24; Col. 3:1-11}.

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 3:17,18.

The power of the Holy Spirit gives us a new beginning and renovates our lives to the glory of Jesus Christ. God has the greatest thing going – an Extreme Life Makeover!

8 This word is used only here and by Jesus in Matthew 19:28 in the context of His sitting on the throne of God’s glory when His kingdom on earth is established consummating ultimately in the establishment of a new heaven and earth. 9 This word is used only here and in the context of a Christian not conforming to the pattern of this world but being transformed by a renewal of the mind {Romans 12:2}. 10 The Holy Spirit also resides in us {John 14:16,17; 1 Cor. 6:19,20}, sets us apart {Rom. 15:16; 1 Cor. 6:11; 12:13; Eph. 1:13,14; 4:30}, convicts the world of sin {John 16:7-11} and teaches believers the deep things of God’s Word {John 16:13-15; 1 Cor. 2:10-13; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 John 2:20,27}.


When that happens the believer’s name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life {Eternal}. See for example Philippians 4:3 and Revelation 21:27. WHAT DID GOD GIVE US?

• [“…whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior…”] God poured out His Holy Spirit upon us richly and lavishly without reservation – He held nothing back. God has given us His Holy Spirit & power.

• [“…that having been justified by His grace…”] This is the same thing Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-10. Justification = ‘just as if I never sinned’. We are justified because our sins can be forgiven – the blood of Jesus Christ paid the sin-debt. • [“…we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life”.] Here Paul uses the phrase hope of eternal life again {See Titus 1:2}. It is an important spiritual truth and doctrine. Refer to John 10:28; Hebrews 9:15; 1 John 2:25; 3:3. Our heavenly inheritance is based on the promise of eternal life in future glory as joint heirs with Jesus Christ {Revelation 22:3-5}. In Christ we have the inheritance of eternal life – an eternal home in heaven with God.

Christians are not ‘debtors to the flesh’ but are to be led by the Spirit because we are children of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ {Romans 8:12-17}. It is the shed blood of Jesus Christ that brings us this hope {Ephesians 2:11-16}. It is the resurrection of Jesus Christ that secures us this hope {1 Corinthians 15:19-21}. It is the Christian’s BLESSED HOPE {Titus 2:13}. vv. 8-11 Ø REMINDER HOW TO MAINTAIN A STRONG CHRISTIAN WITNESS

[8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. 9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.]

Paul began this chapter by reminding Christians that they are responsible for demonstrating their faith and integrity within the culture and society in which they live and in so doing they make the best citizens.

Now Paul begins his closing comments by reminding Titus, and us, that Christians are to be reminded (affirmed) constantly to be careful to maintain ‘good works’. This is a faithful ‘saying’ or ‘logos’ – a faithful word or communication. Why? Because it demonstrates credible, authentic faith to non-believers. The word translated maintains here means to ‘proactively cause’ to happen. That is, to be in front of or on top of demonstrating good will towards others.


In his letter to the church at Philippi, after Paul describes the humility, redemptive work and exhalation of Jesus Christ, he exhorts believers to ‘…work out their own salvation…’. The context of Paul’s statement explains that this is the process of being salt and light to a dying and dark world:

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. – Philippians 2:12-16.

This passage of scripture parallels James’ statement that ‘Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead’ {James 2:17} which James repeats two more times. James describes the man or woman of faith as one whose actions and words will bear the testimony of real conversion. This includes standing up and defending the faith! We are not to be shy or timid in doing this.

But to do this we must be mature in our study and understanding of God’s Word. This is consistent with what Paul has already exhorted Titus to do in this letter {Titus 1:13-16; 2:11-15; 3:1,2}. [These things are good and profitable to men.] The observed and active faith of a Christian will be good and profitable to society. This means that when the faithful and humble acts of a believer are evidenced in society, they become valuable, virtuous, honorable, useful and advantageous to people. Genuine Christian behavior will cause others to give the credit and glory to the LORD, the source of all good things.

The prosperity and blessings found in Judeo-Christian cultures is in direct measure to the extent a nation is trusting in the God of the Bible and following His precepts and commands. Wherever the Gospel goes in this world it brings with it not only the message of salvation, but also the practical effects of helping people out of their suffering, ignorance and poverty. Paul here reminds us that this is the way it is supposed to be. Think about the thousands of hospitals, children’s homes and food distribution activities established by self-sacrificing Christian organizations and individuals and then compare that with the track record of other religions11. [But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions…] A believer is to avoid getting involved with foolish disputes, genealogies and contentions. What are these?

11 In this regard it is interesting to note what happened after the massive 9.0 earthquake early Sunday morning on December 26, 2004 and the resulting tsunami that hit Indonesia and other Indian Ocean countries and islands. It was the predominantly Judeo-Christian western countries that supplied almost all the help by way of sending rescuers, food, clothes and money. This despite the fact that the Islamic Arab countries have billions of dollars from oil revenues but sent virtually nothing to help those in the world’s largest Muslim region! And yet they were still called ‘stingy’ by the United Nations.


Well first of all they stem from human pride with an attitude that says – “I know better than you”; “I’m right and you’re wrong”; or “This idiot doesn’t know a thing and I’m going to set them straight”.

The word foolish here means dull of mind, stupid or irrational. It is the Greek word12 [3474 moros] where we get our English word ‘moron’. It implies a mental block to understanding as if the normal thought processes are impaired. This would result in absurd thinking and speaking giving a strong impression of ignorance. Today we might use words like ‘dense’ or ‘blockhead’ when applying this word to an individual. So we are talking about irrational and ignorant discussions and involvement here.

[But avoid foolish disputes…] A believer is to avoid foolish and irrational disputes. The word used here [2214 zetesis (dzay'-tay-sis)] has to do with being obsessed on seeking an answer to question or inquiry. The idea is not to get distracted in discussing a questionable subject or getting entangled in a controversial debate. For example trying to answer the question of how many angels can dance on top of a pin. This word is used positively in John 3:25 where it says, Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification. Also used in a positive sense in Acts 25:20, “And because I was uncertain of such questions, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters.” Thus, disputes can be legitimate or foolish – a Christian is to avoid the latter. However, in most places used in the New Testament, the idea of a dispute is in a negative context. Believers are to avoid getting embroiled taking sides on questionable issues {like fables and endless genealogies} in the first place “…which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith”. A Christian should be consistently trade-off the benefits between disputing an issue with mutual edification of the saints. They are not to get distracted with meaningless and questionable arguments and issues. See for example 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and 2 Timothy 2:14, 23-26. [But avoid foolish…genealogies…] The Jews were big on genealogies, but there is a limit to how much emphasis to be placed on them. By focusing on such meaningless discussions more disputes and questions arise to the detriment of godliness and faith being increased. A believer is to avoid getting obsessed with genealogies that could become endless. These kinds of things originate from men who turn away from the truth of God’s Word {Titus 1:14}. Refer also to 1 Timothy 1:3,4. An application of this could also be astrology, the genealogy of the heavens and the casting of heavenly signs. There are many Christians who pride themselves on knowing God’s Word and would not dare bow down to an idol yet dabble into astrology. Believers are to avoid such foolish nonsense.

12 It is interesting to note that this word comes from the Greek word for mystery [3466 musterion] a derivative of muo {to shut the mouth} as if to keep something secret as in the silence imposed by initiation into religious rites.

10 Titus Chapter 3 Klaus G. Schiessel © January 2005

This could also be referring to the Gnostics philosophy of angelic hierarchy [i.e., genealogy] to heaven. See for example Colossians 2:18-23. [But avoid foolish…contentions…] A believer is to avoid getting involved in contentions and being contentious. The word used here refers to quarreling, wrangling and striving to be contrary.

Paul lists this problem with his grocery list of sins resulting from a wholesale rejection of God and debased mind in Romans 1:28-32. Quarreling is associated with envy in Romans 13:13, carnality in 1 Corinthians 3:3 and the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21. Paul chastised the church at Corinth over this {1 Corinthians 1:11} and that church appears to have succumbed to foolish disputes and contentions; something of which Titus was aware of {refer to 2 Corinthians 12:18-21}. Obviously, a contentious spirit can destroy a church through causing division and instability. It is rightfully condemned. The answer to these foolish and irrational things is given in Galatians 5:16, 22-26. FURTHERMORE…………. [But avoid … and strivings about the law] A believer is also to avoid strivings about the law. Paul has some strong words to say about this in Galatians 3:1-14; 5:1-12; Colossians 2:8-17. [“…for they are unprofitable and useless.”] The reason a Christian is to avoid discussing and debating foolish issues and subjects because they are unprofitable [lit. “useless’ or ‘disadvantageous’] the opposite of what is profitable in verse 8. These kinds of disputings are also literally ‘empty’, ‘worthless’ or ‘vain’.

Those individuals who want to continue to engage in questionable debates and are argumentative are divisive [141 hairetikos (hahee-ret-ee-kos')] refers to someone who desires to cause division and strife. The word itself literally means ‘picked up a choice’. That is, made the choice and sticking to it. In this case a choice is contentious13. This is referring to a person who will not change because they have made their choice to rebel against the truth. Such a person is to be rejected [lit. = ‘ask beside’ or ‘call besides’] after twice trying to admonish [lit. = ‘call attention to’] him or her. The idea here is not to communicate with such a person, to by-pass their opinion and not seek their counsel or advice after their divisiveness has been called to their attention at least twice. We will see the reason for this next. A person who refuses to repent of being divisive after having been called to attention on it two or more times is:

(1) warped14 [lit. = ‘twisted away from’] perverted or subverted in their thinking. It is as though their mind has been brainwashed and wrung out like a washrag. We might say that their thinking is “wrapped around an axel”. Obviously, such a person cannot be spoken to rationally, with logic and reason.

(2) sinning [lit. = ‘missing the mark’] and

13 That is rude and argumentative. 14 warped [1612 ekstrepho (ek-stref'-o)] from [1537 ek or ex = out of, from, away from] + [4762 strepho (stref'-o) = to twist] means to twist away from, i.e. turn completely around or reverse. To pervert, to turn around or twist out, to tear up, to turn inside out, to corrupt.


(3) condemned15 in himself/herself [lit. = ‘a judged against oneself’]. vv. 12-14 Ø CLOSING PERSONAL REMARKS & INSTRUCTIONS

[12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. 14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.] Paul closes this letter, written from Macedonia, with some personal remarks and instructions to individuals, fellow believers, who were evidently active in supporting him in his ministry. Titus is instructed to be diligent in meeting Paul in Nicopolis16 for the winter while Artemas17 and Tychicus18 will be sent to Crete to relieve Titus from his responsibilities there.

The exhortation to maintain good works is given again {as it was in vv. 1, 8} and it means to ‘proactively cause’ to happen. That is, to be in front of on top of demonstrating good will towards others. But here Paul adds the aspect of learning to maintain good works, which implies they do not come automatically. Acts that demonstrate the Christian faith need to be cultivated and nourished by studying God’s Word and then deciding to obey it. [“…..to meet urgent needs”] Literally, to meet the ‘necessities/occasions/business among the arms’, that is to meet necessary and indispensable needs by furnishing what is needed in a physical way. In this way, Christians are to be FRUITFUL – reproducing the character of Jesus Christ and demonstrating the ‘fruits of the Spirit”.

15 condemned [843 autokatakritos (ow-tok-at-ak'-ree-tos)] means judged against oneself, auto-judged, i.e., self-condemned. 16 NICOPOLIS (ni-kop'o-lis; "city of victory"). There were several cities of this name, which leaves some doubt as to the one about which Paul wrote. Of the three, one was in Thrace, another in Cilicia, and a third in Epirus. The latter, a province in northwestern Greece on the Adriatic Sea seems the most likely to have been meant. This was built by Augustus Caesar in 30 BC in honor of a victory at Actium, which was only four miles south. 17 Artemas is traditionally associated as being the bishop {chief elder} of Lystra. 18 Tychicus is mentioned as one of Paul’s companions during a portion his return journey from his third missionary tour where he traveled ahead of Paul from Macedonia to Troas to await for his arrival {Acts 20:4}. In Paul's first imprisonment he was a faithful friend and fellow worker and a messenger sent to Ephesus to perhaps read his epistle to the Christians in that city as with the letter to the Colossians {Ephesians 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7-8}. In 2 Timothy 4:12 (written at Rome during the second imprisonment), he says, “Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.” Tychicus was probably one of the two ‘brethren’ (Trophimus being the other) who were associated with Titus {2 Corinthians 8:16-24} in conducting the business of the collection for the poor Christians in Judea.


vv. 15 Ø FINAL WORDS OF GREETING

[15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.]

Finally, Paul having the pastor’s heart that he has closes with the encouragement that all the believers that are with him send their greetings.

The Greek word used here implies a physical action such as an embrace and kiss that

was a traditional Christian greeting. It can also refer to a salute and is just as often translated that way. [Grace be with you all.] Paul closes with a blessing that God’s grace, His unmerited favor towards believers. Grace is often paired with peace and the two go hand-in-hand {Romans 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Phil 1:2; Col. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:2, 3:16-18; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Pet. 1:2; 2 John 1:3; Rev. 1:4}. For the one who has received the grace of God is at peace with the Creator and Savior. God’s grace is seen both in the fellowship we have with Him through the Son, Jesus Christ and also the fellowship we share with other believers. Included in God’s grace are the gifts of love, hope, faith, peace and joy that sustain us spiritually and that are bestowed upon us lavishly through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit {refer to vv. 5,6}. Also, the gifts of life: family, food, clothing and housing – simple but necessary things to sustain life. The last word of this letter is fittingly, “AMEN”. The word is universally known and understood worldwide. It means; “let it be so” or “so shall it be done”. As it turns out, it is actually one of the names for Jesus revealed in the condemnation of the church at Laodecia:

And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, “These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God”. – Revelation 3:14

‘Amen’ of grace is also the last word in the New Testament scriptures.

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” – Revelation 22:21. Here is a summary of Paul’s letter to Titus: AND SO LET THERE BE ORDER & DISCIPLINE IN CHRIST’S CHURCH, LET GOD’S WORD BE PROCLAIMED SO THAT SOUND DOCTINE PREVAILS AND LET GOOD WORKS BE LEARNED & MAINTAINED!

titus 3 accountability: maintaining an effective christian...

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