A Free Online Commentary of the Bible.
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1. A Reminder 1 - 2.
V1. Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
Paul instructs Titus to remind the people in Crete that now they are Christians they are responsible to God for the way they should conduct themselves before unbelievers and especially towards those that are in government. They are to submit to those that are in government for it is God who has given authority into their hands (Romans 13: 1 - 2). They are to obey the laws made by them and be prepared to do anything that is good and according to the Word of God.
V2. to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
They are not to slander (make malicious statements) or quarrel with anyone but if it is possible to live peaceably with all people and to be gentle and courteous.
V3. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
This Godly behavior to unbelievers should be given because we to were once as thoughtless and selfish as they are. As rebellious and deceived by sin and Satan as they are and slaves to all sorts of lusts and godless pleasures. Our lives were full of spite, covetousness and hate for one another.
2. What God has done for us 4 - 8.
V4. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
However, God our Saviour in His mercy revealed His love and kindness to us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8).
V5. 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,
For it was not by any goods works which we have done but according to His great grace and mercy that God saved us (Ephesians 2:8). This He has done by cleansing us from all sin through the blood of Jesus Christ and the new birth (regeneration) of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5: 17).
V6. whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
This Spirit He has poured out upon us abundantly through our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:33).
V7. that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
By God's grace we have been freely justified through the righteousness of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phillipians 3:9) and have now become heirs who have the sureness of eternal life (Galatians 4:7).
V8. 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.
What Paul has said concerning the grace, mercy and love of God and the fullness of salvation that He has provided through the Lord Jesus Christ is trustworthy. Titus and all believers are to consistently persist in making known these truths. All those who have put their trust in God should be anxious to keep doing good works (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 2: 12). These teachings are of great value and will benefit all people.
3. Final Instructions 9 - 15.
V9. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
These final instructions to Titus applies to all believers. To do not involved in any nonsensical arguments on doctrines or pedigrees and ancestors. Or in quarrels and fights about the Old Testament laws for they are a waste of time and energy. It is more important to import the truths and teachings of God's Word and to make know the gospel message.
V10. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,
If a person is an heretic, is teaching erroneous doctrine and causing divisions in the church, give him/her two warnings about his/her behaviour. If he/she continues in their heresies then remove him/her from fellowship and have nothing more to do with him/her.
V11. knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.
People who are like this have turned away from the truth and are sinning and tso they condemn themselves.
V12. 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.
Paul was planning to send Artemas or Tychicus to Crete as soon as one of them arrives he wants Titus to come to him at Nicopolis for he had decided to stay there for the winter.
V13. Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing.
Zenas and Apollos were either sent to Crete by Paul at some time or were on there way through as itinerant evangelist. He asks Titus to see that they had everything they needed to help them on their journey.
V14. And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
At the close of the letter with his view of Cretans in mind (lazy gluttons Titus 1: 12) Paul sees the need of believers on the island to really learn how to be apply themselves to work so that they can supply the urgent needs of the ministry and not live an idle unprofitable life.
V15. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
All those who were with Paul at this time wished to be remembered to Titus. Paul sends his greetings to those who him and his coworkers in the faith. May God's grace (favour and blessing) be with you. Amen.
