Bible Reading - Titus 3 · A Life Measured in Scribbles

Titus 3

Bible Reading
Notes	Much depends on who Paul is referring to with “them” in verse 1. Though, I suppose, it could be argued that Paul is, here, referring all the way back to chapter one; to what the letter was originally intended for, the elders that Titus was to appoint in each church. It seems more likely that the them is referring back to the groups of people that Paul mentions, one-at-a-time in chapter 2. Namely, older men, older women, young women, younger men, and bondservants. So, Paul begins by telling Titus to remind these groups to be submissive to authorities, and live without quarreling, being courteous toward all people ¹ since we ² ourselves were once unbelievers and lived quarrelsome lives. But Christ saved us by His mercy, and because of no work of righteousness of our own. Still, it is profitable for everyone to be ready to do good works, in order to help those who are in need. ³ Paul also makes sure to warn Titus about those who stir up foolish controversies and divisions. Saying, after warning those who do so twice, have nothing to do with them.

Bible Reading

Notes

Much depends on who Paul is referring to with “them” in verse 1. Though, I suppose, it could be argued that Paul is, here, referring all the way back to chapter one; to what the letter was originally intended for, the elders that Titus was to appoint in each church. It seems more likely that the them is referring back to the groups of people that Paul mentions, one-at-a-time in chapter 2. Namely, older men, older women, young women, younger men, and bondservants. So, Paul begins by telling Titus to remind these groups to be submissive to authorities, and live without quarreling, being courteous toward all people ¹ since we ² ourselves were once unbelievers and lived quarrelsome lives. But Christ saved us by His mercy, and because of no work of righteousness of our own. Still, it is profitable for everyone to be ready to do good works, in order to help those who are in need. ³ Paul also makes sure to warn Titus about those who stir up foolish controversies and divisions. Saying, after warning those who do so twice, have nothing to do with them.

This is emphasizing unbelievers. ↩︎
I find this very telling that the pronoun Paul uses includes himself in this group. ↩︎
The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. (‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭8, 14‬ ESV) ↩︎