Titus 3

Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.

For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,

not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior;

that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;

but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning,

knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.

When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.

Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.

Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

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

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter concludes Paul’s letter to Titus by setting forth the practical responsibilities of believers in the wider society and within the Christian community, grounded firmly in the gospel of God’s saving mercy. Having addressed church order and sound doctrine in the preceding chapters, Paul now emphasizes the ethical transformation that flows from justification by grace, calling believers to peaceable conduct, diligent good works, and discernment in dealing with divisive persons.

Flow.

Paul instructs believers to submit to civil authorities and cultivate gentleness and humility toward all, reflecting the gospel’s transforming power.
He grounds this ethical call in the stark contrast between their past state—characterized by sin and enmity—and the saving intervention of God through Christ, who justified and renewed them by the Spirit.
Paul urges Titus to affirm confidently the responsibility of believers to pursue good works, while avoiding unprofitable disputes and withdrawing from persistent instigators of division.
Practical travel plans and personal instructions underscore the pastoral concern behind the theology, closing with an exhortation to meet needs through fruitfulness in good works.

Connections.
Following chapter 2, which presented the relationship between sound doctrine and godly living across different age groups and roles in the church, chapter 3 universalizes the call to submission and virtue to include civic life, showing how gospel renewal shapes all relationships. Where chapter 2 concluded with the purpose of making the teaching of God our Savior “adorned” (2:10), chapter 3 explains how this adornment takes the form of obedience, humility, and peace—so that the church may be “not unfruitful” (3:14). This prepares for the close of the letter, where personal instructions and greetings confirm the communion of saints in mission, a theme that resounds in subsequent pastoral letters.

What it teaches.
The chapter teaches that salvation is entirely the work of God’s mercy, not human righteousness, accomplished through the regenerating and renewing work of the Holy Spirit in union with Christ (WCF 10.1, WLC 36). Justification by grace makes believers heirs of eternal life (WCF 11.1), and this new standing produces a life conformed to good works, which are “good and profitable” (3:8, ). The law, while useful to reveal sin, does not justify (WCF 19.4), and disputes over it that breed division must be avoided (3:9–11). A renewed people manifests the gospel not only doctrinally but ethically, reflecting peace, humility, and service in both church and society (HC LD 32).

Apply.
Believers order their lives in gratitude, submitting to authorities, pursuing peace, and doing good as those saved not by works but for them.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.