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÷÷TITUS 3
TITUS 3
PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| USB4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| Maintain Good Deeds | Graces of the Heirs of Grace | The Pastor and the Flock | Christian Conduct | General Instructions for Believers |
| (2:1-3:11) | ||||
| 3:1-7 | 3:1-8 | 2:15-3:8a | 3:1-8a | 3:1-3 |
| 3:4-8a | ||||
| 3:8–11 | Avoid Dissension | Personal Advice to Titus | ||
| 3:9-11 | 3:8b-11 | 3:8b-11 | 3:8b-11 | |
| Personal Instructions and Greetings | Final Messages | Final Instructions | Final Instructions | Practical Recommendations, Farewells and Good Wishes |
| 3:12-14 | 3:12-14 | 3:12-14 | 3:12-14 | 3:12-14 |
| Farewell | ||||
| 3:15 | 3:15 | 3:15a | 3:15a | 3:15 |
| 3:15b | 3:15b |
READING CYCLE THREE (see "Bible Interpretation Seminar")
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO TITUS 3
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
÷TITUS 3:1-11
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: TITUS 3:1-11
1Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be
ready for every good deed, 2to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. 3For
we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy,
hateful, hating one another. 4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5He
saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing
by the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by His
grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things
I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and
profitable for men. 9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable
and worthless. 10Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, 11knowing that such a man is perverted and is
sinning, being self-condemned.
3:1 "Remind them" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE, meaning "keep on reminding." This is obviously linked to Titus 2:15. Titus is to remind them of what they already know (cf. 2 Tim. 2:14; 2 Pet. 1:12; 3:1-2; Jude v. 5).
SPECIAL TOPIC: VICES AND VIRTUES
▣ "to be subject" This a PRESENT MIDDLE INFINITIVE, meaning "continue to put yourself under authority." It was a military term for the chain of command. This same term is used of Christian wives in Titus 2:5 and Christian slaves in Titus 2:9. It is also used of all Christians in Eph. 5:20. It is basically an attitude of life for Christians in all areas.
▣ "to rulers, to authorities" These two terms, exousia and archē, have a wide range of meaning in the Mediterranean world. There is, however, some semantic overlap in the sense of authority or power over another.
SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELIC LEVELS IN PAUL'S WRITINGS
SPECIAL TOPIC: HUMAN GOVERNMENT
▣ "to be obedient" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INFINITIVE. It is a compound word and word play on "obey" (peithomai) plus "rulers" (archē). It is found only here and in Acts 27:21 in the NT. The concept of submission and obedience is repeated in Paul's admonition to Christian wives, children, and slaves in Eph. 5:21-6:9 and Col. 3:18-25.
▣ "to be ready for every good deed" This phrase in context may refer to believers' service to the civil authorities and/or community service to their fellow humans. However, similar phrases appear in 2 Tim. 2:21 and 3:17, where the context refers to godly living in general (cf. Titus 2:14; 2 Cor. 9:8; Eph. 2:10). The false teachers of Titus 1:16 are unqualified for any good work, secular or sacred.
3:2 This sentence lists four things that Christians should do in relation to their neighbors. Christians were the minority in their neighborhoods. How they acted was a crucial witness. Also, this list may reflect what false teachers do and true believers should not do.
This is good advice for modern believers involved in political action. How we act is as important as what we say! No cause supercedes godly living for the purpose of evangelism!
| ▣ | |
| NASB | "to malign no one" |
| NKJV, NRSV | "to speak evil of no one" |
| TEV | "not to speak evil of anyone" |
| NJB | "not to go slandering other people" |
| Peshitta | "not to speak evil to any man" |
This is literally the term "blaspheme" (cf. 1 Tim. 1:13,20; 2 Tim. 3:2; 1 Pet. 4:4; 2 Pet. 2:2,10,11,12). It is usually used of speaking evil of God (cf. Matt. 26:65). It came to be used by Paul to assert that the gospel should not be spoken evil of because of Christian's conduct (cf. Rom. 14:16; 1 Cor. 10:30 and here). How believers live is crucial for the evangelistic witness of the church.
▣ "to be peaceable" This, like all three of these terms, refers to believers' dealings with non-believers. See note at 1 Tim. 3:3.
▣ "gentle" See note at 1 Timothy 3:3.
| ▣ | |
| NASB | "showing every consideration for all men" |
| NKJV, NRSV | "to show every courtesy to everyone" |
| TEV | "always to show a gentle attitude toward everyone" |
| NJB | "always polite to people of all kinds" |
| Peshitta | "showing gentleness to all men" |
Again the phrase refers to believers' actions toward non-believers. In 2 Tim. 2:25 it relates to our actions toward believers (cf. 1 Tim. 6:11).
The theme of "everybody" is characteristic of the Pastoral Letters. God loves all people; Jesus died for all people; Christians must respond positively toward all people (cf. 1 Tim. 2:1,4,6; 4:10; Titus 2:11).
SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN
3:3 "For we also once" The actions described in this verse characterize fallen mankind (Genesis 3; Rom. 1:19-3:31), even Christians before they were saved (cf. Rom. 1:29-31; 2 Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 2:3; 4:17-21; Gal. 5:19-21).
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND
▣ "foolish" This is the term for "thinking" or "reasoning" negated (cf. Luke 6:11; 24:25; Rom. 1:14,21; Gal. 3:1,3; 1 Tim. 6:9; 2 Tim. 3:9). It is a strong term for wrong, inappropriate thinking.
▣ "disobedient" This is the term "believing" negated. It was used of
▣ "deceived" This is a PRESENT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE, which literally means "deceived" or "seduced." It originally referred to the wanderers (i.e., planets that did not follow the expected course of the constellations) of the night sky and came into English as "planet." It came to be used as imagery for that which was in error. This term, like the previous two, is used in Paul's description of human sin in Rom. 1:27 and 2 Thess. 2:11. Also notice its use in 1 Tim. 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 3:13; 1 Pet. 2:25; 2 Pet. 2:18; 3:17; and Jude v. 11.
The PASSIVE VOICE implies the action of an outside agent, here Satan or the demonic.
▣ "enslaved" This is a PASSIVE ACTIVE PARTICIPLE, which literally means "serving as slaves" to human lusts (cf. Rom. 6:6,12).
▣ "to various" This is the adjective "multi-colored," which was used of the rainbow. It was used of many-sided things,
▣ "lusts" This is a compound term from "upon" (epi) and "the mind or soul" (thumos). It referred to a strong desire for something, often in a negative sense. This term is also used in Rom. 1:24 to describe fallen mankind.
▣ "pleasures" We get the English term "hedonism" from this Greek word (cf. Luke 8:14; James 4:1-3). Personal gratification can become a tyrant!
▣ "spending our life in malice and envy" This is another description from Rom. 1:29 of characteristics of fallen humanity.
| ▣ | |
| NASB, NKJV | "hateful, hating one another" |
| NRSV | "despicable, hating one another" |
| TEV | "others hated us and we hated them" |
| NJB | "hating each other and hateful ourselves" |
| Peshitta | "hated and also hating one another" |
This uses two synonymous Greek terms for hatred (the ADJECTIVE stugētos and the PARTICIPLE miseō). This list of problems reminds one of Matthew 7, "by their fruits you shall know them"! This context describes these believers before conversion, but hopefully not after. It still describes the false teachers and their duped followers.
3:4-7 This is one long sentence in Greek, which defines the gospel (similar to Titus 2:11-14). It may even be from a hymn, creed, or song (see Nestle-Aland Greek NT 26th and 27th editions).
3:4 "But when the kindness" Oh, what a contrast grace makes! We get the English term "philanthropy" from this word which is from two Greek terms: "brotherly love" (phileō) and "mankind" (anthropos). In the NT this word is only found here and in Acts 28:2. God loves people made in His image (i.e., Gen. 1:26-27), even fallen ones (cf. Rom. 5:8).
▣ "of God our Savior" This is a description of YHWH (cf. 2 Kgs. 13:5; Ps. 106:21; Isa. 19:20; 43:3,11; 45:15,21; 49:26; 60:16; Luke 1:47). This may reflect the contemporary titles for the Emperor (cf. 1 Tim. 1:1). This is a characteristic phrase of the Pastoral letters. Notice that Jesus is called by the same title in Titus 3:6 (cf. 1 Tim. 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Luke 2:11; John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23; 2 Tim. 1:10). Compare Titus 1:3-4; 2:10-13; 3:4-6. One way of uniting the Father and the Son was using the same titles for both! The very heart of the creator God is on saving, redeeming, forgiving, restoring, reuniting His rebellious creatures (cf. John 3:16; Rom. 5:8). See full note at 2 Tim. 1:10.
▣ "appeared" This refers to Jesus' first coming. The same term is used in Titus 2:13 for Jesus' Second Coming (cf. 1 Tim. 6:14). God's promised salvation (i.e., the Messiah) was born at Bethlehem (cf. Titus 2:11).
SPECIAL TOPIC: NT TERMS FOR CHRIST'S RETURN
3:5 "He saved us" This is an AORIST ACTIVE INDICATIVE, which implies completed action in past time. This is the main VERB of the long Greek sentence from Titus 3:4 to Titus 3:7.
SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK VERB TENSES USED FOR SALVATION
▣ "not on the basis of deeds which we have done" This phrase is placed first in the Greek sentence for emphasis. Salvation is based not on mankind's efforts, but God's (cf. Titus 3:20,2-28; 4:4-5; Rom. 9:11; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 3:9; 2 Tim. 1:9). This is the theological tension between "faith apart from works" and "faith seen in works" (cf. Eph. 2:8-10; James 2:14-26). The Jewish Gnostic false teachers of the Pastorals were emphasizing human merit!
▣ "in righteousness" Believers are to pursue righteousness (i.e. Christlikeness) after salvation (cf. 1 Tim. 6:11), but fallen humans can never approach a holy God on the merits of their own self-righteousness (cf. Isa. 64:6 and the series of OT quotes in Rom. 3:10-18).
▣ "but according to His mercy" Fallen mankind's only hope is in the loving, merciful grace of God. It is His character and purposeful action that has brought the opportunity of forgiveness and restoration (cf. Gen. 3:15; 12:3; Exod. 19:5-6; Mal. 3:6; Eph. 2:4-7; 1 Pet. 1:3).
SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN
▣ "by the washing of regeneration" This is literally "through the bath of regeneration." The term washing (loutron) is used only twice in the NT (Eph. 5:26 and here). It was rarely used in the Septuagint. It can refer to
In Leviticus washings were a symbol of cleansing or purifying persons or things (cf. Dead Sea Scrolls). In Eph. 5:26 the bathing refers to a ritual bath before marriage.
The term "regeneration" (palingenesia) is also a rare term, found only in Matt. 19:28 and here. It is a compound from "again" (palin) and "birth" (genesis). Therefore, it refers to the new birth brought about by the finished work of Christ and the wooing of the Spirit. The occasion of the new birth is water baptism, the agent is the Holy Spirit (cf. Titus 3:5-6), the means is the death and resurrection of Christ (cf. Titus 3:6), and the basis of it all is the love and mercy of the Father (cf. Titus 3:4). This is not a text that supports baptismal regeneration. Baptism was the occasion for the public confession/profession (cf. Acts 2:38) and the symbol of the believer's death, burial, and resurrection with Christ in symbolic action (cf. Rom. 6:3-9; Col. 2:12). In the early church baptism was the opportunity for a person's public profession of faith ("Jesus is Lord" cf. Rom. 10:13). The focus is the action of the Holy Spirit (i.e. birthing and renewing).
▣ "renewing" This is also a rare term used only twice in the NT, here and Rom. 12:2. It means to cause someone or something to become new. A related term is found in Col. 3:10. Grammatically it is synonymous with "rebirth." There is only one PREPOSITION (dia) for both of them. Therefore, this is not two works of grace, but two aspects of one work. This implies they are one event administered by the Holy Spirit. This would be similar to John 3:5-8 and 1 Pet. 1:23.
3:6 "poured out" This could refer to the Father (cf. Titus 3:4) or the Holy Spirit (cf. Titus 3:5). The same VERB with the same ambiguity is used in Acts 2:17-18,33; 10:45, which is taken from Joel 2:28-30.
▣ "through Jesus Christ our Savior" The title "Savior" applied to God the Father in Titus 3:4 is now applied to God the Son. This same interchange of titles is found in Titus 1:3 and 4; and 2:10 and 13.
3:7 "so that" This is a purpose statement (hina) like Titus 3:8, 13 and 14.
| ▣ | |
| NASB, Peshitta | "being justified by His grace" |
| NKJV, NRSV | "having been justified by HIs grace" |
| TEV | "by HIs grace we might be put right with God" |
| NJB | "justified by his grace" |
This is an AORIST PASSIVE PARTICIPLE (cf. Rom. 1:16-17; 3:24) related to the word "righteousness." The PASSIVE VOICE implies the agency of the Spirit. "Justification by faith" is forensic (legal) imagery used so often by Paul emphasizing God's initiating grace (cf. 1 Tim. 1:2,14; 2 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4). "Justify" and "justification," so common in Galatians and Romans, occur only twice in Paul's other letters (1 Cor. 6:11 and here). Believers are forgiven and accepted because of who He is and what He has done, not because of who they are or what they have done!
▣ "we would be made heirs" This is the ultimate application of the family imagery used to describe believers (cf. Rom. 4:13; 8:14-17: Gal. 3:29; 4:7; Heb. 6:7; James 2:5).
SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVERS' INHERITANCE
▣ "hope" See SPECIAL TOPIC: HOPE
▣ "eternal life" See note at Titus 1:2 and full list at 2 Tim. 1:10.
3:8 "This is a trustworthy statement" This is a common textual marker for five of Paul's theological affirmations in the Pastoral Letters (cf. 1 Tim. 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11). Exactly to what verses this refers has been debated among commentators; most assume Titus 3:4-7.
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE ORTHODOXY OF THE PASTORALS
▣ "to speak confidently" See note at 1 Timothy 1:7.
▣ "so that" This is another hina (purpose clause), like Titus 3:7, 13, and 14.
▣ "those who have believed God" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE, which describes a past act with continuing results which becomes a settled state of being. Usually in the NT the object of belief is Jesus, but often the PRONOUN (Him) used for deity is ambiguous and could refer to the Father or the Son.
SPECIAL TOPIC: FAITH, BELIEVE, OR TRUST
▣ "will be careful to engage in good deeds" The term "careful" is a form of the VERB "to reason" or "to consider carefully," which is found only here in the NT. The INFINITIVE "to engage" is from a word normally translated "manage" (cf. 1 Tim. 3:4,5,12). Believers must constantly think about and take the lead in living godly lives for the sake of the gospel. Paul affirms again that people are right with God apart from personal good works, but also that the goal of God for every believer is personal good works (cf. Eph. 2:8-10 and James 2:14-23). The motivation is gratitude for the undeserved, unmerited grace of God; the effect is Christlikeness; the goal is evangelism.
▣ "for men" Again, the universal emphasis is that God loves all mankind and wants all to be saved (John 1:29; 3:16; 4:42; 12:47; Rom. 5:18; 1 Tim. 2:4; Titus 2:11; 3:4; Heb. 2:9; 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 2:2; 4:14). A key way to draw unbelievers to God is the changed lives of believers (cf. Matt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12).
SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN
3:9 "But avoid" This is a PRESENT MIDDLE IMPERATIVE, meaning "to continue to keep aloof from or avoid" (cf. 2 Tim. 2:16).
▣ "foolish controversies" This term is first in the Greek text for emphasis (cf. 1 Tim. 6:4-5; 2 Tim. 2:14,23). Timothy is Paul's apostolic representative. He is not to debate or speculate but to pass on apostolic truth with authority.
▣ "genealogies" The same type of false teachers who were in Ephesus (cf. 1 Tim. 1:4) were on Crete. These genealogies were probably Jewish, relating to Messianic speculations, not Gnostic angelic levels (eons).
▣ There is a series of NOUNS in Titus 3:9 connected by "and" (kai), which may refer to separate aspects or one general tendency (i.e., "controversies," "genealogies," "strifes," and "disputes").
▣ "about the Law" This shows the Jewish element in this false teaching (cf. Titus 1:10,14; 1 Tim. 1:3-7).
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL'S VIEWS OF THE MOSAIC LAW
▣ "for they are unprofitable and worthless" Theological hair-splitting and speculations are not always helpful to the body of Christ. Titus, like Timothy, speaks with Paul's apostolic authority.
3:10 "Reject" This is another PRESENT MIDDLE IMPERATIVE, like Titus 3:9. The same term, "to refuse, reject, or decline," is used in 1 Tim. 4:7; 5:11 and 2 Tim. 2:23. The same concept is used in Rom. 16:17; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Thess. 3:6-14.
In our attempt to dialog with factious people we must not give any gesture or greeting that could be seen as an acceptance or affirmation (cf. 2 John v. 10)!
| ▣ | |
| NASB | " a factious man" |
| NKJV | "a divisive man" |
| NRSV | "anyone who causes divisions" |
| TEV | "to those who cause divisions" |
| NJB | "if someone disputes what you teach" |
| Peshitta | "heretic" |
This is the Greek term hairetikos (which occurs only here in the NT), from which we get the English term "heretic." The Greek root originally meant "to take sides" or "to choose for oneself." The use in the NT:
▣ "after a first and second warning" This is consistent with the other NT passages on church discipline (cf. Matt. 18:15-17; Gal. 6:1; 2 Thess. 3:15; James 5:19). It may reflect Lev. 19:17.
3:11 "knowing that such a man" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE. Their actions clearly show and continue to show who they really are (cf. Matthew 7).
▣ "is perverted" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE INDICATIVE. This form is found only here in the NT. This is a compound term from ek (from) and strephō (to turn), meaning therefore, to turn from. It is a word play on the term for turning to Christ (conversion) of Matt. 18:3 (epistrephō), which reflects the OT term for turning (shub) to God (Matt. 13:15; Mark 4:12; Luke 22:32; John 12:40; Acts 3:19; 25:27; James 5:19-20). These false teachers are now turning from God (cf. Titus 1:14, apostrephō) to heresies and false teachings.
The PASSIVE VOICE implies an outside agent. In this context it has to be Satan or the demonic.
SPECIAL TOPIC: ANGELS AND DEMONS
▣ "and is sinning" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE, which implies habitual, on-going, lifestyle characteristics (cf. 1 Tim. 5:20, also note the PRESENT TENSE in 1 John 3:6,9).
▣ "being self-condemned" This is a PRESENT PASSIVE INDICATIVE. The form is found only here in the NT. Our actions and words reveal our hearts (cf. 1 Tim. 5:24; Matthew 7).
÷TITUS 3:12-14
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: TITUS 3:12-14
12When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis,
for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.
14Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.
3:12 "Artemas" This man is unknown to us, but not to God.
▣ "Tychicus" He is mentioned in Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21-22; Col. 4:7-8 and 2 Tim. 4:12. He is the bearer of Paul's Prison Letters. These two men were to take Titus' leadership place on Crete so that he could join Paul for the winter.
This shows that the letter, although written to Titus, was meant to inform, instruct, and encourage the entire church on Crete. Many of Paul's statements to Titus do not make much sense if Titus were to leave soon after the letter was received unless it was obvious to the Christians that Paul was addressing them through his words to Titus.
▣ "make every effort to come to me" This is an AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. Paul did not want to be alone (cf. 2 Tim. 4:9,21), I think because he had severe eye problems probably dating back to his conversion on the Damascus road (cf. Acts 9:3-9,12,17-18). I believe his "thorn in the flesh" (cf. 2 Cor. 12:7) was probably this eye problem. Notice the unusual statement in Gal. 4:15. Also in Gal. 6:11 Paul comments about his own handwriting being very large. He wrote the last few lines of his letters to authenticate them (cf. 2 Thess. 2:2; 3:17; 1 Cor. 16:21; Col. 4:18; Philemon 19).
▣ "Nicopolis" There are several cities by this name, which means "victory-town." This was probably the coastal town close to the site of the battle of Actium.
| 3:13 | |
| NASB | "diligently hlep. . .on their way" |
| NKJV | "send. . .on their journey with haste" |
| NRSV | "make every effort to send. . .on their way" |
| TEV | "do your best to help. . .to get started on their travels" |
| NJB | "help eagerly on their way" |
This is the ADVERB spoudaiōs, which means "earnestly" or "eagerly" or "diligently" (cf. Luke 7:4 and a related term in Phil. 2:28). It is combined with the AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE propempō, which meant to furnish everything needed for a journey (cf. 3 John 6; and Acts 15:3). Apparently Zenas and Apollos were undertaking a mission activity. Paul asks for similar help from the house churches at Rome in Rom. 15:24.
▣ "Zenas the lawyer" Whether he was a Jewish or Greek lawyer is unknown.
▣ "Apollos" He was a very eloquent preacher from Alexandria who was helped to fully understand the gospel by Priscilla and Aquila (cf. Acts 18:24,28; 19:1; 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:5,6,22; 4:6; 16:12). These two men were probably the bearers of Paul's letter to Titus.
3:14 "Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE (cf. Titus 1:16; 2:7,14; 3:18), encouraging missionaries is an evangelistic activity (cf. Titus 2:7,14; 3:8).
▣ "so that they will not be unfruitful" The term "unfruitful" is ambiguous. I think it is parallel to Paul's "in vain" (cf. eikē in 1 Cor. 15:2; Gal. 3:4; 4:11 or kenos in 1 Cor. 15:10,58; 2 Cor. 6:1; Gal. 2:2; Phil. 2:16; 1 Thess. 2:1; 3:5), which refers to the establishment of effective evangelistic and mission-minded churches. Paul started churches in selected areas for the purpose of evangelizing the entire region. If for some reasonthese initial congregations lost sight of their "great commission" purpose, then their planting was in vain!
÷TITUS 3:15
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: TITUS 3:15a
15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
3:15 "All who are with me greet you" Paul usually, but not always (cf. 1 Timothy), concludes his letters with greetings
▣ "in the faith" The term for faith can be used of doctrine as in Acts 6:7; 13:8; 14:22; Gal. 1:23; 3:23; Phil. 1:27; Jude vv. 3,20 or as a way of expressing one's personal relationship to God through Christ (cf. John 1:12; 3:16). It can also be used in the OT sense of faithfulness or trustworthiness. This phrase refers to the fact that the false teachers on Crete had rejected Paul's apostolic authority and teachings.
SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH, AND FAITHFULNESS IN THE OT
÷TITUS 3:15
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: TITUS 3:15b
15bGrace be with you all.
3:15b "Grace be with you all" The "you" is PLURAL. This letter was to be read to the house churches on Crete as were all the Pastoral Letters (cf. 1 Tim. 6:21; 2 Tim. 4:22).
▣ The King James Version concludes with "Amen," but this is not present in the early Greek manuscripts P61, א*, A, C, or D*. Probably later scribes noticed its use in Rom. 16:27; Gal. 6:18; Phil. 4:20; 2 Thess. 3:18; 1 Tim. 6:16; and 2 Tim. 4:18 and added it here as they did in Romans 15:33; 16:20,24; 1 Cor. 16:24; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 6:24; Phil. 4:23; 1 Thess. 5:28; 1 Tim. 6:21; 2 Tim. 4:22; and Titus 3:15. UBS4 rates its omission as "A" (certain).
SPECIAL TOPIC: TEXTUAL CRITICISM
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
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