Titus 3:1-15 Lesson 413

Titus 3:1-15
Lesson 413

Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."

In this lesson:

Obey civil authorities (3:1).
The right way to live.
Our Christian duty.

"True love for one another is not the result of an
outward experience. It is an inward miracle thru the grace of God."
Harold George Ihlefeldt (1920-1971)

Closing remarks and final benediction.

Look for the teachings on salvation, faith, good works, and everyday Christian living.

Many Bible scholars consider verses 3:4-7 one
of the most critical passages in the New Testament.

Apollos, the greatest of the apostles.

A wooden Byzantine Icon.

Who was -

Artemas -
Artemas was a believer and part of Paul's entourage. He is only mentioned in this passage. Some scholars believe he eventually became the bishop of Lystra. But this can't be proven.

Tychicus -
The name Tychicus means "fortunate."  He was a gentile, a Christian, and "a beloved brother and a faithful minister" (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7) from Asia (modern-day Turkey). He joined Paul (Acts 20:4) on the Third Missionary Journey and traveled to Jerusalem to help deliver aid to the needy.   Tychicus was with Paul in Rome during his imprisonment and reported his dire situation to the believers back in Colosse (Colossians 4:7-8).  Paul sent him to Ephesus to spread Christianity (2 Timothy 4:12). We see in this passage that Paul also sent him to relieve Titus in Crete (Titus 3:12).

Zenas -
Zenas is only mentioned in this passage. Bible scholars believe he was a Jewish scribe (an expert on Mosaic Law) or a Greek lawyer.

Apollos -
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Apollos was a Jew, scholar, gifted public speaker (Acts 18:24-26), missionary, teacher (Acts 18:25), and a friend of Paul's. Some consider Apollos the greatest of the apostles. He preached in Corinth (Acts 19:1) and helped expand the church (1 Corinthians 3:6). Tutored by Aquila and Priscilla, his powerful speaking style made Apollos so popular in Corinth that some believers began following him instead of Christ. Instead of being flattered, Apollos became hesitant to return to Corinth.  Paul relied on Apollos and asked for his assistance in Nicopolis (Titus 3:13). Apollos was with Paul in Ephesus when he wrote the "First Epistle to the Corinthians." Many biblical scholars believe Apollos wrote "The Epistle to the Hebrews."

Study Tip:

It helps to study more than one Bible translation.
Scroll back and forth between the "King James Version" and the "New Living Translation" below.
Also, check the margin notes in blue and click on the links.

The Epistle of Paul The Apostle To Titus

The King James Bible

Titus 3:1-15
Christians in society

1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

14 And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Margin notes:

"Submit to principalities and powers." (3:1) - "Obey rulers and authorities." Christians must obey civil authorities (pay taxes, follow laws, etc.) as long as it doesn't conflict with God's authority. See "Today's Question" below plus Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-14 for more insight.

"Speak evil of no man." (3:2) - See Ephesians 4:31.

"Shewing all meekness." (3:2) - "Showing humility."

"We ourselves also were sometimes foolish." (3:3) - "We were also once ignorant (of Christ)."  (1 Corinthians 2:13-16).

"Deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures." (3:3) - "Misled, slaves to various lusts and pleasures."

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done." (3:5) - Just as the Israelites in Deuteronomy 9:5 weren't blessed because they were righteous, we are not saved by our good deeds. Why are we saved?  See Ephesians 2:8.

"He saved us." (3:5) - Jesus Christ saved us from sin, deceit, lust, malice, envy, and hate. Thanks to God's mercy, we can understand love. We are no longer deceived.

"The washing of regeneration." (3:5) - The Holy Spirit washes away our sins and we are reborn. We are saved by God's mercy, not because we've earned salvation.

"Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." (3:6) - "Which He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our savior."

"Justified." (3:7) - To be justified is to be made right, forgiven, redeemed, pardoned, and set free from the bondage of sin. We are justified, not by our good deeds or by obeying the Mosaic Law (Philippians 3:9), but by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 1:17; 3:23-29; 5:1; 8:3; Galatians 2:16).  Being justified means we are spared the punishment for our sins and "have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1), who was crucified and suffered the penalty for our sins (Isaiah 53:11; Ephesians 1:7).  Once justified, we are entitled to all the heavenly rewards that come with total obedience to the Mosaic Law (Romans 5:1-10). Our good deeds do not justify us. They are the results of our justification.

"This is a faithful saying." (3:8) - "This is true." Paul is referring to everything he has been saying and everything he is about to say.

"I will that thou affirm constantly." (3:8) - "I want you to emphasize constantly."

"Avoid foolish questions, and genealogies." (3:9) - "Avoid foolish arguments and genealogies." Jews placed great religious importance on their family ancestry.  Paul gave the same advice to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:14; 2:23). Meaningless religious arguments hinder God's work.

"Contentions, and strivings about the law." (3:9) - "Arguments and fights about the (Mosaic) Law." Refrain from getting bogged down in endless arguments over minor religious details which are not essential to salvation.

"Heretick." (3:10) - "Heretic." A person who holds religious beliefs that are contrary to established teachings. Although the word heresy appears in the Bible many times (Acts 24:14), this is the only place you'll find the word heretic.

"After the first and second admonition reject."(3:10) - "After the first and second warning have nothing to do with him." Jesus gave similar advice in Matthew 18:15-17.

"Subverted." (3:11) - "Evil."

"Be deligent." (3:12) - "Do your best."

"Nicopolis." (3:12) - A city on the west coast of Greece about 100 miles northwest of Corinth. Emperor Augustus Caesar built Nicopolis in 30 BC to commemorate a Roman military victory. Its name means "city of victory." Not to be confused with Nicopolis of Thrace or Cilicia.

"I have determined there to winter." (3:12) - "I have decided to winter there."

"That nothing be wanting unto them." (3:13) - "See that they lack for nothing."

"Let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses." (3:14) - "Let our people also learn to perform good deeds and provide the daily necessities."

"All that are with me salute thee." (3:15) - "Everyone with me says hello."

New Living Translation

Titus 3:1-15
Do What Is Good

1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.

2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.

4 But-"When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,

5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.

7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life."

8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.

10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.

11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.

Paul's Final Remarks and Greetings

12 I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter.

13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need.

14 Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.

15 Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers-all who love us.

May God's grace be with you all.

This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."

Today's question:

1. What is the meaning of verse 3:1?

"Before the cross, there was no such thing as putting away sins."

Harold George Ihlefeldt (1920-1971)

Answer: (Do you agree?)

1. "As Christians, our first allegiance is to Jesus as Lord, but we also must obey our government and its leaders. Christians are not above the law. Obeying the civil law is only the beginning of our Christian responsibility; we must do what we can to be good citizens."

(From the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; page 2436)

Application thought for the day:

Does verse 3:3 describe your past life?

If it describes you today, ask God's help that it doesn't define you tomorrow.

This is the last lesson of "The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Titus."

In three brief lessons, Titus taught us the meaning of living right in the church and society.
We saw Paul lay out the qualifications for church leaders and the importance of leading by example.
We also learned that our good deeds won't get us into heaven.

Go back and re-read Titus; it is only two pages long.
Doing so will help you find additional points you missed with your first read.

As you read, look for lessons to apply to your life.

Next...Philemon!

God Bless!

Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2023 evolke

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