|
|
|
| Locate verse: Type a verse reference like 'Romans 10:9' or abbreviated 'Rm 10:9'. By just typing the verse one can jump to the corresponding verse on the active page (only works if the current page displays a chapter). If a chapter and a verse is entered without a book, the current selected book is assumed. Providing only the name of a book will bring one to the chapter index of that book. Examples (without the quotes): '1 Tim 3:16', 'Rv 1:8', 'Matthew 5', '3:16', '8', 'Phm'. |
THE LETTER TO TITUS
[“Minding Your Own Business”]
Key Word: Assertions
Theme Verse: 8
TI3:1 Continue to remind [the congregations] to be in subjection to government rulers and civil authorities,82
[and] to be ready for every good work.83
82 Continue to remind [the congregations] to be in subjection to government rulers and civil authorities: Or, KJV: put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates; CON: to render submission to magistrates and authorities; KNX: a duty of submissive loyalty to governments. Compares notes on Romans 13:1-8. [1 Peter 2:13] The early Christians had difficulties enough without becoming revolutionaries resisting governments. Their peaceful citizenship would allow for no charge of sedition. [John 18:36; Acts 5:29] Compare Ecclesiastes 8:2-4. Nowhere does Paul encourage Christians to get involved in politics or a social gospel.
TI3:2 Do not speak evil of anyone.84
Do not be quarrelsome85
but rather display gentleness and meekness to everyone.86
83 Be ready for every good work: Or, GDS: for any useful service; RSV: for any honest work; WMS: any good enterprise. Falling within the context of submission to civil authority it is possible these “good works” are of a civil or community nature. [Colossians 1:10] There are many opportunities to volunteer to help the community, or even the government, without offending Christian conscience. Christians must determine for themselves when they have begun to give “God’s things” to Caesar. [See notes on Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:29] 84 Do not speak evil of anyone: Or: KJV: speak evil of no man; RHM: defaming no one; TCNT: speak ill of no one; NEB: slander
no one; BEC: not to insult anyone; GDS: to abuse nobody. Particularly secular authorities, for words spoken against rulers can come back to haunt one. [Ecclesiastes 10:20] Persons have been imprisoned, and even executed, for words later judged to be seditious.
It is best the Christian avoid negative remarks against the powers that be. 85 Do not be quarrelsome:
Or, RHM: adverse to strife; TCN: avoid quarreling; ASV: not be contentious; PME: they must not be argumentative. If this is also view in the context of verse one it is good advice to avoid political arguments remember the Christian is a citizen of heaven and
an alien resident on earth. [Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 1:1] The Christian is characterized by making every effort to be non-confrontational or non-adversarial.
TI3:3 For we were once also foolish, disobedient, misled,87
enslaved to desires and a variety of pleasures.88
We spent our lives in malice and hatred, hating one another.8986 Display gentleness and meekness to everyone: Or, KJV: but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men; WMS: fair-minded, showing perfect gentleness to everybody; BER: unqualified mildness; TCNT: a gentle spirit;
NEB: a gentle disposition KNX: showing courtesy. Political rulers are much concerned about persons who stir up agitation. The Christian is characterized by a mild and yielding disposition. [See notes on Matthew 5:5; Philippians 4:5] Even in nations where there
is great personal freedom it is always advisable not to resist civil authority but to show a willingness to cooperate. 87 We were once also foolish, disobedient, misled: Or, KJV: foolish, disobedient, deceived; RHM: thoughtless, unyielding, deceived; KNX: reckless, rebellious, the dupes of error. Though some Christians may have
been formerly political upstarts, they now demonstrate a completely opposite character. 88 Enslaved to desires and a variety of pleasures: Or, KJV: serving divers lusts and pleasures; WMS: habitual slaves to all sorts of passions. [1 Corinthians 5:11] The Christian is a changed person almost unrecognizable from the former self. 89 We spent our lives in malice and hatred, hating one another: Or, KJV: living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another; KNX: full of meanness; TCN: detested ourselves; NEB: we were odious ourselves. [Ephesians 2:1] That was in the former worldly life, suggesting that malice and hatred should not belong within the Church.
TI3:4 However, when God our Savior’s90
kindness and fondness for humanity was made manifest91
90 God our Savior’s: There is only One Person who needs no “saving” – God the Father. He is the Absolute
Savior. Even His own Son needed to be “saved” by his Father. [Hebrews 5:7] Compare Psalm 22:1, 20, 21.
TI3:7a (we were pronounced innocent by that One’s unmerited favor)92
–
91
Kindness and fondness for humanity was made manifest: Or, RHM: graciousness and affection for man… shone forth; CON: made manifest His kindness and love of men; WMS: goodness and loving-kindness… were brought to light; NEB: when the kindness
and generosity of… dawned upon the world. See notes on Titus 2:11. [John 3:16]
TI3:5 not by any righteous works of our own.93
But rather, according to His mercy He saved us94
by a regenerative washing and renewal of holy Pneuma95
92 We were pronounced innocent by that One’s unmerited favor: Or, KJV: justified by his grace; RHM: declare righteous by his favour; TCN: pronounced righteous through his loving-kindness; BER: counted righteous by His personal grace. See notes on Romans 3:24 and Romans 5:1, 9. [Galatians 2:16] For more details on the Greek DIKAIOTHENTES see the words justified or “pronounced innocent” in the Commentary on Romans or notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Romans. 93 Not by any righteous works of our own: Or, KJV: not by works of righteousness which we have done; GDS: upright actions we
had performed; PME: not by virtue of any moral achievements of ours. Paul does not suggest good works are unimportant as his use of the word “works” elsewhere shows. Nor does Christ. Being pronounced innocent by God is based on His unmerited favor
and thus previous sins – as Paul has described above – are forgiven. However, starting afresh the Christian must now follow a righteous life characterized by good works. 94 According to His mercy He saved us: Or, BAS: in the measure of his mercy, he gave us salvation; KNX: in accordance with his own merciful design he saved us; TCNT: merciful purpose.
See notes on Roman 5:15, 21. The words “saved us” refer, not to the final and ultimate salvation, but similar to what Peter says in Acts 2:40. Research the words save(d) and salvation.
TI3:6 – which He bountifully poured out on us96
by means of Jesus Christ our Savior97
–
95 By a regenerative washing and renewal of holy Pneuma: Or, KJV: by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; RHM: bathing of a new birth and the moulding anew of holy spirit; NEB: water of rebirth; KNX: cleansing power which gives us a new birth; TCNT: renewing power; PME: moral renewal. Paul seems to echo Jesus here. [John 3:3-5] He may allude to baptism and spirit begettal; or, he may have in mind the very act of justification in the blood-wash of the Lamb and spiritual anointing. [2 Corinthians 1:22, 23] See notes on 1 John 1:7 and 1 John 2:2. [Revelation 7:14] The Greek for “regeneration” is PALIN-GENESIAS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3824], or again + genesis, a New Genesis. On this word group compare notes on Matthew 19:28 [PALINGENESIA], 1 Peter 1:3 [ANAGENNESAS], as well as Job 14:14 [LXX], PALIN GENOMAI. Note Hebrews 10:22. 96 Which He bountifully poured out on us: Or, KJV: shed on us abundantly; ASV: poured out upon us richly; PME: generously; NOR:
freely; BEC: poured a rich measure. [Acts 2:33]
TI3:7b so
that we might become heirs according to the hope of everlasting life.9897 Christ our Savior: Both God and Jesus are designated
“savior” in Titus. The Trinitarian argument that similar titles mean same substance would make Israelite judges and king David God. Research the word savior(s). 98 Become heirs according to the hope of everlasting life: Or, RHM: life age-abiding; TCNT: immortal life. [See notes on Romans 6:23.]
TI3:8 That statement is trustworthy.99
Concerning these [teachings] I counsel you [Titus] to make strong affirmations100
about them so that [the congregations] of those who believe God continue minding good works.101
These [teachings] are good and profitable to all humanity.10299 That statement is trustworthy: Or, KJV: this is a faithful saying. [1 Timothy 1:15] 100
Concerning these [teachings] I counsel you [Titus] to make strong affirmations: Or, KJV: affirm constantly; TCN: and it is on these subjects that I desire you to lay special stress; PME: speak with absolute certainty; MON: firmly insist. What Paul has
written are no mere suggestions, they are apostolic commands. Titus is not to be hesitant or wishy-washy. He gives his reasons in the next phrases. 101 Continue minding good works: Or, KJV: careful to maintain good works; RHM: forward in noble works; TCNT: to doing good; MOF: practicing honourable occupations; CON: practice good works. [1 Timothy 6:18] Compare
“good works” at Titus 2:6, 14; 3:14. 102 These [teachings] are good and profitable to all humanity: That is, to men; human. Or, TCN: such subjects are excellent in themselves and of real use to mankind; MOF: such counsels are right and good for men; BER: which is excellent and beneficial for all people. What Paul writes to Titus are not limited to just the isle of Crete. They are applicable and beneficial to Christians of all ages. [2 Timothy 3:15-17]
TI3:9 However, shun controversies, genealogies, quarrels and fights about the Law [of Moses],103
for they are futile and unprofitable.
TI3:10 Shun a heretical person after two warnings.104
103 Shun controversies, genealogies, quarrels and fights about the Law [of Moses]: Or, KJV: avoid foolish questions…
and contentions; WMS: hold yourself aloof from; TCNT: controversies; KNX: that wrangle over points of the law. This does not mean Titus is not to reprove the controversial for he is given such counsel earlier. [1 Timothy 6:4, 20; 2 Timothy 2:23; Philippians
2:3] It seems likely Paul has in mind vain arguments regarding Jewish genealogies and legal technicalities about the Law of Moses.
TI3:11 Realize that such a person has been perverted,105
and, in sinning, is self-condemned.104 Shun a heretical person after two warnings: Or, KJV: heretick; ASV: factious man; CON: a sectarian; TCNT: if a man is causing divisions among you; KJV: first and second admonition reject; TCN: having nothing more to say to him. The Greek is HAIRETICON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #141] and the earliest meaning was a person with an opinion or choice and thus a person who is divisive in his opinion, or schismatic. This does not mean a Christian cannot have an opinion or choice for Paul has just told Titus to make “firm assertions” about certain teachings. These “heresies” contradict “healthy teaching” which came from Jesus the Nazarene. [1 Corinthians 11:19; Galatians 5:20] Compare Galatians 1:7-9. The sectarian person deserves two apostolic warnings from qualified elders. See notes on Romans 16:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14. [2 John 10] 105 Realize that such a person has been perverted: Or, KJV: know in that he that is such
is subverted; WMS: crooked; NB: distorted mind; TCNT: forsaken the truth; GDS: corrupt; BEC: is set in his wrong way.
TI3:12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus106
to you [Titus] make haste to come to me in Nicopolis,107
for I have decided to spend the winter there.
106 Tychicus: Compare notes on Ephesians 6:21.
TI3:13 With enthusiasm send forth the lawyer Zenas108
as well as Apollos,109
and make sure they lack nothing [for their needs].110
107 Nicopolis: Northwestern Greece. See Josephus regarding the origins of the city. [Jewish Antiquities, XVI, 147 (v, 3)] 108 With enthusiasm send forth the lawyer Zenas: That is, speedily, quickly. Or, ALF: forward zealously on their journey; MON: speed Zenas; MOF: give a hearty send off; GDS: Zenas the expert in the Law. 109 Apollos: Apollos is described as “mighty in Scripture.” Between these two men Paul had a powerhouse of information and defense of Christianity. [Acts 18:26-28; 19:1; 1 Corinthians 3:6; 16:12]
TI3:14 And also, let our own people learn good works111
and to be concerned about supplying pressing needs112
so that they are not unfruitful.113110 Make sure they lack nothing [for their needs]: Or, NEB: see that they are not short of anything; GDS: see that they have everything they need. [1 Corinthians 9:14; Galatians 6:6; Hebrews 13:16; 3 John 6-8] 111
Let our own people learn good works: Or, KJV: let ours also learn to maintain good works. See “good works” at Titus 2:6, 14; 3:8. 112 Be concerned about supplying pressing needs: Or, KJV: for necessary uses; MOF: so as to be able to meet such special occasions; MON: to supply the necessities of their teachers. Paul seems to mean by the previous
“good works” to be those of charity and sharing, particular with those who are “workers.” See notes on Romans 15:17. [1 Corinthians 9:11] 113 So that they are not unfruitful: He means “unfruitful” with regard to sharing in the needs of those devoted to the Gospel work. [Galatians 6:6-10; 3 John 8; see notes on Romans 12:13]
TI3:15a All of those with me here send their greetings to you. Greet all those who have benevolent empathy for us united in deep conviction.114114 Those who have benevolent empathy for us united in deep conviction:
Or, KJV: love us in the faith; TCNT: our friends in the faith; RHM: who regard us with faithful affection; NEB: friends in truth.
TI3:15b Unmerited favor be with all of you115
[in the congregations].115 All of you: The Greek is the plural “you” HUMON and suggests others would read this letter.
Paul gives instructions to the congregations in Crete through Titus: first involving subjection to governments. He gives good advice that will make a Christian a good citizen. Their lives have changed from what they were in the past. Paul writes that now with the revealing of God’s love we have been saved by His grace through a bath of rebirth and a spiritual renewal leading to a hope of everlasting life.
Paul exhorts Titus to stress these teachings among those who believe in God. Christians should be an example of good works. What Paul writes is beneficial for all peoples in all times. Paul counsels Titus to shun foolish fights about the Law of Moses, as well as the sectarian person who has been given two warnings.
Paul concludes with various greetings and final instructions. He encourages all to share in caring for the needs of these ministers on the road. Paul’s letter to Titus is beneficial for everyone today as he himself states. The small epistle is an example of early church order and arrangements among apostolic elders. The letter is also filled with counsel to individual Christians of all ages. Any new church in modern times does well to follow this early lead and example.
|
|
Nazarene Commentary 2000© Mark Heber Miller ©2000 All Rights Reserved |
