Titus 3

Paul directs Titus to remind the believers “to be submissive to rulers and authorities,” to be obedient, “ready for every good work,” and to be gentle and courteous “toward all people,” remembering that they too were once foolish and enslaved to sin. Then comes the second great gospel statement: “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Paul stresses again that “those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works,” which are “excellent and profitable,” while avoiding “foolish controversies,” genealogies, and quarrels about the law, which are “unprofitable and worthless.” A divisive person is to be warned twice, then rejected. Paul closes with personal instructions and greetings, urging the believers to “learn to devote themselves to good works” so as “not to be unfruitful.”