Titus 3
Conduct Toward Those Outside the Church
1Remind them to be subject to rulers and ▼▼ Most later witnesses (D2 0278 Maj. lat sy) have καί (kai, “and”) after ἀρχαῖς (archais, “rulers”), though the earliest and best witnesses (א A C D* F G Ψ 33 104 1739 1881) lack the conjunction. Although the καί is most likely not authentic, it has been added in translation due to the requirements of English style. For more discussion, see TCGNT 586.
authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. 2They must not slander ▼▼ Or “discredit,” “damage the reputation of.”
anyone, but be peaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people. 3For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 ▼ But “when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us in full measure ▼▼ Or “on us richly.”
through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7And so, ▼▼ This is the conclusion of a single, skillfully composed sentence in Greek encompassing Titus 3:4–7. Showing the goal of God’s merciful salvation, v. 7 begins literally, “in order that, being justified…we might become heirs…”
since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.” ▼▼ Grk “heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Summary of the Letter
8 This saying ▼▼ This saying (Grk “the saying”) refers to the preceding citation (Titus 3:4–7). See 1 Tim 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim 2:11 for other occurrences of this phrase.
is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, ▼▼ Grk “concerning these things.”
so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people. 9But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, ▼ quarrels, and fights about the law, ▼▼ Fights about the law were characteristic of the false teachers in Ephesus as well as in Crete (cf. 1 Tim 1:3–7; Titus 1:10, 14).
because they are useless and empty. 10Reject a divisive person after one or two warnings. 11You know ▼▼ Grk “knowing” (as a continuation of the previous clause).
that such a person is twisted by sin ▼▼ Grk “is perverted and is sinning.”
and is conscious of it himself. ▼▼ Grk “is sinning, being self-condemned.”
Final Instructions and Greeting
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Make every effort to help ▼▼ Grk “Eagerly help.”
Zenas the lawyer ▼▼ Although it is possible the term νομικός (nomikos) indicates an expert in Jewish religious law here, according to L&N 33.338 and 56.37 it is more probable that Zenas was a specialist in civil law.
and Apollos on their way; make sure they have what they need. ▼▼ Grk “that nothing may be lacking for them.”
14Here is another way that our people ▼▼ Grk “that those who are ours” (referring to the Christians).
can learn ▼▼ Grk “and also let our people learn.”
to engage in good works to meet pressing needs and so not be unfruitful. 15Everyone with me greets you. Greet those who love us in the faith. ▼▼ Or “faithfully.”
Grace be with you all. ▼▼ Most witnesses (א2 D1 F G H Ψ 0278 Maj. lat sy bo) conclude this letter with ἀμήν (amēn, “amen”). Such a conclusion is routinely added by scribes to NT books because a few of these books originally had such an ending (cf. Rom 16:27; Gal 6:18; Jude 25). A majority of Greek witnesses have the concluding ἀμήν in every NT book except Acts, James, and 3 John (and even in these books, ἀμήν is found in some witnesses). It is thus a predictable variant. Further, early and excellent witnesses (א* A C D* 048 33 81 1739 1881 sa) lack the particle, rendering the omission the preferred reading.
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