Berean Study Bible Heirs of GraceTitus was to give regular instruction so that Christians would retain and practice the apostolic teaching they had received. Repetition was necessary in congregations where much teaching was delivered orally and where believers faced continuing pressure from surrounding pagan culture. 2Ti 2:14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them… to submit to rulers and authorities, Christians were to recognize civil government as part of God’s ordering of society. Under Roman rule, this required respect for officials and compliance with lawful authority, even when rulers were unjust or hostile to the faith. Rom 13:1-2 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities… to be obedient Their submission was to be sincere and practical, expressed through keeping laws and fulfilling public responsibilities. Obedience to human authorities did not override obedience to God when the two came into conflict. 1Pe 1:14 As obedient children, do not conform to the passions… and ready for every good work, Believers were to be prepared to serve others and promote what is beneficial in their communities. Their conduct was to display the transforming effect of the gospel through active, visible good works. 2Ti 2:21 So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit,… to malign no one, Believers are not to injure others through accusations, insults, or harmful speech. In the diverse communities of the early church, slander could quickly deepen social, ethnic, and personal divisions and damage the church’s public witness. Jas 4:11 Brothers, do not slander one another… and to be peaceable and gentle, Christians are to avoid quarrelsome conduct and deal with others patiently and kindly. Such conduct distinguished the church within a Roman world often shaped by rivalry, status, and force. Jas 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,… showing full consideration to everyone. Respect and humility are to govern relationships with all people, not only fellow believers or those of similar standing. The church was to reflect Christ’s servant-hearted example by treating Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, friends and opponents with equal dignity. Php 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride,… For at one time we too were foolish, Before salvation, believers lacked true spiritual understanding and lived apart from the wisdom of God. Rom 1:21-22 For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him… disobedient, Like all humanity since the fall, they resisted God’s authority and followed their own will. Eph 2:2 in which you used to walk when you conformed… misled, They were led astray by sin, false beliefs, and the corrupt values of the world. 2Co 11:3 I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived… and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures— Sin ruled their thoughts and actions, producing a life governed by self-centered appetites rather than obedience to God. Eph 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time,… living in malice and envy, Their inward corruption appeared in hostility, resentment, and jealousy toward others. Rom 1:29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness… being hated and hating one another. Sin damaged human relationships, creating the mutual hostility that stands in contrast to the love God produces in those He saves. Jhn 15:18-19 If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.… But when the kindness of God our Savior God’s saving purpose began in His own mercy and faithfulness, not in human merit. As Savior, He delivered His people from sin and brought redemption through Jesus Christ. Rom 2:4 Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness… and His love for mankind appeared, God’s love was made visible in the coming of Christ, whose incarnation, death, and resurrection opened salvation to people from every nation. 1Jn 4:9-10 This is how God’s love was revealed among us: … He saved us, Salvation begins with God’s action, not human effort. As Israel’s Deliverer in the Old Testament, He rescues His people from bondage and danger; in Christ, He delivers believers from sin and death. Eph 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… not by the righteous deeds we had done, No record of religious observance, moral conduct, or obedience to the Law can remove guilt before God. Human righteousness cannot establish a claim upon Him. Rom 3:20 Therefore no one will be justified in His sight… but according to His mercy, God saves because of His compassionate character and covenant faithfulness. His mercy provides what sinners cannot obtain for themselves. 1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!… through the washing of new birth God cleanses those who come to Christ and grants new life. Baptism outwardly portrays this cleansing and entrance into the redeemed community, while the new birth is God’s inward work. Jhn 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you,… and renewal by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit transforms believers from within, giving them new hearts, desires, and lives consistent with their new standing in Christ. Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed… This is the Spirit The Holy Spirit's role in the New Testament is to empower, guide, and sanctify believers. Act 2:17-18 In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit… He poured out on us abundantly God grants the Holy Spirit generously to those He saves. Under the new covenant, the Spirit permanently indwells believers, bringing regeneration, renewal, guidance, and sanctification. This outpouring began publicly at Pentecost and continues in all who belong to Christ. Act 2:33 Exalted, then, to the right hand of God,… through Jesus Christ our Savior, The Spirit is given through the saving work of Jesus Christ. By His death and resurrection, Christ secured reconciliation with God and the gift of the Spirit for His people. Tit 2:13 as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance… so that, God’s mercy in salvation has a definite goal: those rescued by Christ are brought into a new standing and a promised future. Rom 4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith… having been justified by His grace, Believers are justified—a legal term meaning declared righteous—before God solely because of His undeserved favor, not because of personal merit or obedience to the law. Christ’s saving work provides the basis for this verdict. Rom 3:24 and are justified freely by His grace through… we would become heirs Those justified by grace are received into God’s family and granted the rights of children. Their inheritance belongs to them through union with Christ. Gal 4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son;… with the hope of eternal life. Eternal life is the assured inheritance of God’s people. It is already secured by His promise and will be fully realized in the age to come. Tit 1:2 in the hope of eternal life, which God,… This saying is trustworthy. Paul affirms the certainty of the gospel truths he has just stated: God saves according to His mercy through regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit, not by human merit. These doctrines provide the foundation for Christian living. 1Ti 1:15 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance:… And I want you to emphasize these things, Titus was to keep these truths before the churches in Crete. Church leaders must consistently teach the gospel so believers understand both the source of salvation and its practical results. 2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season;… so that those who have believed God Those who trust in God through Christ are called to live in keeping with the new life He has given them. Genuine faith is more than agreement with truth; it produces obedience. Rom 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God… will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. Believers are to give deliberate attention to works that serve others, uphold what is right, and strengthen the church’s witness. Good deeds do not earn salvation, but they properly follow God’s saving work. Eph 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus… These things are excellent and profitable for the people. Sound doctrine and faithful conduct benefit both believers and the wider community, displaying the practical goodness of the gospel. 2Ti 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction,…
Avoid DivisionsPaul directs Titus to refuse disputes driven by speculation, pride, or a desire to win arguments. Such debates distracted churches from sound teaching and produced division rather than godly maturity. 2Ti 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant speculation,… genealogies, Some teachers promoted elaborate discussions about ancestral lines and traditions, using them to claim status or support speculative teachings. These matters could not strengthen faith or clarify the gospel. 1Ti 1:4 or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies… arguments, Contentious debates within the churches often arose from human opinions and rival teachers. Titus was not to be drawn into disputes that hardened attitudes and damaged fellowship. Pro 17:14 To start a quarrel is to release a flood;… and quarrels about the law, Jewish customs and the requirements of the Mosaic Law remained a source of conflict, especially between Jewish and Gentile believers. The church had already recognized that Gentiles were not required to keep the full ceremonial law in order to be saved. Act 15:1-2 Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching… because these things are pointless and worthless. They produced no spiritual fruit, did not advance the truth, and diverted believers from the good works and sound doctrine Paul commanded Titus to promote; they were like chasing after the wind. 2Ti 2:14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them… Reject a divisive man Those who persist in creating factions threaten the peace, order, and doctrinal faithfulness of the church. Such conduct places personal influence and opinion above the truth entrusted to the congregation and often leads others into conflict. Rom 16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who… after a first and second admonition, Correction is to be patient, deliberate, and aimed at repentance. The person is warned clearly on more than one occasion, giving opportunity to abandon divisive behavior. If he refuses correction, the church is not to continue treating his rebellion as acceptable. Mat 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him… knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; A person who persists in causing division after repeated warning has turned from sound doctrine and chosen a path of disobedience. His conduct damages the unity and spiritual health of the church. Isa 1:4 Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity… he is self-condemned. By refusing correction and continuing in sin, he demonstrates his own guilt. His actions expose his rejection of the truth and leave him accountable before God. Rom 2:1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment…
Final Remarks and GreetingsPaul planned to relieve Titus in Crete by sending one of these trusted coworkers. Artemas is otherwise unknown, while Tychicus was a dependable messenger who often served Paul in demanding assignments. 2Ti 4:12 Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus. make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, Paul wanted Titus to join him at Nicopolis in Epirus, a prominent coastal city whose name means “City of Victory,” founded by Augustus after the Battle of Actium. 2Ti 4:9 Make every effort to come to me quickly, because I have decided to winter there. Travel was difficult during winter, so Paul intended to remain there until conditions improved, and he desired Titus’s fellowship and help in the work. 1Co 16:6 Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter… Do your best to equip Titus was to make careful provision for the departure and needs of two traveling Christian workers, showing the church’s responsibility to support faithful ministry. 3Jn 1:6 They have testified to the church about your love… Zenas the lawyer Zenas is otherwise unknown in the New Testament. His title likely identifies him as a trained expert in the law, whose abilities were now being used in service to Christ. Luk 10:25 One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him.… and Apollos, Apollos was an eloquent teacher from Alexandria who had become a valuable coworker in the early churches. His presence with Zenas reflects the varied gifts and backgrounds represented among gospel workers. 1Co 16:12 Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go… so that they will have everything they need. Their journey was not to be hindered by unmet practical needs. Titus was to see that the believers supplied what was necessary for their travel and work. 2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you,… And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works Paul directs Titus to train the believers in Crete to make practical service a settled pattern of life. Good works flow from sound doctrine and demonstrate the changed conduct expected of those who belong to Christ. Eph 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus… in order to meet the pressing needs of others, The churches were to provide for genuine needs among fellow believers and support those serving the gospel. Such care strengthened the Christian community and displayed the love taught by Christ. Jas 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes… so that they will not be unfruitful. A faith that produces no service is barren in its witness. Believers who use their resources and abilities for the good of others bear evidence of spiritual maturity and bring honor to God. 2Pe 1:8 For if you possess these qualities… All who are with me send you greetings. Paul writes from among fellow believers who share in the work of the gospel. Their greeting reflects the close fellowship among churches and ministry workers, even when separated by distance. Php 4:21-22 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers… Greet those who love us in the faith. Titus was to convey Paul’s affection to believers whose love was rooted in their common faith in Christ. Christian fellowship joined Jews and Gentiles, leaders and congregations, in one spiritual family. Phm 1:5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus… Grace be with all of you. Paul closes by asking God’s grace—His unmerited favor and empowerment—for the entire church in Crete. They needed His favor and strength to remain faithful, uphold sound doctrine, and live in a manner consistent with the gospel. Heb 13:25 Grace be with all of you. This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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