Paul greets Titus, his true son in the faith, and states his mission: to further the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of truth that accords with godliness. He left Titus in Crete to appoint elders in every town who are “above reproach”–faithful, self-controlled, and devoted to teaching what is right. In contrast, rebellious teachers deceive households for profit, especially those promoting Jewish myths. Paul cites a Cretan poet: “Cretans are always liars,” and urges Titus to rebuke them sharply so they may become sound in the faith. True purity flows from the heart; those corrupted in mind cannot produce good. In the end, “they profess to know God, but deny him by their works.”
Right belief produces right behavior. The purity of heart born from faith shows itself in godly deeds, while false teaching exposes itself through corrupt lives.
16: They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Paul teaches that Christian living must reflect the gospel itself. Older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and slaves all receive guidance fitting for sound doctrine. Self-control, integrity, and reverence are repeated themes, showing that faith touches every part of life. Believers are to live so that “the word of God may not be reviled,” and that the teaching about God our Savior may be adorned by their conduct. God’s grace has appeared in Christ, bringing salvation to all and training His people to renounce ungodliness, live uprightly, and await the blessed hope of His return. The Savior who redeemed them now calls them to live as His purified, devoted people.
Grace transforms as well as saves. Genuine faith produces a new way of life that honors Christ and makes the gospel beautiful to others.
12: …training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
Paul urges believers to live peaceably and obediently under rulers, showing gentleness to all. Once foolish and enslaved by passions, we now live differently because the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. He saved us–not by works, but by His mercy–through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit, poured out richly through Jesus Christ. Having been justified by grace, we become heirs of eternal life and should devote ourselves to good works. Titus must avoid fruitless controversies and warn divisive people twice before removing them, protecting the church’s purity. Paul closes by asking the Cretan believers to aid Zenas and Apollos, a practical expression of the good works he commends throughout the letter.
Because salvation is entirely God’s merciful work, believers must reflect His grace through humble, peaceable lives that benefit others.
8: The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
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