\id TIT - The English New Testament According to Family 35 
\h Titus 
\toc3 Tit. 
\toc2 Titus 
\toc1 The Epistle of Paul to Titus 
\mt2 The Epistle of Paul to  
\mt1 TITUS  
\c 1  
\s1 Greeting  
\m
\v 1 \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* apostle \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w elect|strong="G1588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w real|strong="G1922"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1922"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* Truth \w that|strong="G3588"\w* accords \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w godliness|strong="G2150"\w*,  
\v 2 \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*\f + \fr 1:2 \ft Paul frankly states his motivation; he wants eternal life, and the only way to get there is to be a slave of God. Since Jehovah the Son endured the cross with a view to the glory on the other side (Hebrews 12:2), Paul is in good company. We have the same opportunity.\f*—\w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w who|strong="G3739"\w* cannot lie,\f + \fr 1:2 \ft This is one thing that God cannot do, being contrary to His nature, His essence.\f* \w promised|strong="G1861"\w* \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w ages|strong="G5550"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w time|strong="G5550"\w*\f + \fr 1:2 \ft How did Paul know this? Presumably it was revealed to him, perhaps when he was caught up to the third heaven. (See also 1 Peter 1:18-20.) Perhaps it refers to a promise made by the Father to the Son. The suggestion here is that ‘time’ is a concept limited to this planet, being irrelevant to an eternal Being.\f*  
\v 3 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w manifested|strong="G5319"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w proclamation|strong="G2782"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* chosen \w times|strong="G2540"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w entrusted|strong="G4100"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w command|strong="G2003"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*;\f + \fr 1:3 \ft Paul is plainly claiming to be in the line of those whom God chose down through the ages to proclaim His Word, the implication being that it is a new proclamation, not just an exposition of what has already been written. The “hope of eternal life” has been proclaimed at chosen times throughout human history.\f*  
\v 4 \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Titus|strong="G5103"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w true|strong="G1103"\w* \w son|strong="G5043"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w common|strong="G2839"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*: \w Grace|strong="G5485"\w*, mercy,\f + \fr 1:4 \ft Some 8% of the Greek manuscripts omit “mercy” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*, \w from|strong="G1515"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Sovereign \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,\f + \fr 1:4 \ft I take it that “Father God” and “Sovereign Jesus Christ” act here as proper nouns. Perhaps 5% of the Greek manuscripts omit “Sovereign” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w*.   
\ms1 Qualifications for elders  
\p
\v 5 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w left|strong="G5484"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Crete|strong="G2914"\w*\f + \fr 1:5 \ft When was this? We know that Luke and Aristarchus were with Paul on the boat that took him to Rome; he isn't mentioned, but might Titus have been there too? And when the boat stopped at Fair Havens, Crete, Paul may have sent Titus ashore. (Paul already knew that he would suffer shipwreck.)\f* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w reason|strong="G5484"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w set|strong="G2525"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w lacking|strong="G3007"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w appoint|strong="G2525"\w* \w elders|strong="G4245"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G2596"\w* \w town|strong="G4172"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w directed|strong="G1299"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*  
\v 6 —\w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w man|strong="G5100"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* blameless, \w a|strong="G2192"\w* one-woman \w man|strong="G5100"\w*,\f + \fr 1:6 \ft I take it that Paul is speaking of a quality, a kind of person. Many men have only one wife, but have wandering eyes—they would not qualify.\f* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w*\f + \fr 1:6 \ft Presumably adults who have left the ‘nest’ are not in view here.\f* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w believe|strong="G4103"\w* \w and|strong="G1135"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* open \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* charge \w of|strong="G1520"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* wild \w or|strong="G2228"\w* disobedient.  
\v 7 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w an|strong="G1510"\w* administrator under \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w overseer|strong="G1985"\w*\f + \fr 1:7 \ft If we are going to represent God in an official capacity, we need to be clean.\f* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* blameless; \w not|strong="G3361"\w* self-willed, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* hotheaded, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w given|strong="G3361"\w* \w to|strong="G1163"\w* \w wine|strong="G3943"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* bully, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* avaricious;  
\v 8 \w but|strong="G1342"\w* rather \w hospitable|strong="G5382"\w*, a lover \w of|strong="G1342"\w* \w what|strong="G1342"\w* \w is|strong="G1342"\w* \w good|strong="G5358"\w*, \w prudent|strong="G4998"\w*, \w just|strong="G1342"\w*, \w holy|strong="G3741"\w*, disciplined;  
\v 9 holding fast \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w trustworthy|strong="G4103"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w taught|strong="G1322"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* competent\f + \fr 1:9 \ft Unfortunately, this competence in the use of God's Word is in rather short supply these days.\f* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w exhort|strong="G3870"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sound|strong="G5198"\w* \w doctrine|strong="G1322"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w correct|strong="G1651"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* oppose \w it|strong="G2532"\w*.   
\s1 They must face opposition  
\p
\v 10 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* really \w are|strong="G1510"\w* lots \w of|strong="G1537"\w* rebels, loudmouths \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w deceivers|strong="G5423"\w*, \w especially|strong="G3122"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w circumcision|strong="G4061"\w* group,  
\v 11 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w must|strong="G1163"\w* \w be|strong="G1163"\w* \w silenced|strong="G1993"\w*—\w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G3739"\w* ruining \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* \w households|strong="G3624"\w*, \w teaching|strong="G1321"\w* \w things|strong="G3739"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w they|strong="G3739"\w* \w ought|strong="G1163"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w*, \w and|strong="G1321"\w* \w for|strong="G3361"\w* dishonest \w gain|strong="G2771"\w*!\f + \fr 1:11 \ft Apparently those people were not acting out of strong personal conviction, but just for material gain. Pitiful. Unfortunately, such people are still very much with us.\f*  
\v 12 \w One|strong="G5100"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w them|strong="G3004"\w*, \w a|strong="G1537"\w* \w prophet|strong="G4396"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w their|strong="G2398"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w*, \w said|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w Cretans|strong="G2912"\w* \w are|strong="G4396"\w* always \w liars|strong="G5583"\w*, \w evil|strong="G2556"\w* \w beasts|strong="G2342"\w*, lazy \w gluttons|strong="G1064"\w*.”  
\v 13 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w testimony|strong="G3141"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w true|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 1:13 \ft Nothing like telling it like it is! (Paul had evidently not heard about being ‘politically correct’.)\f* \w Therefore|strong="G1223"\w* \w correct|strong="G1651"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* rigorously,\f + \fr 1:13 \ft Ingrained habits and cultural characteristics cannot be changed with a single rebuke; Paul is talking about a sustained effort to bring about a change in their attitudes and cultural values.\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w sound|strong="G5198"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*,  
\v 14 \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w paying|strong="G4337"\w* \w attention|strong="G4337"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jewish|strong="G2451"\w* \w fables|strong="G3454"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w commands|strong="G1785"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* rejecting \w the|strong="G2532"\w* truth.\f + \fr 1:14 \ft Before listening to someone, you need to check out their presuppositions.\f*  
\v 15 \w To|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w pure|strong="G2513"\w*, \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w pure|strong="G2513"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w defiled|strong="G3392"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* unbelieving, \w nothing|strong="G3762"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w pure|strong="G2513"\w*; \w in|strong="G2532"\w* fact, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w minds|strong="G3563"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w consciences|strong="G4893"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w defiled|strong="G3392"\w*.\f + \fr 1:15 \ft I am reminded of Matthew 6:22-23, words of the Sovereign Creator while He walked this earth: “The lamp of the body is the eye. So if your eye is sound your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is evil your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” Of course we have two eyes, but the Text has “eye” in the singular. I take it that the reference is to the way we interpret what we see (which is our real ‘eye’)—two people, one pure and one vile, observing the same scene will give very different interpretations to it. ‘Evil’ here has the idea of malignant—aggressively evil. Someone with a malignant mind will give an evil interpretation to \+nd everything\+nd* he sees, and in consequence his being will be filled with unrelenting darkness. That is what it says here in Titus 1:15; to someone who is defiled \+bd \+nd nothing\+nd*\+bd* is pure. With a defiled mind \+nd and conscience\+nd* such a person is simply incapable of giving a decent interpretation to anything at all in this whole wide world. That is why Paul goes on to say in the next verse that such a person is disqualified for any good work. Surely, if you are full of evil, how can you do good?\f*  
\v 16 \w They|strong="G2532"\w* \w profess|strong="G3670"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w actions|strong="G2041"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w deny|strong="G3588"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* detestable, disobedient \w and|strong="G2532"\w* disqualified \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w any|strong="G3956"\w* \w good|strong="G3956"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w*.   
\c 2  
\ms1 Qualities to be taught  
\m
\v 1 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* suit \w sound|strong="G5198"\w* \w doctrine|strong="G1319"\w*:  
\v 2 \w older|strong="G4246"\w* \w men|strong="G4246"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G1510"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w sober|strong="G4998"\w*, \w dignified|strong="G4586"\w*, \w prudent|strong="G4998"\w*, \w sound|strong="G5198"\w* \w in|strong="G4102"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w in|strong="G4102"\w* love \w and|strong="G4102"\w* \w in|strong="G4102"\w* \w endurance|strong="G5281"\w*;  
\v 3 \w similarly|strong="G5615"\w* \w older|strong="G4247"\w* \w women|strong="G4247"\w* \w are|strong="G4183"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w reverent|strong="G2412"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w behavior|strong="G2688"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w slanderers|strong="G1228"\w* \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w enslaved|strong="G1402"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w*, teachers \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G2567"\w* \w is|strong="G3631"\w* \w good|strong="G2567"\w*  
\v 4 —\w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G3588"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* instruct \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w young|strong="G3501"\w* \w women|strong="G3501"\w*\f + \fr 2:4 \ft Note that the young women are to be instructed by older \+nd women\+nd*, who can do a much better job on that particular front than can male pastors.\f* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w love|strong="G5388"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w husbands|strong="G5362"\w*, \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w love|strong="G5388"\w* \w their|strong="G3588"\w* \w children|strong="G5388"\w*,  
\v 5 \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* \w prudent|strong="G4998"\w*, pure, \w good|strong="G3588"\w* homemakers, subordinating \w themselves|strong="G2398"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w their|strong="G2398"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* husbands, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G3361"\w* maligned.   
\p
\v 6 \w Similarly|strong="G5615"\w*, \w exhort|strong="G3870"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w young|strong="G3501"\w* \w men|strong="G3501"\w* \w to|strong="G3870"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* self-controlled,\f + \fr 2:6 \ft Curiously the young men get only one requirement—self-control.\f*  
\v 7 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* presenting \w yourself|strong="G4572"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w an|strong="G1722"\w* \w example|strong="G5179"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w*:\f + \fr 2:7 \ft Again, if we are going to represent God in an official capacity, we need to be clean.\f* \w showing|strong="G3930"\w* integrity, \w dignity|strong="G4587"\w* \w and|strong="G3956"\w* incorruptibility\f + \fr 2:7 \ft Some 17% of the Greek manuscripts omit “incorruptibility” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G3956"\w* \w teaching|strong="G1319"\w*  
\v 8 —\w healthy|strong="G5199"\w* \w speech|strong="G3056"\w*, \w beyond|strong="G1537"\w* reproach—\w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w opponent|strong="G1727"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2443"\w* \w put|strong="G1788"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w shame|strong="G1788"\w*, \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* slighting \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w us|strong="G3004"\w*.\f + \fr 2:8 \ft A significant minority of the Greek manuscripts (20%) have ‘you’ (as in AV and NKJV), but the majority (including the best line of transmission) has “us”. Since Titus' message and authority derive from Paul, it is properly first person.\f*  
\v 9 Exhort \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* subordinate \w themselves|strong="G2398"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* owners, \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w well|strong="G2101"\w* \w pleasing|strong="G2101"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* talking back,  
\v 10 \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w pilfering|strong="G3557"\w*\f + \fr 2:10 \ft A slave could doubtless find opportunity to pilfer, and could convince himself that he was justified in so doing. An observant owner could figure out who did and who didn't.\f* \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w showing|strong="G1731"\w* total trustworthiness, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w adorn|strong="G2885"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w doctrine|strong="G1319"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 2:10 \ft Notice that Paul does not incite slaves to revolt or rebellion. Perhaps it is especially in adverse circumstances that we can “adorn” the doctrine of God.\f*   
\s1 Saving grace  
\p
\v 11 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* saving \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w appeared|strong="G2014"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*,  
\v 12 \w teaching|strong="G3811"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w*, denying ungodliness \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w worldly|strong="G2886"\w* \w lusts|strong="G1939"\w*, \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w* prudently, \w righteously|strong="G1346"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w godly|strong="G2153"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w present|strong="G3568"\w* age,\f + \fr 2:12 \ft God's saving grace has been made available for everyone, but most people have not heard of it. If they are to hear, we must live godly lives.\f*  
\v 13 \w looking|strong="G4327"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w blessed|strong="G3107"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w*,\f + \fr 2:13 \ft If we are to live “looking”, then we regard it as something that could happen in our lifetime (otherwise there is no point in ‘looking’).\f* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorious|strong="G1391"\w* \w appearing|strong="G2015"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,  
\v 14 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w redeem|strong="G3084"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* lawlessness\f + \fr 2:14 \ft Since any ‘law’ that God promulgates derives from His character, I take the point here to be that God wants to deliver us from anything and everything that is not in conformity to His character.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w purify|strong="G2511"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* special \w people|strong="G2992"\w*, \w zealous|strong="G2207"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w*.\f + \fr 2:14 \ft There is repeated emphasis on \+nd doing\+nd* what is good, not just professing correct doctrine.\f*   
\p
\v 15 \w Speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w whether|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w exhort|strong="G3870"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w reprove|strong="G1651"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w authority|strong="G2003"\w*. \w Let|strong="G4065"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* disdain \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.\f + \fr 2:15 \ft The problem here could be his youth, but as Paul's delegate he represents apostolic authority.\f*   
\c 3  
\ms1 The difference the Gospel makes  
\m
\v 1 \w Remind|strong="G5279"\w* \w them|strong="G1438"\w*\f + \fr 3:1 \ft The Text just has the pronoun, but the reference is evidently to the Christians in Crete.\f* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* subordinate \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* rulers \w and|strong="G3956"\w* \w authorities|strong="G1849"\w*, \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w obedient|strong="G5293"\w*, \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w ready|strong="G2092"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w good|strong="G3956"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w*,  
\v 2 \w to|strong="G4314"\w* slander \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w*, \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* peaceable, \w gentle|strong="G1933"\w*, demonstrating true \w humility|strong="G4240"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 3 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w ourselves|strong="G2249"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w foolish|strong="G2532"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1722"\w* \w time|strong="G4218"\w*, disobedient, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w deceived|strong="G4105"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w enslaved|strong="G1398"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w various|strong="G4164"\w* \w lusts|strong="G1939"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w pleasures|strong="G2237"\w*, \w living|strong="G1236"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w malice|strong="G2549"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w envy|strong="G5355"\w*, detestable,\f + \fr 3:3 \ft Hey, there is hope! ‘Detestable’ is repeated from 1:16 above, so if people who are now regenerated were once that way, then they can be changed; there is a way out, through the Gospel. (Actually in the Text the terms are different, synonyms, but the point is the same.)\f* \w hating|strong="G3404"\w* \w one|strong="G1722"\w* \w another|strong="G1722"\w*.\f + \fr 3:3 \ft This description is very up to date; it fits contemporary society very well. So those who were saved out of that milieu should be gentle with those who are still in it. Those who have always been protected from the world may find it difficult to be gentle.\f*   
\s1 What a marvelous salvation!  
\p
\v 4 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w kindness|strong="G5544"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w love|strong="G5363"\w* \w toward|strong="G4990"\w* \w mankind|strong="G5363"\w* \w manifested|strong="G2532"\w* itself,\f + \fr 3:4 \ft Remember John 3:16.\f*  
\v 5 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w* \w us|strong="G4160"\w*—\w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* righteous \w deeds|strong="G2041"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w ourselves|strong="G2249"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w*, \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w means|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* bath \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w regeneration|strong="G3824"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* renewal \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,\f + \fr 3:5 \ft The regenerating and renewing are performed by the Holy Spirit. In verse 6 the “He” who does the pouring is the Father, based on the saving work of the Son—here we have an overt reference to the Trinity.\f*  
\v 6 \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w poured|strong="G1632"\w* \w out|strong="G1632"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w abundantly|strong="G4146"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w our|strong="G2424"\w* \w Savior|strong="G4990"\w*,  
\v 7 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* having \w been|strong="G1096"\w* \w justified|strong="G1344"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w His|strong="G1565"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w we|strong="G2443"\w* \w might|strong="G1680"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w heirs|strong="G2818"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w of|strong="G5485"\w* eternal \w life|strong="G2222"\w*.   
\s1 So let's do good  
\p
\v 8 \w The|strong="G2532"\w* \w above|strong="G4012"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w trustworthy|strong="G4103"\w* \w statement|strong="G3056"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w want|strong="G1014"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* insist \w on|strong="G4012"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* trusted \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* concerned \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lead|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w*.\f + \fr 3:8 \ft I take that to be the normal meaning of the Text—Christians should take the lead in their communities with projects that are for the common good.\f* \w These|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w profitable|strong="G5624"\w* \w for|strong="G4012"\w* mankind.\f + \fr 3:8 \ft If everyone in the world lived according to Biblical principles it would be a much better place! There would be no need for jails, police departments, armies, rehabilitation centers, most hospitals, etc.\f*  
\v 9 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w avoid|strong="G4026"\w* \w foolish|strong="G3474"\w* arguments \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w genealogies|strong="G1076"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w contentions|strong="G2054"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w disputes|strong="G3163"\w* \w about|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w law|strong="G3544"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* unprofitable \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w useless|strong="G3152"\w*.\f + \fr 3:9 \ft Some people like to argue for the sake of arguing, but Sovereign Jesus said we will be judged for every idle word (Matthew 12:36).\f*   
\p
\v 10 Excommunicate \w a|strong="G2532"\w* divisive \w man|strong="G1520"\w* \w after|strong="G3326"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G1520"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w second|strong="G1208"\w* \w admonition|strong="G3559"\w*,  
\v 11 \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w person|strong="G5108"\w* \w has|strong="G3708"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w perverted|strong="G1612"\w*\f + \fr 3:11 \ft The passive voice indicates that the person was perverted by an outside force, in this context presumably by Satan; but he went along with the process, allowed it to happen (or he would not be “self-condemned”). So now he is on Satan's side, and if he refuses to listen to two warnings, he does not want to change. The next best thing is to excommunicate him, not allow him to work within the community, because of the damage he causes.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* sinning, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* self-condemned.   
\ms1 Farewell  
\p
\v 12 \w As|strong="G1519"\w* \w soon|strong="G3752"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* Artemas \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w Tychicus|strong="G5190"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*, \w do|strong="G2919"\w* \w your|strong="G1563"\w* best \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w at|strong="G1519"\w* \w Nicopolis|strong="G3533"\w*, \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w decided|strong="G2919"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w spend|strong="G3914"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w winter|strong="G3914"\w* \w there|strong="G1563"\w*.\f + \fr 3:12 \ft For Paul to write this, he could not be in prison. Either he was freed after Acts 28:31 or this letter was written before his trip to Jerusalem that resulted in his imprisonment.\f*  
\v 13 \w Send|strong="G4311"\w* \w Zenas|strong="G2211"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w lawyer|strong="G3544"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Apollos \w on|strong="G4311"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G4311"\w* \w without|strong="G3367"\w* delay,\f + \fr 3:13 \ft How did Paul know about those men being in Crete? Believers who traveled would transmit information.\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w lack|strong="G3007"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w*.  
\v 14 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w our|strong="G2251"\w* \w people|strong="G1510"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w learn|strong="G3129"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w maintain|strong="G4291"\w* \w good|strong="G2570"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w meet|strong="G2570"\w* pressing \w needs|strong="G5532"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w they|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* unfruitful.\f + \fr 3:14 \ft By meeting the needs of God's servants we share in the fruit of their labors.\f*   
\p
\v 15 \w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* greet \w you|strong="G5210"\w*. Greet \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w love|strong="G5368"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*.\f + \fr 3:15 \ft The Text does not have ‘the’ faith, just ‘faith’. Perhaps the reference is to those who have never met Paul, but love him anyway.\f* \w Grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 3:15 \ft “You all” is obviously plural, so evidently Paul expected that the letter would have a wider circulation than just Titus.\f* Amen.