1. admone illos principibus et potestatibus subditos esse dicto obœdire ad omne opus bonum paratos esse
2. neminem blasphemare non litigiosos esse modestos omnem ostendentes mansuetudinem ad omnes homines
3. eramus enim et nos aliquando insipientes increduli errantes servientes desideriis et voluptatibus variis in malitia et invidia agentes odibiles odientes invicem
4. cum autem benignitas et humanitas apparuit salvatoris nostri Dei
5. non ex operibus justitiæ quæ fecimus nos sed secundum suam misericordiam salvos nos fecit per lavacrum regenerationis et renovationis Spiritus Sancti
6. quem effudit in nos abunde per Jesum Christum salvatorem nostrum
7. ut justificati gratia ipsius heredes simus secundum spem vitæ æternæ
8. fidelis sermo est et de his volo te confirmare ut curent bonis operibus præesse qui credunt Deo hæc sunt bona et utilia hominibus
9. stultas autem quæstiones et genealogias et contentiones et pugnas legis devita sunt enim inutiles et vanæ
10. hereticum hominem post unam et secundam correptionem devita
11. sciens quia subversus est qui ejusmodi est et delinquit proprio judicio condemnatus
12. cum misero ad te Arteman aut Tychicum festina ad me venire Nicopolim ibi enim statui hiemare
13. Zenan legis peritum et Apollo sollicite præmitte ut nihil illis desit
14. discant autem et nostri bonis operibus præesse ad usus necessarios ut non sint infructuosi
15. salutant te qui mecum sunt omnes saluta qui nos amant in fide gratia Dei cum omnibus vobis amen
Footnotes:
3:1-2 - Paul exhorts Christians to be obedient to those in authority, living with gentleness and humility. Christian witness should not be marked by rebellion, but by good works and respect for others (see also Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17).
3:3-7 - Paul recalls how we once were, living in sin, but we were saved by God's mercy. Salvation is by grace, not by works, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit transforms us (see also Ephesians 2:1-10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17).
3:8 - Paul emphasizes that good works are the natural result of genuine faith. The Christian life should be characterized by actions that glorify God and testify to our transformation (see also Matthew 5:16 and James 2:14-26).
3:9-11 - Paul warns against foolish arguments and disputes that create divisions. The unity of the church depends on faithfulness to the truth, and dividers must be firmly corrected (see also Romans 16:17-18 and 1 Corinthians 1:10-13).
3:12-15 - Paul gives final instructions, including the need to support missionaries and do good works. He concludes with a call to live in harmony and be committed to God's mission (see also 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 and Philippians 4:8).
Verses related to Epistula ad Titum, 3:
Titus chapter 3 focuses on Christian life in society. How should believers relate to the world? This balanced text urges submission to authorities and the practice of good works, remembering the transformation wrought by God's grace. The chapter covers topics such as regeneration by the Holy Spirit, justification by grace and the inheritance of eternal life. Paul also warns against useless divisions and controversies in the church. Consider with us five biblical passages that correlate with the practical principles of this relevant chapter.
Romans 13:1: "Everyone must submit to government authorities, as there is no authority that does not come from God; the authorities that exist were established by him." - This verse echoes Paul's instructions in Titus 3:1 about submission to authorities.
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For you are saved by grace, through faith, and this does not come from yourselves, it is the gift of God; not by works, lest any man should boast." - This passage reflects Paul's teaching in Titus 3:5 about salvation by God's grace, not by works.
2 Timothy 2:23: "Avoid foolish and unqualified controversies, for you know that they provoke quarrels." - Paul gives similar advice in Titus 3:9, warning against foolish arguments and controversies.
Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against these things there is no law." - These fruits of the Spirit reflect the good works that Paul encourages in Titus 3:14.
Matthew 18:15-17: "If your brother sins against you, go and, alone with him, show him his error. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two others with you, so that 'any accusation may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to you, tell the church; and if he refuses to listen also to the church, treat him as a pagan or a tax collector." - This procedure for dealing with sin in the church aligns with Paul's instructions in Titus 3:10-11 about dealing with divisive people.
FAQ:
How should Christians relate to authorities?
They must be submissive, obedient, and ready for every good work, avoiding contention and speaking with gentleness. (Titus 3:1-2)
What does Paul teach about salvation in Titus 3?
Salvation does not come by works, but by God's mercy through regeneration by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5-7)
What to avoid to maintain unity in the church?
Paul advises avoiding foolish arguments, genealogies, disputes, and debates about the law, for they are useless. (Titus 3:9)
How to deal with a factional person in the church?
After one or two warnings, such a person should be avoided, for he has gone astray and is in sin. (Titus 3:10-11)
What is the relationship between good works and the Christian faith?
Christians should practice good works as a reflection of their faith, being fruitful in the Christian life. (Titus 3:8, 14)
