1Christians are admonished to be subject to civil powers, and of a peaceable and quiet demeanour. 3They are saved from their sins by God's mercy through Christ, but must maintain good works. 9Genealogies and contentions about the law are to be avoided; 10and obstinate heretics to be rejected. 12Paul appointeth Titus when and where to come to him; 14recommendeth acts of mercy to Christians; 15and concludeth with salutations and a benediction.
1PUT12them in minda to be subject 3to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready 4to every good work,
1 Or, exhort them. Gr. put them in mind.
2 Namely, the Cretians, your hearers.
a Rom. 13:1, etc.; 1 Peter 2:13.
3 Namely, whatever they may be, not only the believing ones, but also those who are unbelieving, as most all of them were at that time.
4 Namely, that which is commanded them by the authorities, and is not contrary to God’s Word, as well as also in general, as the following exhortations entail.
2To speak evil of no man, to be 5no brawlers, but gentle,b shewing allc meekness unto all men.
5 Namely, neither in words nor else otherwise.
b Philip. 4:5.
c 2 Tim. 2:24, 25.
3Ford we ourselves also were 6sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
d 1 Cor. 6:11; Eph. 2:1; Col. 3:7; 1 Peter 4:3.
6 Namely, before our conversion to Christ, in spiritual things concerning salvation. See 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 4:17, 18.
4But after that 7the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man 8appeared,
7 Namely, which is the first cause of our salvation whereby God was moved to impart the same to us. See John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:9.
8 Namely, by the preaching of the Gospel, as Titus 2:11.
5Note9by works of 10righteousness 11which we have done, butf according to his mercy heg saved us, 12by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
e Rom. 3:20, 28; 4:2, 6; 9:11; 11:6; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:9.
9 Namely, as causes which would merit or be worthy of salvation.
10 Gr. which are in righteousness, that is, which are done according to the law of God, which is the rule of all righteousness; so that here are clearly excluded all good works done, not only according to the ceremonial law, but also according to the moral law, or the Ten Commandments.
11 Namely, not only before our conversion and justification, as if by the same we had prepared ourselves thereunto, but also which were done after conversion, seeing these works are not contrasted to the works after conversion, but God’s mercy, which excludes all works, Rom. 9:16; 11:6.
f Acts 15:11; Eph. 2:4.
g Eph. 1:4; 2 Tim. 1:9.
12 That is, by regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which is as a water bath, whereby the filthiness of our sins are washed and purified, Ezek. 36:25, 26, 27, whereof the water bath of Baptism is a sign and seal. See the like phrase, Rom. 4:11.
613Whichh he 14shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
13 Namely, the Holy Spirit.
h Ezek. 36:25.
14 That is, imparted abundantly. He continues the similitude of water. See likewise Isa. 44:3; Ezek. 36:25; 39:29; Joel 2:28; Zech. 12:10; Acts 2:17; 10:45.
7That 15being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs 16according to the hope of eternal life.
15 That is, acquitted in the judgment of God, by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, and forgiveness of sins.
16 That is, eternal life, for which the believers hope, as Titus 1:2.
8This is 17a faithful saying, and these things I willi that thou affirm 18constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful 19to maintain good works. These things are good and 20profitable unto men.
17 See 1 Tim. 1:15 and 2 Tim. 2:11.
i wish, desire
18 That is, inculcate them into your hearers with firm and solid reasons out of the Scripture, that they may firmly believe this, and diligently pursue it.
19 That is, mainly to exercise themselves therein and to go before others with good examples.
20 Namely, seeing God will reward the same out of grace.
9Butj avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
j 1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 6:20; Titus 1:14.
10A mank that is an 21heretickl22after the first and second admonition 23reject;
k Mat. 18:17; Rom. 16:17; 2 Thes. 3:6; 2 John verse 10.
21 That is, who obstinately urges and maintains false doctrine, to the disturbing and rending of the congregation. See of this word, Acts 5:17; 15:5; 1 Cor. 11:19.
l heretic, one who chooses a wrong belief
22 Namely, given him by the congregation to depart from his errors, and making of schism. See Mat. 18:17.
23 Or, avoid, shun; that is, have no communion with him; let him go without disputing anymore with him, and without casting that which is holy before such dogs. Mat. 7:6. Let him not remain in the external communion of the congregation.
11Knowing that he that is such is 24subverted, and 25sinneth, 26being condemned of himself.
24 Namely, like a house, which is broken down to the ground and overturned.
25 Namely, willfully and grievously.
26 That is, convinced in his own mind that he opposes the truth.
12When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus,m be diligent to come unto me 27to Nicopolis: for I have 28determined 29there to winter.
m Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; 2 Tim. 4:12.
27 There were different cities of this name, wherefore some think that here is understood Nicopolis in Thracia, situated not far from Philippi. Others, Nicopolis in Epirus, built by Augustus in remembrance of the victory by sea, which he had there against Antoninus, now called Prevesia.
28 Gr. judged, that is, decided.
29 It seems therefore that this epistle was not written at Nicopolis.
13Bring Zenas 30the lawyer and Apollosn on their journey 31diligently, that 32nothing be wanting unto them.
30 Such they were called who were expert in the law of Moses, and interpreted the same to the people. See Mat. 22:35; Luke 7:30; 10:25; 11:45; 14:3.
n Acts 18:24; 1 Cor. 1:12.
31 Or, carefully.
32 That is, no travelling-money and other necessities needful for their journey.
14And let 33ours also learn 34to maintain good works 35for necessary uses, that they be not 36unfruitful.
33 That is, the teachers themselves, who are of our calling and order.
34 This may be understood either in general of all good works or in particular of the works of liberality towards them who are in need, as the following words seem to entail.
35 Or, uses which are necessary.
36 Namely, in bringing forth the fruits of faith and love.
15All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us 37in the faith. Grace be with 38you all. Amen.
37 That is, with such love as the christian faith requires. Or, for the common faith’s sake.
38 Namely, with all the believers who are with you.