August 21, 2014 Titus Chapter 3

Titus Chapter 3

Originally posted Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Titus, Chapter 2:15-3:1-11 Maintain Good Deeds

The author instructs the churches to "declare these things" referring in particular to 2:11-14, his summary of the "doctrine of God our Savior (2:10b). As an extension of the household code he includes the Pauline emphasis on civil obedience, being subject to "rulers and authorities" (Rom. 13:1-7). Just as a properly run household is evidence that the Christian family structure and management is in accord with Roman/Greek notions of civility (and not a threat to normalcy), the civic behavior of believers as citizens is to be equally acceptable and exemplary. Family and citizenship are two crucial elements of an orderly Empire and believers are called upon not to draw attention to themselves by acting to the contrary to the degree that their faith in the one God and one Lord would allow.

The list in vss. 1-2 is meant to govern the believers' interactions with others in the world of non-believers. We can see that such qualities mirror the expectation of relationships within the community of believers. To be obedient to leaders, do good works, avoid gossip, not be quarrelsome, be gentle and "show every courtesy to everyone is a fair standard for behavior in any environment. We would be more impressed with the writer's motives for such winsome behavior had he not presented a second list dwelling on the "shortcomings" of the community's pagan neighbors. He reminds the believers that they were once like them (note the "us" and "them" categories which universally lie at the root of prejudice). The believers once did all these bad things the pagans are doing but now they understand how wrong they were. Having come to the realization that it was only by the kindness of God in Christ that they have been saved from the fate of the world and not their own doing, they can look upon the pagans with great empathy. They realize that it was God's grace and no personal merit or works of their own that brought this about.  Through the "washing of rebirth" and transformation by the Spirit "poured out...richly through Christ," they have become "heirs...of eternal life." The author has made his point. Believers have no place to stand from which they can judge others for being what they once were. We can hasten to add Paul's own modification: neither can they judge one another within the community of believers.

The author applies his exhortation on good conduct to the lives of the believers. Having eschewed wasting mental energy on the judging of others, he "strongly counsels [them]" to "take thought to be involved in good works" which are "good and profitable" (spiritually) to others." By so occupying their time in godliness they can avoid involvement with those who are engaged in "unprofitable and worthless" myths and speculations (1 Tim. 1:3-5). With regard to those who insist on such "stupid controversies" which cause divisions in the community, they are to be admonished twice. If there is no repentance, such people are to be avoided for such a person "has been perverted and sins, being self-condemned."

Titus, Chapter 3:12-15 Final Messages and Benediction

We have not heard of Artemas or Zenas the lawyer whom the writer asks to have sent to him while he winters in Nicopolis of Macedonia. We know of Tychius who was a co-worker with Paul and Timothy. Apollos is well known from his first appearance in Acts and his work in Corinth. His inclusion here may have the purpose of pointing out his continued value as an evangelist against other conclusions one might draw from Paul's comments in 1 Cor. 1:10-13.

His closing instruction concerns good works: "and let our own people learn also to be concerned about supplying good works for the pressing needs [of others] so they may not be unproductive." The issue may be a tendency toward idleness and association with divisive activities, especially "stupid controversies." The point the writer makes is applicable to any community of believers. The disciple does not wait to be advised of a need in order to be in ministry. The disciple learns of the opportunities for "supplying good works for the pressing needs of others." While the informed congregation is more apt to be in ministry, a lack of information is not an excuse not to seek out the situations and needs that are shouting for attention. Even the most active and communicative congregation cannot know all the needs of the community and beyond. This brings to mind the great judgment scene in Mt. 25:31-46, the separation of the sheep from the goats. Those who did not involve themselves in good works had as their defense that they were not aware of the opportunities. Jesus' point in the parable is that the opportunities are everywhere visible to those with eyes to see and ears to hear. To those who did see and heard, our author proclaims, "Grace be with all of you."