FocusRenewal rather than former conduct
Connection to the wholePublic gentleness is grounded in remembering the readers' former life and God's saving mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
interpretation Titus 3:2
KJVTo speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Read it in context
Mercy remembered
Start reading at Titus 3:1 (Titus 3:1 to Titus 3:7).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Public gentleness is grounded in remembering the readers' former life and God's saving mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
- 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
- 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
- 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
- 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
- 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
- 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
- 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter. Biblical references: Titus 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Titus 2:1–3:15): Paul instructs Titus about teaching older and younger men and women, servants, and the community generally, and gives directions concerning coworkers and travel. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Titus, Paul's own son after the common faith, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. Biblical references: Titus 1:4; Titus 1:5. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Mercy remembered. Read Titus 3:1 through Titus 3:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Public gentleness is grounded in remembering the readers' former life and God's saving mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul recalls leaving Titus in Crete to set matters in order and appoint elders. The letter does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Crete is the location of Titus' stated assignment; Nicopolis appears in Paul's plan to winter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Mercy remembered (Titus 3:1 to Titus 3:7). Start reading at Titus 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The saving grace of God is presented as teaching a changed life while believers look for the blessed hope. Christ's giving of Himself is connected with a people zealous of good works. See Titus 1:5, Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Let sound teaching produce responsible conduct and good works. Grace should be read with the letter's call to deny ungodliness rather than used to excuse it. interpretation
Cited: Titus 3:1, Titus 3:7, Titus 1:5, Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Titus 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedGrouped with the other Pastorals in the critical discussion above.
Related passages
- speak Ps 140:11 Prov 6:19 Acts 23:5 1 Cor 6:10 2 Cor 12:20 Eph 4:31 1 Tim 3:11 Jas 4:11
- no Prov 19:19 Prov 25:24 1 Tim 3:3 2 Tim 2:24-25
- gentle 2 Sam 22:36 Isa 40:11 Matt 11:29 2 Cor 10:1 Gal 5:22 Gal 6:1 Eph 4:2 Phil 4:5
- all men 1 Cor 9:19 Gal 6:10 1 Thess 5:14-15 1 Pet 2:17
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Titus 3
Paul writes to Titus, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. The letter joins sound teaching with trustworthy leadership and good works, grounding holy conduct in God's saving grace.
Titus 1:1 Titus 1:4 Titus 1:5 Titus 2:11
Insist on what is profitable
Titus 3:8–15FocusGood works and avoidance of division
Connection to the wholePaul directs attention to good works rather than fruitless disputes and closes with practical arrangements supporting the same concern.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Titus
Paul writes to Titus, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. The letter joins sound teaching with trustworthy leadership and good works, grounding holy conduct in God's saving grace.
Titus 1:1 Titus 1:4 Titus 1:5 Titus 2:11
Set the churches in order
Titus 1:1–16FocusElders and contrary teachers
Connection to the wholePaul's opening commission moves into leadership qualifications and the need to confront teaching whose conduct denies its claims.
interpretation Teach fitting conduct
Titus 2:1–15FocusGrace trains a holy people
Connection to the wholeInstructions for differing groups are grounded in the grace of God that teaches denial of ungodliness and zealous good works.
interpretation FocusMercy, renewal, and profitable works
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter grounds peaceful public conduct in God's mercy and directs believers away from unprofitable disputes toward good works.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.