Titus 3 - Introduction

The Apostolate its Ministry of Goodwill and Good Works

The last verse of chap, 2, in gathering up the previous counsels, also makes a link for passing to the further consideration of social and civil duties generally. So the R.V. in printing the verse as a separate paragraph. Westcott and Hort connect entirely with chap. 3.

The duty is laid down in Titus 3:1-2 of living -in the bond of peace," (-even if tyrannical" is implied, but with Pauline tact notexpressed), and -in dutiful allegiance to the constituted authority." This is enforced (Titus 3:3-5) by the motive of God's saving love to men -even when they were enemies," and (Titus 3:6-7) of the power, conveyed through the gift of the Spirit, for such a spiritual life. The appeal to this high calling closes the last of the special counsels in practical duty; as a similar lofty strain closed the last but one, Titus 3:14. St Paul, in drawing to an end, recapitulates (as at the end of the first letter to Timothy) the main points of the letter, viz., (1) the practical issues of religion in all the duties of life, in Titus 3:8; a summary of Titus 2:1 to Titus 3:7; the silencing of false teachers through his appointment of good and sound elders, and his own vigorous soundness, in Titus 3:9-11; a summary of Titus 1:5-16. The chapter and letter then close with personal directions (Titus 3:12-14), and salutations (Titus 3:15).