Titus 3

¹ Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

² to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.

³ For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

⁴ But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,

⁵ not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior;

⁷ that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

⁸ This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;

⁹ but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

¹⁰ Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning,

¹¹ knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.

¹² When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.

¹³ Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.

¹⁴ Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

¹⁵ All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Around Titus 3

Context

Context for this book is being written. A note appears here only once it names its sources.

AI explanation

Titus 3 · Written by an AI model · Not reviewed by a theological reader

This explanation was written by an AI model to help you get started. It names no sources and can contain mistakes. Scripture comes first, and context with sources is shown separately on this page.

What this chapter says

Paul tells Titus to remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, and to be gentle and show humility toward everyone. He gives the reason from their own story: they were once foolish, disobedient, led astray and full of malice and envy.

Then the tone brightens. The kindness of God our Savior and his love for humanity appeared, and he saved them, “not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy”. He did this through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, poured out through Jesus Christ, so that they might become heirs with the hope of eternal life. Those who have believed must be careful to do good works.

Titus should avoid foolish arguments and genealogies and, after two warnings, have nothing to do with a divisive person. Paul ends with plans, names and greetings: Artemas or Tychicus, Nicopolis, Zenas the lawyer and Apollos.

Background

The letter closes with a short summary of the gospel set among practical requests. Christians differ on what the washing of rebirth refers to, with many seeing baptism, and others the inner renewal by the Spirit. The line about being saved not by works has also shaped long debates among Christians about faith and works. Tradition links the letter to Paul, while many scholars think a follower wrote in his name. See Ephesians 2 and Romans 3 for related passages.

About this explanation

Written by Claude Sonnet 5.5, an AI model, on 18 October 2026. It draws on the WEB text and general knowledge and was not checked against sources by a person. Every quotation from Scripture is checked automatically against the WEB text.

Report a mistake

CommunityVoices, not sources

Readers share what this chapter means to them in the app.

See what readers say about Titus 3

Read Titus 3 in the app

World English Bible. Public-domain source and edition notes