ScriptureDepth's study of Titus 3
“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,”
Titus 3:5
Paul writes to Titus about salvation, asserting that it is not by our own 'works of righteousness' but through God's mercy and the Holy Spirit.
What Titus 3 is about
Paul instructs the believers to be in subjection to rulers, obedient, and ready for good works (vv. 1-2). He recalls their past condition as foolish and disobedient, living in malice and envy (vv. 3). Salvation came through God's kindness and mercy, not by their own works, but through the washing of regeneration (vv. 4-5). The Holy Spirit was poured out richly through Jesus Christ, allowing believers to be justified by grace and made heirs of eternal life (vv. 6-7). Paul urges affirmation of these truths and encourages believers to maintain good works, avoiding foolish disputes which are unprofitable (vv. 8-9). He advises avoiding divisive persons after warning them twice (vv. 10-11). Paul plans to send Artemas or Tychicus and requests to send Zenas and Apollos on their journey (vv. 12-13). He encourages believers to learn good works for necessary purposes (v. 14). Paul sends greetings from those with him (v. 15).
Believers are encouraged to maintain good works and support one another in faith.
Titus 3 at a glance
- Titus 3:1–2Instructions for Conduct
- Titus 3:3–5Past Condition and Salvation
- Titus 3:6–7Justification and Hope
- Titus 3:8–9Encouragement for Good Works
- Titus 3:10–11Dealing with Divisive Persons
- Titus 3:12–14Final Instructions and Greetings
- Titus 3:15Concluding Remarks
Key verse: Titus 3:5
One thing to notice
Verses 8 and 14 both mention good works, urging readers to 'maintain good works' for those who have believed God. The repetition of this phrase across different contexts in the chapter stresses the necessity of good works in the life of a believer and their effect on others.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Titus 3 (WEB)
Instructions for Conduct Titus 3:1–2
1Verse 1. Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2Verse 2. to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
Past Condition and Salvation Titus 3:3–5
3Verse 3. For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4Verse 4. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 5Verse 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,
Justification and Hope Titus 3:6–7
6Verse 6. whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7Verse 7. that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Encouragement for Good Works Titus 3:8–9
8Verse 8. This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; 9Verse 9. but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Dealing with Divisive Persons Titus 3:10–11
10Verse 10. Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning, 11Verse 11. knowing that such a one is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.
Final Instructions and Greetings Titus 3:12–14
12Verse 12. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. 13Verse 13. Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. 14Verse 14. Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.
Concluding Remarks Titus 3:15
15Verse 15. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Titus 3
Authority and Submission
In Titus 3, the call to authority and submission is explicit in the opening verses (vv. 1-2), where followers are urged to 'be in subjection to rulers and to authorities' and 'to be obedient'. This instruction is framed within a context of gentleness and humility towards 'all men'. The text moves forward by contrasting this behavior with past foolishness and disobedience, reinforcing the transformation expected in the community.
Transformation by Grace
Titus 3 presents a clear contrast between past and present lives in verses 3-5, where it describes former behaviors like being 'foolish' and 'disobedient'. The text then shifts dramatically to God’s kindness and love, demonstrating that salvation comes 'not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy'. This transformation is highlighted through the 'washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit' in verses 5-6, marking a new identity in Christ.
Good Works and Community
The emphasis on good works surfaces notably in verses 8 and 14, where the community is encouraged to 'maintain good works for necessary uses'. This call to action is linked to the belief in God, indicating that faith is expected to produce tangible outcomes in communal life. In verse 9, the text warns against distractions from fruitful engagement, suggesting that the focus on good works is vital for the community's health and effectiveness.
Chapter outline
How Titus 3 unfolds
Titus 3:1–2 Instructions for Conduct
Paul instructs believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, obedient, and ready for good works while also encouraging gentle and humble interactions with all people (vv. 1-2).
Titus 3:3–5 Past Condition and Salvation
Paul notes that believers were once 'foolish, disobedient, deceived,' living in malice and envy, but through God's mercy, salvation came 'through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit' (vv. 3-5).
Titus 3:6–7 Justification and Hope
Paul states that the Holy Spirit was 'poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior,' leading to believers being 'justified by his grace' and becoming 'heirs according to the hope of eternal life' (vv. 6-7).
Titus 3:8–9 Encouragement for Good Works
Paul urges the community to affirm the reliability of the message about good works, advising them to avoid foolish disputes, which are unprofitable and vain (vv. 8-9).
Titus 3:10–11 Dealing with Divisive Persons
Paul instructs to avoid a divisive person after giving them one or two warnings, explaining their self-condemnation due to their behavior (vv. 10-11).
Titus 3:12–14 Final Instructions and Greetings
Paul shares plans to send Artemas or Tychicus and requests the swift sending of Zenas and Apollos, emphasizing the need for support in their journey (vv. 12-14).
Titus 3:15 Concluding Remarks
Paul concludes with greetings from those with him and a final blessing of grace for all who love them in faith (v. 15).
Key verses
Titus 3:5Paul writes to Titus about salvation, asserting that it is not by our own 'works of righteousness' but through God's mercy and the Holy Spirit.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Titus 3
- observeIn v5, what does Paul say about how we are saved?
- observeWhat does Paul urge believers to maintain in v8?
- interpretIn vv. 9-10, why does Paul advise avoiding a 'factious man'?
- interpretIn v7, what does it mean to be 'justified by his grace'?
- applyWhen have you struggled to be 'gentle' toward someone in your life?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Titus 3
- Ephesians 2Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8Both save: Titus 3:5 speaks of mercy in salvation, while Ephesians 2:8 emphasizes grace through faith.
- John 3Titus 3:4 and John 3:16Both love: Titus 3:4 mentions God's kindness and love, while John 3:16 expresses God’s love for the world.
- Isaiah 44Titus 3:5 and Isaiah 44:3Both pour out: Titus 3:5 refers to the Spirit, while Isaiah 44:3 promises pouring out water and Spirit.
- Romans 12Titus 3:5 and Romans 12:2Both renewing: Titus 3:5 speaks of the Spirit renewing, while Romans 12:2 discusses renewing of the mind.
- 2 Timothy 2Titus 3:2 and 2 Timothy 2:24Both gentle: Titus 3:2 calls for humility, while 2 Timothy 2:24 instructs not to quarrel but to be gentle.
- Colossians 1Titus 3:3 and Colossians 1:13Both deliver: Titus 3:3 reflects on past folly, while Colossians 1:13 speaks of deliverance from darkness.
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