FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO Titus 3
A. This chapter characterizes the themes of the entire book.
1. Christian character is emphasized in Tit_1:16; Tit_2:7; Tit_2:14; Tit_3:1-2; Tit_3:8
2. Christian doctrine is summarized in Tit_2:11-14; Tit_3:4-7
3. Believers are to live right because they have been made right with God. We are to take on the family characteristics of our Father. The goal of Christianity is not only heaven when we die, but Christlikeness now (cf. Rom_8:28-29; 2Co_3:18; Gal_4:19; Eph_1:4; 1Th_3:13; 1Th_4:3). The purpose of our new life is to reach the lost with the gospel (cf. Mat_28:18-20; Luk_24:46-47; Act_1:8). But Paul wants to make sure that his appeal to "good living" is not confused with "works righteousness."
B. The entire Trinity is active in mankind's salvation (see Special Topic at Tit_3:6)
1. Father's love (Tit_3:4)
2. Spirit's renewal and baptism (Tit_3:5)
3. Son's mediatorship (Tit_3:6)
C. Tit_3:9-11 is Paul's continuing warnings against false teachers and exhortation to good deeds, which is so characteristic of the Pastoral Epistles (cf. Tit_1:10-16; 1Ti_1:3-7).
D. Tit_3:12-15 forms a personal conclusion of encouragement and instructions to Titus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Why should Christians submit to civil government? What if the governing authorities are not Christians?
2. What is the major emphasis of Tit_3:4-7?
3. Is baptism necessary for salvation? Why? Why not?
4. Why are believers to be subject to civil authority?
5. What is a heretic?
6. Outline the theological statements of Tit_3:5-7.
7. What do the "good deeds" of Tit_3:8; Tit_3:14 involve?