Titus 3

Titus 3 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Titus 3 calls Christians to live peaceably, avoid pointless disputes, and stay ready for practical service. Paul grounds this way of life in God's mercy, the Spirit's renewing work, and the hope of eternal life. The chapter ends with instructions that keep the church useful and united.

Read in Reader Share Passage

What happens in Titus 3?

Paul tells Titus to remind believers to respect authorities, be obedient, and show gentleness toward others. He contrasts their present conduct with their former condition, then points to God's kindness and saving mercy in Christ. Salvation is described as new birth, renewal by the Holy Spirit, justification by grace, and inheritance with eternal hope. Paul then urges attention to good deeds while warning against fruitless controversies and divisive people. The chapter closes with travel plans, practical support for coworkers, and a final blessing of grace.

Titus 3 is the closing chapter of Paul's letter to Titus, who was serving the church in Crete. After earlier instructions about sound teaching, household life, and leadership, this chapter broadens the focus to public conduct, mercy-based salvation, and church unity. It gathers the letter's main concerns into a final appeal for a life shaped by grace and useful service.

Themes to notice

Grace and salvationGod saves by mercy, through the Spirit's renewing work, not by human merit.
Good worksBelievers are called to active, careful service that meets real needs.
Unity and restraintThe church should avoid empty quarrels and deal wisely with divisive behavior.

Questions for Titus 3

How does Paul connect God's mercy with the way believers should live?
What does this chapter say about the role of good works in Christian life?
Why does Paul warn so strongly against divisive arguments and people?

Read the full text of Titus 3 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Titus 3

Heirs of Grace

1Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,2to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.3For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,5He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.6This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,7so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.8This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.

Avoid Divisions

9But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.10Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,11knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Final Remarks and Greetings

12As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.13Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need.14And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.

15All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.

Keep studying

Save notes and ask about Titus 3

Create a free account to keep highlights and notes across devices, or open Bible Glide Chat with this passage already attached.

Create Free Account Ask About This Passage