Titus 3 KJV
Saved by Grace, Not Works
Titus Chapter 3: Saved by Grace, Not Works
Titus 3:5's unique pairing of 'washing of regeneration' with the Spirit's renewal draws on Greco-Roman mystery cult imagery of rebirth while subverting it to emphasize divine initiative over ritual efficacy.
1ut them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
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Did You Know?
Titus 3:5's unique pairing of 'washing of regeneration' with the Spirit's renewal draws on Greco-Roman mystery cult imagery of rebirth while subverting it to emphasize divine initiative over ritual efficacy.
The chapter's opening command to submit to 'principalities and powers' (3:1) gains edge from Crete's documented history of banditry and tax revolts against Rome, making Paul's civic ethic a countercultural stance rather than generic advice.
Verse 8's phrase 'maintain good works' employs a rare Greek term (proistemi) that elsewhere denotes leadership or patronage, implying believers should actively fund and organize charitable efforts within the Cretan church.
The rejection of 'genealogies' (3:9) likely targets not only Jewish speculative lineages but also the island's own mythic claims of descent from Zeus or Minos, undermining local identity politics with gospel priorities.
Paul's final note sending Zenas 'the lawyer' (3:13) introduces a rare NT reference to a professional jurist traveling with Apollos, hinting at early Christian use of Roman legal expertise for navigating imperial bureaucracy.