Titus 3

Last Wednesday evening our Bible study group worked through the last chapter of the letter to Titus. Verse 1 is one of several places in the NT that enjoin subnission to rulers. Cf. Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-14. Verse 2 contrasts with the following verses in stating what we should be like as opposed to what we are before Christ. Verse 2 also is one of five mentions of the theme of good works in this short letter which began in 1:16, continued in 2:14 (zealous for good works) and will come up again in 3:8 and 3:14 Verses 5,6,7 of chapter 3 show the powerful working of all 3 Persons of the Trinity in salvation. This encompasses the Father's mercy, the regeneration of the Holy Spirit and the justification by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 14 illuminates the theme of good works "to help cases of urgent need", while verse 13 directs the believers to assist itinerant ministers.