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.
Read it in contextInsist on what is profitable
Start reading at Titus 3:8 (Titus 3:8 to Titus 3:15).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul directs attention to good works rather than fruitless disputes and closes with practical arrangements supporting the same concern.
3:8This 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.
3:9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
3:10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
3:11Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
3:12When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
3:13Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
3:14And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
3:15All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter. Biblical references: Titus 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Titus 2:1–3:15): Paul instructs Titus about teaching older and younger men and women, servants, and the community generally, and gives directions concerning coworkers and travel. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Titus, Paul's own son after the common faith, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. Biblical references: Titus 1:4; Titus 1:5. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Insist on what is profitable. Read Titus 3:8 through Titus 3:15 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul directs attention to good works rather than fruitless disputes and closes with practical arrangements supporting the same concern. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul recalls leaving Titus in Crete to set matters in order and appoint elders. The letter does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Crete is the location of Titus' stated assignment; Nicopolis appears in Paul's plan to winter. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Insist on what is profitable (Titus 3:8 to Titus 3:15).
Start reading at Titus 3:8. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The saving grace of God is presented as teaching a changed life while believers look for the blessed hope. Christ's giving of Himself is connected with a people zealous of good works. See Titus 1:5, Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Let sound teaching produce responsible conduct and good works. Grace should be read with the letter's call to deny ungodliness rather than used to excuse it. interpretation
Cited: Titus 3:8, Titus 3:15, Titus 1:5, Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostleNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse. Titus 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedGrouped with the other Pastorals in the critical discussion above.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Titus 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Titus, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. The letter joins sound teaching with trustworthy leadership and good works, grounding holy conduct in God's saving grace.
Connection to the wholePublic gentleness is grounded in remembering the readers' former life and God's saving mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Connection to the wholePaul directs attention to good works rather than fruitless disputes and closes with practical arrangements supporting the same concern.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Titus
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Titus, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. The letter joins sound teaching with trustworthy leadership and good works, grounding holy conduct in God's saving grace.
Connection to the wholePaul's opening commission moves into leadership qualifications and the need to confront teaching whose conduct denies its claims.
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter grounds peaceful public conduct in God's mercy and directs believers away from unprofitable disputes toward good works.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.