The big idea
In short: power serves. A leader is “the steward of God”: not selfwilled, “not soon angry,” and “not given to filthy lucre” (1:7).
God saved people “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy” (3:5). Then they are to “maintain good works for necessary uses” (3:14).
The rule underneath: Law 11 · Power serves
Authority serves the people under it and answers to God.
Keep it: People do well under their leaders.
Break it: Leaders take, and kingdoms fall.
Shows up in: Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel, Proverbs, Mark, 1 Timothy
Other rules in this book: Work honestly, Love the actual person
Live it: Playbook 09 · How to lead
4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not 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;Titus 3:4-5 · KJV
At a glance
- What it is
- A letter from Paul to Titus, a non-Jewish co-worker (Galatians 2:3), left on Crete to organize churches (1:5). 3 chapters. One of the three Pastoral Letters.
- Who wrote it
- It names Paul. Many scholars think it was written later in his name, like 1 Timothy. debated
- When
- About AD 63–65 if Paul wrote it; later if not.
- Read it in
- About 7 minutes.
What it says
1 · Good leaders. Appoint elders, local church leaders, in every town (1:5). They must be faithful, gentle, fair, and not greedy (1:6–9). Some teachers are in it “for filthy lucre’s sake” (1:11). “Unto the pure all things are pure” (1:15).
2 · Every age group. Older men and women, younger men and women, and slaves each get advice for living well (2:1–10). Titus must be “a pattern of good works” (2:7). God’s grace has appeared “to all men,” and it teaches people to live “soberly, righteously, and godly” (2:11–12).
3 · Good citizens, useful work. Obey rulers, be ready for good work, “speak evil of no man,” be gentle (3:1–2). We were once foolish and hateful too, but God’s kindness saved us (3:3–5). So avoid pointless arguments (3:9), and learn to do good that meets real needs (3:14).
1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.Titus 3:1-2 · KJV
Go deeper
- Original words. Oikonomos, “steward” (1:7), was a household manager, often a slave, who ran the house for its owner. A leader manages what belongs to someone else. Philanthrōpia, “love… toward man” (3:4), is where the English word “philanthropy” comes from.
- Structure. Leaders (1), households (2), public life (3).
- Why “good works” so often? The phrase good work or good works appears six times in three chapters (1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14). The letter wants outsiders to see faith do good (2:5, 8, 10).
- How the laws interlock. Law 11 is the leader list. Law 7 is 3:14: work that meets real needs. Law 2 is 3:2: gentle toward everyone.
Hard parts
“The Cretians are alway liars” (1:12)
What it says Paul quotes one of the Cretans’ own poets: “The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.” He adds, “This witness is true” (1:12–13).
The rule underneath Every human bears God’s image. The letter also says to “speak evil of no man” (3:2).
What people added The line is traditionally credited to the Cretan poet Epimenides (about 600 BC). Some readers see a harsh ethnic insult. Others see a local joke aimed at specific false teachers (1:10–11), not a verdict on a people. Readers differ.
Wives and slaves (2:3–10)
What it says Young women should be “keepers at home… obedient to their own husbands” (2:5). Slaves should obey and not steal (2:9–10). The reason given is “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (2:5).
The rule underneath Love the actual person, and don’t give outsiders a reason to scorn the faith.
What people added Some readers see lasting roles. Others see advice shaped by what Roman society would respect at the time. On marriage roles, churches have split; this page does not settle it. On slavery, Christians today agree it is wrong.
Translation notes that change meaning
- 2:13 “the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” The Greek can mean one person (Jesus is both God and Saviour) or two (God, and Jesus the Saviour). Most modern versions choose one person. debated
Where it leads
- 09 · How to lead: tests for leaders (1:5–9).
- 05 · How to work: good works for real needs (3:14).
- 04 · How to speak and keep your word: “speak evil of no man” (3:2).
One thing to do
This week
Meet one real need
Ask one neighbor, coworker, or group near you: what do you actually need right now? Then do one useful thing about it, not what you would enjoy giving but what they need (3:14). Write in your journal what they asked for and what you did.
How to read it. Read it in one sitting. Count the times “good works” appears.