Titus 3

He exhorts Titus that he will inculcate to his hearers to be obedient to the magistrates 2 Not to revile and contend but use meekness towards all men 3 For that end setting forth the corrupt estate wherein they were before their conversion 4 and in what manner and for what end they were delivered out of it by Christ 8 that he earnestly exhorts them to maintain good works 9 that he rejected all foolish questions and contentions 10 and shun heretical persons 12 chargeth him to come to him to Nicopolis 13 to conduct and take care of Zena and Apollo 19 that believers taught to maintain good works 15 and concludes the epistle with usual salutations.

1. Exhorts [Gr put them in mind] them [namely the Cretians thy hearers] to be subject to magistrates and powers [namely of what manner of ones so ever they be not only believing ones but also those that are believing as then they were yet most of them] to be obedient to them to be ready unto every good work [namely as well that which is commanded them by the magistrate and is not contrary to Gods words as also in general as the following words imports]

2. That they revile no man be fighter [namely neither in words nor else otherwise] but be discreet showing all meekness towards all man.

3. For we also formerly were unwise [namely before our conversion to Christ in spiritual things concerning salvation see 1 Corinthians 2:14 Ephesians 4:17,18] disobedient going astray serving many kinds of lusts and pleasures living in malice and envy being hateful and hating on another.

4. But when the kindness of God our savior [namely which is first cause of our salvation whereby God was moved to impart the same unto us see John 3:16 Romans 5:8 1John 4.9] and his love to men appeared [namely by the preaching of the gospel as Titus 2:11]

5. He saved us not by works [namely as causes which should merit or be worthy of salvation] of righteousness[Gr which are in righteousness that is which are done according to the law of God which is the rule of righteousness so that here are clearly excluded all good works done not only according to the ceremonial law but also according to the moral law or the ten commandments] which we had done [namely not only before our conversion and justification as if by the same we had prepared ourselves thereunto but which were done after conversion seeing of these works are not opposed works after conversion but Gods mercy which excludes all work Romans 9:16 and chapter 11 .6] but according to his mercy by the hath of regeneration and renewing of the holy ghost [that is by regeneration and renewing of holy ghost which is as a bath whereby the filthiness of our sins are washed and purified Ezekiel 36.verse 25,26,27 whereof the bath of baptism is a sign and seal see the like Phrase Romans 9:11]

6. Which [namely holy ghost] he hath richly powered upon us [that is imparted abundantly he continues in similitude of water see the like Isaiah 44:3 Ezekiel 36:25 and 39.29 Joel 2:28 Zachariah 12.10 Acts 2:17 and 10.45] by Jesus Christ our savior.

7. That we being justified [that is absolved in the judgment of God by imputation of righteousness of Christ and forgiveness of sins] by his grace might be heirs according to the hopes of eternal life [that is eternal life which believers hope for as chapter 1.2]

8. this is a faithful word [see 1 Timothy 1:15 and 2Timothy 2.11]and these things I will that thou confirm earnestly [that is inculcate thy hearers with firm and solid reasons out of scripture that they may firmly believe this and diligently pursue it] that they that believe in God take care to maintain good works [that is chiefly to exercise themselves therein and to go before others with good examples] these things be they which are good and profitable unto men [namely seeing God of grace will reward the same]

9. But withstand foolish questions and genealogies and contention and striving about the law for they are unprofitable and vain

10. An heretical man [that is who obstinately urged and maintaineth false doctrine to the disturbing and rending of the church see of this word Acts 5:17 and chapter 15.5 1Corinthians 11.19] reject [or avoid shun that is have no communion with him let him go without disputing anymore with him and casting that is holy before such dogs Matthew 7.6let him not remain in the external communion of the church]after the first and second admonition [namely given him by the church to depart from the his errors and making of schisms see Matthew 18:17]

11. Knowing that such a one is perverted [namely like as a house which is broken down to the ground and overturned] and sinneth [namely willfully and grievously]being condemned by himself [that is convinced in his own mind that he opposeth the truth .]

12. When I shall send Artemus unto thee or Tychus give diligence to come unto me to Nicopolis [there were divers of this name wherefore some think that here is understood Nicopolis in Thracia lying not from Philippi others Nicopolis in Ppirus built by Augustus in remembrance of victory by sea which he had there against Antony now called Prevesia] for there [it seems there that this epistle was written at Nicopolis as the postscript mentions]I have purposed[Gr judged that is determined] to winter.

13. Zenas the lawyer[so they were called who were expects in law of Moses and interpreted the same to the people see Matthew 22:35 Luke 7:30 and chapter 10.252 and chapter 11.45 and chapter 14.3] and Apollo conduct carefully [Gr diligently]that nothing be wanting to them [that is no money for the journey and other necessaries needful for their journey]

14. And let ours also [that is the teachers themselves who are of our calling and order] learn to maintain good works [this may be understood either in general of all good works or particular of the works of liberality towards them that are in need as following words seem to import]for necessary use [or uses which are necessary] that they be not unfruitful ]namely in bringing forth the fruit of faith and love.]

15. All they that are with me salute thee salute them that love us in faith [that is with such love in faith requires or for the common faith sake] grace be with you all [namely with all the faithful that are with you] AMEN.