Fathers

Titus 3

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Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a one is perverted and sins, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

Titus 3:14

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Ver. 14, 15. "And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith." That is, either those that love Paul himself, or those men that are faithful. "Grace be with you all. Amen." "And let ours," he says, "learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful." You observe that he is more anxious for them than for those who are to receive their kindnesses. …

Homily on Titus 6 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

As if he says: it would have been possible for me to make the aforementioned persons not in need by other means, but I do not wish to — so that "our people," that is, those around you, might learn from the fact that you will supply them with what is necessary for the journey, "to devote themselves to good deeds," that is, to care for those in need — both in money, and in words, and in everything else, not so that those in need might receive such benefit from it, but so that they themselves might enjoy the fruits of their own love for …

Commentary on Titus ↗

Oecumenius

Let our own also learn to devote themselves to good works for necessary needs, so that they may not be unfruitful. Let our own also learn. The statement concerning teaching, or concerning instruction, as if Paul said: They themselves showed themselves to be generous towards those in need, and let them draw them to themselves, whether they are in need of teaching or of necessities. so that they may not be unfruitful. For Paul wishes to benefit those who give rather than those who receive.

Commentary On Titus ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

But also let our people learn to lead in good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful. He had said above: Send Zenas, the teacher of the law, and Apollo and care for them that nothing be wanting to them. Since therefore a hidden answer might arise, so that anyone who reads this Epistle, not Titus only, might ask whence he should supply those who had no provision for their journey, he solved this difficulty and removed every obstacle by saying: But also let our people learn to lead in good works for necessary uses, …

Commentary on Titus ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Hence he continues, let our men also learn, namely, that the faithful provide for their prelates as the Jews do. And he says, our, namely, subjects, should learn to excel the Jews and others from Asia who provide for their preachers and the needy. And he says, for necessary uses, i.e., in cases of necessity: "but if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content" (1 Tim 6:8). The reason why they should excel the others is that they be not unfruitful: "who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit?" (1 Cor 9:7). …

Commentary on Titus ↗