Fathers

Titus 3

Tap a verse to read the Fathers. Press and hold, then drag, to make a card.

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.

About · Privacy · Credits · Support VRSZ

What the Fathers say

Titus 3:8

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Having spoken of the love of God to man, of His ineffable regard for us, of what we were and what He has done for us, he has added, "These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works"; that is, Discourse of these things, and from a consideration of them exhort to almsgiving. For what has been said will not only apply to humility, to the not being puffed up, and not reviling others, but to every other virtue. …

Homily on Titus 6 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since he spoke about the future, he adds confirmation to his word. For it is clear from the past: He who granted such blessings will grant these also. Having mentioned the ineffable goodness of God, he says: I want you to teach about this in such a way that the believers learn not only to be humble-minded and not to wrong others, but also to show them every kind of mercy. For whoever remembers the mercy of God that he was deemed worthy of will himself be merciful. …

Commentary on Titus ↗

Oecumenius

The saying is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to insist on, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to excel in good works. These things are good and beneficial to people. Since Paul spoke about future things, which were unclear to most, he adds, The saying is trustworthy, that is, true and certain to come to pass. and concerning these things I want you. And about those things which have been said above and about these things. About which? may be careful to excel in good works. …

Commentary On Titus ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

Faithful is the saying, and I wish to confirm (or affirm) you about these things, that those who believe in the Lord should have care to preside over good works. These things are good and useful for men. This saying, faithful is, must be joined to the preceding part, in which he said that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs in the hope of eternal life. For the saying about the inheritance of God is worthy of faith, and about the hope of eternal life. …

Commentary on Titus ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, it is a faithful saying, he corroborates what he said about our salvation and hope. As if to say: this saying is trustworthy: "these words are trustworthy and true" (Rev 22:6). Then when he says, and these things I will, he commands that this be preached: first, he gives the command; second, he assigns the reason, at these things are good. …

Commentary on Titus ↗