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 3:9

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain." What do these "genealogies" mean? For in his Epistle to Timothy he mentions "fables and endless genealogies." (1 Tim. i. 4.) Perhaps both here and there glancing at the Jews, who, priding themselves on having Abraham for their forefather, neglected their own part. On this account he calls them both "foolish and unprofitable"; for it is the part of folly to confide in things unprofitable. …

Homily on Titus 6 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

He speaks of the foolish disputes into which the Jews draw believers. Of the genealogies which they compose for themselves, tracing their lineages from the patriarchs and boasting of them. "Avoid" means: shun. For one must never, leaving aside necessary matters, spend time on idle talk and fruitless disputes. What profit is there in arguing where there is no hope that anyone might be captured for Christ? But how is it that above he commanded to stop the mouths of those who oppose? …

Commentary on Titus ↗

Oecumenius

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain. but avoid foolish disputes, genealogies. Genealogies or concerning the Greeks, who were recounting the lineage of their gods. They say, 'such a one begot such a one'. Concerning the Jews, who do not assert anything, but resort to genealogies and from them hold great esteem. Abraham, they say, Isaac and Jacob are our ancestors. But they bring foolish things, that is, nothing beneficial. …

Commentary On Titus ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

Blessed is that servant [Paul] who can say: "I have fed you with milk and not with meat; for until now you were not able to bear it." … Yet he—being so great a man and chosen by Christ for the care of his flock in order to strengthen the weak and to heal the sick—rejects immediately after a single admonition a heretic from the fold entrusted to him. This he does for fear that the taint of one erring sheep might infect the whole flock with a spreading sore. He further bids that foolish questions and contentions be avoided.

OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH 5, Prologue 3-4 ↗

Jerome

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. For there are many questions and divers contentions, wherefore Solomon said: "Those who seek God in the right way, find peace" (Proverbs 8:35). Therefore, those who do not seek God in the right way cannot find peace. There are many examples of those who seek God in the wrong way. The Jews seek God wrongly, hoping to find Him without Christ. …

Commentary on Titus ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Above, the Apostle taught Titus what to propose when instructing his people. Now he shows what to avoid in his teaching: first, he shows this; second, he writes of familiar matters, at when I shall send. In regard to the first he does two things: first, he shows how to avoid useless and aimless questions; second, how to avoid heretics, at a man that is a heretic. In regard to the first he does two things: first, he shows what to avoid in his doctrine; second, he assigns the reason, at for they are unprofitable. …

Commentary on Titus ↗