The Epistle to Philemon

 ¹ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, ² to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: ³ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴ I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, ⁵ hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, ⁶ that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. ⁷ For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. ⁸ Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, ⁹ yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ—¹⁰ I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, ¹¹ who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. ¹² I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, ¹³ whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. ¹⁴ But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. ¹⁵ For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, ¹⁶ no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. ¹⁷ If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. ¹⁸ But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. ¹⁹ I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. ²⁰ Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. ²¹ Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. ²² But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. ²³ Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, ²⁴ as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. ²⁵ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Brief Introduction

Philemon is the shortest of the thirteen epistles that the Apostle Paul has given us. It has been placed right after Titus; therefore, it is his finial epistle in the N.T. Scripture. In it we learn that it was written during Paul’s imprisonment at Rome while waiting to make his appeal before Caesar, roughly 62. A.D. Though short in length this is one of Paul’s most personal letters, being written by his own hand (vs. 19) and being addressed to a certain wealthy Christian named Philemon who resided at Colossae. The reason for Paul’s writing him though is not for his own sake, but rather as an appeal for a certain runaway slave named Onesimus, who had fled to Rome and sought Paul knowing that his persons only hope was to have Paul intercede on his behalf. Now Rome was an empire that was kept alive by slaves, by the enslavement of those peoples whom they had conquered. Slaves then were the backbone of this vast empires massive building programs, as well as how its citizens made and sustained their own privileges and wealth. That said slaves had very little or no rights under Roman law, for they were considered nothing more than mere property, (or a commodity that could be bought and sold), and so they were treated however their masters saw fit, and as such they could face brutal reprisals from their masters for even the smallest offenses. Contrasted with that form of slavery is that which we read of in the law of Moses which regulated the treatment of slaves, which had provisions and protections for them, as well as a guarantee of release for those who were enslaved because of their inability to pay their debts etc. Thus, slavery amongst the Jews often took the form of servanthood rather than what the world around them did with and too their slaves. That all said, the Apostle Paul (and all the Apostles) did not seek to violate Roman law and free all of Rome’s slaves by some sort of revolt or uprising, which would’ve only ended in the annihilation of the early church and all believers with the empires grasp. Rather they sought to change hearts and minds regarding slaves and their treatment, beginning with believers who held slaves. And so, within this brief letter we get to see the great tact which the Apostle employs in seeking the wellbeing and welfare of Onesimus, and how he appeals to Philemon his master to no longer see Onesimus as a mere slave, but rather now as a beloved fellow brother in the Lord. And this he does while facing his own trial and death for his faith In Christ.

Commentary

Vs.1-3 ¹ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, ² to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: ³ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul beings his epistle by addressing himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus; thus, not a prisoner of crimes against the state, or any person, but a prisoner for his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Now along with Paul was his beloved son (i.e., disciple) Timothy, who began with Paul way back at Ephesus, and who remained faithful to him even to their imprisonment together here at Rome. Paul then addresses his letter to Philemon whom he calls a beloved friend and fellow labor, who thus was a believer and one who also worked for the Gospels furtherance. Now along with Philemon Paul also greets Apphia, which most believe to be Philemon’s wife. And finally, a man named Archippus whom the Apostle Paul calls “our fellow solider”; who may have been their son, for after greeting him, Paul goes on to greet the church that is in their house (vs. 2). And so here we see that Philemon though a wealthy man, was a hospitable one, who was hosting a group of believers in his own home. This then is how the early churches gathered for worship, for prayer, for Bible study, in the homes or residence of believers. 

Having then greeted Philemon and His household and the church there, the Apostle Paul now extends all Christians graces to them all saying, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” ^{Vs. 3}

Now if you too are a Christian, a believer, then please take those words to heart as for you too. For believing in and thus belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ you also have grace from God our Father and peace through and from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Vs. 4-7 ⁴ I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, ⁵ hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, ⁶ that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. ⁷ For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

The Apostle Paul now begins his address to Philemon by telling him that he thanks God for his fellowship, and that he makes mention of him always in his prayers (vs. 4). For in hearing of Philemon’s love for the Lord Jesus and all of the saints; that is everyone who believes in Jesus Christ; and so, every believer regardless of their social standing or their gender; therefore, the Apostle Paul finds solid ground to commend him for this; for his love and for his faith (vs. 5); which as Paul says in verse six was being manifested towards all, and not just in word, but especially in deed. That is what the Apostle Paul is saying when he says to him, “that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” ^{Vs. 6}

Philemon then was not only being acknowledged as a Christian, but he was also being encouraged to continue on being a benevolent and charitable Christian man, whom again the Apostle Paul acknowledges as coming from Philemon’s own faith in and love for the Lord Jesus Christ. For it is the Lord Jesus Christ who in changing our hearts and persons and lives also does many gracious works and generous deeds towards one and towards all through us all. For that is always the mark of a Christian their good and gracious deeds. Therefore, the Apostle Paul says that he and those with him have great joy and consolation in his love, because even though Paul was then imprisoned, he was greatly consoled by Philemon’s faith and outworking of love which had refreshed the hearts of the saints, that is fellow believers, therefore Paul is not only joyful and consoled by hearing of this, but he now calls him his brother (Vs. 7).

Vs. 8-16 ⁸ Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, ⁹ yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ—¹⁰ I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, ¹¹ who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. ¹² I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, ¹³ whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. ¹⁴ But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. ¹⁵ For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, ¹⁶ no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Starting in verse eight the Apostle Paul ever so tactfully begins his appeal to Philemon for Onesimus; the slave who had run away and had come to him and had himself now become a follower of Jesus Christ. And so, to begin the Apostle Paul makes it clear that as an Apostle of Jesus Christ he could command Philemon to do what is fitting, that is receive Onesimus his runaway slave back without any repercussions to this frightened slave. And yet Paul does not go that route, rather he now appeals to him for loves sake, that is just as Philemon has already shown much love towards the saints; that he would do so once again; and this time not simply as act of benevolence towards Onesimus, whom it appears he had been quite upset with, but towards the Apostle Paul himself as an aged man and also a prisoner of Jesus Christ, which he would be doing if he would receive Onesimus back. For the Apostle now tells Philemon that he has begotten Onesimus to Christ while in his chains (vs. 9-10), that is Onesimus has now become a disciple of Christ, which itself is not unusual since many people come to receive the Lord Jesus Christ for themselves when they too are also brought to the place of despair, (Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son perfectly pictures this). Therefore, in asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back, Paul also tells him that though Onesimus may have been unprofitable to him, yet he has become profitable to him (vs. 11), that is he has changed, or better been changed, therefore in doing so Philemon would be receiving his own heart, thus tying what Philemon does with Onesimus with himself (vs. 12).

The Apostle Paul continues on by saying that he even wanted to keep Onesimus there with himself; thus, indicating to Philemon that such has Onesimus changed that the Apostle Paul has now found him to be a good and profitable servant, ministering to him while he was in chains for the gospel’s sake (vs. 13). However, Paul once again ever so tactful now says to Philemon that without his consent he wanted to do nothing, saying he’d much rather have Philemon do a good deed not by compulsion, but rather as it were, a voluntary act and choice of love (vs. 14). Nonetheless Paul was going to send Onesimus back to Philemon, and thus he will ever so subtly make the point that now he himself will now suffer loss by doing so, in order to prepare Philemon to receive Onesimus back in a spirit of reconciliation and peace just as Paul has done. For Paul now says that perhaps Onesimus left for this very purpose; to minister to him while he was in chains for the gospel’s sake, and for himself to become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, so that Philemon could receive him back to himself forever. No longer then as a mere slave, but now as a beloved brother in the Lord, both to Paul and now to himself (vs. 15-16). Thus, rather then seeing Onesimus’ departure as an act of rebellion or wronging him, Paul is appealing to Philemon to see all of the good that has now come out of it. It’s a great display of both tact and mercy on the Apostle Paul’s part, which could only have only positive effects on all those believers there in Philemon’s household. For just as spirit of anger flavors the people and places where it is allowed to flourish, so does the spirit of reconciliation and peace.

Vs. 17–25 ¹⁷ If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. ¹⁸ But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. ¹⁹ I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. ²⁰ Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. ²¹ Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. ²² But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. ²³ Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, ²⁴ as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. ²⁵ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Having then ever so tactfully laid the groundwork for Philemon to receive Onesimus back, the Apostle Paul now returns to his Apostle authority, saying to Philemon, “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.” ^{Vs. 17} Thus Paul not only elevates Onesimus from the place of slave to beloved brother, who is to be received as Philemon would receive Paul himself; but now he also elevates Philemon as his equal, as a partner in the Gospel. For true leadership always elevates those they lead. In verses eighteen and nineteen then the Apostle Paul makes his strongest appeal for clemency for Onesimus, saying, ¹⁸ But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. ¹⁹ I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.

Thus, the Apostle Paul now makes it clear that he himself will bear whatever burdens or debts that Philemon has incurred through Onesimus, verifying this by saying that this epistle was not being dictated, but was being written by his own hand. Having done so Paul now reminds Philemon that he himself owes himself to him, that is, his own faith to the Apostle Paul. And so, the idea is not to hold grudges or indebtedness against another believer, because we are all indebted to Christ (consider Matt. 18:21-35)

Verse twenty then is an appeal to Philemon by the Apostle Paul to refresh his heart by receiving Onesimus back graciously. While in verse twenty-one the Apostle Paul affirms to Philemon that he is confident that he will obey him in this, and that Philemon will do even more than this to make Onesimus feel accepted again, now as a brother in the Lord. In verse twenty-two then Paul requests that Philemon prepare a room for him there at Colosse, for Paul believes that through Philemon’s prayers for him he shall soon be released and will come to him. The Apostle Paul concludes his epistle by mentioning a man named Epaphras whom Paul calls his fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus who also greets Philemon (vs. 23), along with Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers (vs. 24). The Apostle Paul’s finial statement to Philemon this is, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” ^{Vs. 25} And may I add to yours as well!

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.

Titus 3:12–15

 ¹² When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. ¹⁴ And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. ¹⁵ All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Commentary

Vs. 12 “When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.”

Having concluded his commandments for us through Titus, the Apostle Paul now ends his epistle with some finial instructions for Titus. Saying that he is going to send either Artemas or Tychicus to him to relieve him so that Titus may be able to come to the Apostle at Nicopolis (a city in western Greece) where he has decided to remain at during the winter months when sea travel is too dangerous. Now as to Titus’ replacements Artemas or Tychius, the man named Artemas is first mentioned here in the N.T., while Tychius is positively referenced in Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7.

Vs. 13 “Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing.”

Apparently, Paul was sending, or had already sent to more men to Titus; Zenas the lawyer (first mentioned here) and Apollos (which may have been the Apollos who was a mighty preacher of the Scriptures, who is first mentioned in Acts 18:24-28). These two men were going to be coming to Titus, and so the Apostle Paul expected him to receive them hospitably, yes, but also to make sure that whatever endeavors they were then going on from there to do, that they were equipped to do so, so they could do so in all haste and urgency.

Vs. 14 “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.”

In closing out his epistle the Apostle Paul now for the third time makes it clear that he wants us to all learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, so that we do not become unfruitful as disciples of Christ (vs. 14).

Vs. 15 “All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.”

In closing the Apostle Paul wants the brethren to in Crete to know that they are loved and greeted not only by him but all those brethren who are with him. And so once again we see the bond of love that transcended cultural and historical differences, and kept the early church and believers going forward in faith, in spite of persecutions and unjust oppositions. Having then extended His own personal greetings to the believers there, the Apostle Paul now says that they are to likewise greet all of those who love him and those with him, who like them, are also truly in the faith. His finial word then is one that he wishes to guide not only them, but us all, as we all make our way home, and that is, “Grace be with you all. Amen.”

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.

Titus 3:9–11

⁹ But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰ Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, ¹¹ knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Commentary

Vs. 9 “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.”

In closing his Epistle to Titus, the Apostle Paul now gives him a finial exhortation on leadership, telling him not get entangled in all of the doctrinal nonsense that is out there, especially what was then being propagated by some believing Jews who were then trying insert their own Jewish doctrinal flavor (or speculations on a variety of things) into the Christian house of faith. And so, Paul warns Timothy to, “avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” Again, the faith has been delivered once and for all time to the saints, that is God’s people, through God’s Son and His chosen Apostles whose writings we have in the N.T. Scriptures. Therefore, neither you nor I need to listened to, or heed anyone who tries to expound their own so called “spiritual” knowledge, and or their speculations about anything. Same with those who want to insert their own ideals, commandments, doctrines, and or traditions into the faith. For none of these does our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ command, or even want us to submit ourselves to, (consider Matt. 15:8-9; 16:5-12; 2 Cor. 11:3-4; 11:19-21; Col. 2:8-10; Heb. 13:9 etc.).

Vs. 10-11 ¹⁰ Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, ¹¹ knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Here the divisive person, the argumentative person, the person who’s always interrupting others to expound their nonsense, the person who simply will not grow in the knowledge of God’s truth given us in the Scripture peaceable with others, but is ever challenging His Word, His Son, and or His leadership. And so, this is not a matter of having questions and seeking answers, which is always good, no this is a matter of their being divisive, of their refusing to stop doing so even when they are admonished to do so. And so, such people who are only sowing the seeds of discord and disharmony or doubt in people’s hearts and minds, who are only trying to get brethren to side with them; and this often on insignificant or irrelevant matters; are only revealing themselves for what they truly are, and that is warped and sinning, being self-condemned, that is condemned by their own words and deeds. Therefore, all such people are to be rejected after two admonitions, because they themselves are not submitting themselves to the Word of God, and so they will only harm the faith and peace of others if they are allowed to remain.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.

 

Titus 3:1–8

¹ Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, ² to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. ³ For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Commentary

Vs. 1 “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,”

The Apostle continues his admonishing Titus (and us all who are in leadership positions and roles) to due our duty and guide whomever we lead into the truth by reminding them that we as disciples of Jesus Christ are to be subject to rulers and authorities, “For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” (see Rom 13:1-7). Therefore, we are to obey all in authority, whether these are civil authorities, or authorities in home, or authorities in the church, we are to obey them and keep their commandants and admonishments to us all including all civil laws and ordinances that they impose upon us; for in doing so we are obeying Christ. That said our obedience to any authority no matter who they are, or how powerful they are, is not mindless or undiscerning. For if anyone tries to command or compel us to do something that contravenes the Commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles then we are to say no. But that is very rare, and so let no use that as an excuse to justify their own rebellion, and or civil disobedience.

“to be ready for every good work,” Again the Apostle Paul makes it clear that we as disciples of Christ are to be people who do good works, in his first admonishing us about this he said we are to be willing, here the Apostle says we are to be prepared, to be ready for every good work.

Vs. 2 “to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”

Here the commands for us are to lead us into practical Godliness, and so we are to speak evil of no one, for though there are evil people and rulers, we as Christians are to restrain ourselves from venting our feelings, and or ill timed and thoughtless remarks regarding anyone. For the path to peace and reconciliation for anyone is never found through defamation, slander, or evil speaking.

“to be peaceable” In contrast to those who are always looking for a quarrel, looking for a conflict, looking for a fight, or looking to stir up people to the same, we are to be peaceable, for that is our nature and desire, to be peaceable, and live peaceably with everyone.

“gentle”, then in our handling of others.

“showing all humility to all men.” Humility here also implies courtesy, it’s a willingness to yield the floor to others, to hold the door open for others, to seek the seat of service, rather than the seat of privilege. It’s the antithesis of being vulgar, rude, or callous towards another person and their feelings.

Vs. 3 “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.”

Here the Apostle Paul makes it clear that no Christians have come from sinless backgrounds, but having been regenerated by God’s Holy Spirit, we have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness (and thus our once spiritual dead state) and transferred into the Kingdom of the Son of God’s love. And so, it was when we were spiritually dead in our own sins and transgressions we also were once foolish, living our lives without any regards for God or His Word or the consequences of our doing so, and so our choices and decisions then were only being guided by this world and or our cultures norms and values. Disobedient, back then it seemed almost a sign of “maturity” or having “grown up” to be disobedient towards authority. Even today looking at the culture that young people face today, the emphasis is always on doing your own things and living by your own rules regardless of how this will affect you and others in the long run.

Deceived, clearly this describes what we once were, and what people now are, who have not yet come to see themselves as they truly are, and the Lord Jesus Christ as He truly is in the light of His Gospel. Of course, the author of all this worlds deception is none other than the deceiver himself, Satan, who holds sway over the whole world. Serving various lusts and pleasures, clearly describes the purists that we once did, and what those who have not yet been regenerated only live their lives to do.

“living in malice and envy” This again clearly describes the state of the unregenerated, who look at others and what they do and achieve only with eyes of malice (that is ill will) and envy.

“hateful and hating one another” This then describes the state of affairs in this world where people bear within themselves hateful thoughts and hearts towards others, where neighbors often hate their neighbors, (not love one’s neighbor as oneself), whether these are neighboring people or nations, where unforgiveness and seeking revenge rules, where ancient conflicts and wrongs are always rehashed so as to start a new cycle of the same. In this unregenerate world sadly hate, not love is the driving force often at work. Nonetheless we as Christians have not only been delivered out of such a state of being, but we are now all actively called to rise above the hate and the haters, and become people of love, kindness, mercy and truth.

Vs. 4-7 ⁴ But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The Apostle Paul now recounts just how we who believe in Jesus Christ came out of this world of hate, how we were brought into the Kingdom of the Son of God’s love, a Kingdom where peace and love is always preeminent. First it all began with a move by God towards us all. A move that was motivated by His own kindness and love towards us all, which appeared to us all, through the Person of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. And so, His salvation came to us not by, or because of any works of righteousness which we have done, “…but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior…,” ^{vs. 5-6}

Here washing and regeneration are pretty much synonymous. For being washed by the Blood of the Lamb of God Jesus Christ means that we having had our sins atoned for by His death on the Cross, He paved the way for the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit in our persons. Thus, what the Apostle Paul is describing here is our being born-again, born by God’s Holy Spirit who brought us to life by faith in Jesus Christ, and thus who transformed us out of our spiritually dead and alienated state from God and thus who has also baptized us into the Body of Christ!

“that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” ^{Vs. 7}

Here the sense is all past tense, emphasizing that we have been justified by God grace, therefore there is nothing that any of us can do (or are required to do) that could make us anymore justified in the sight of God. God did this all for us, once and for all time, so that we could become heirs of His Son’s Kingdom according to the hope of eternal life, which again only comes by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!

This then is our motivation for doing good, and wanting to do good, God’s grace and salvation which was so freely given to us when we were still His enemies, which is offered to you too, all by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Vs. 8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”

These things then that the Apostle Paul has been expounding should then be kept by us who believe, that is what he means when he says “…this is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly…, and not just once in a while but constantly, “that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”

Thus, the church is not place to come to be served, or entertained, it is a gathering place where people come to both seek God and to proclaim and live out the Gospel, by worshipping and obeying God and serving their fellow man. For as the Apostle Paul says, “These things are good and profitable to men.”

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.

 

Titus 2:11–15

 ¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ¹³ looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. ¹⁵ Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

 Commentary

The Apostle now gives us the essence of our salvation, telling us all that “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men”, ^{vs. 11} for God’s grace is the extension of His love for us all given to us all in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ coming to earth as a Man, and paying the penalty for all of our sins by His death on the Cross, which then paved the way for our having new and everlasting life by His Resurrection from the dead. Therefore, God’s grace goes out to everyone, everywhere, so that no one is excluded from His offer of remission of all their sins and everlasting life the moment they believe in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16). That said, not all will have eternal life, because He allows each and every one of us to choose for ourselves whether or not we will repent and believe in His Son, and not all will submit themselves to His Will by doing so. Therefore, in saving us by His grace, God then begins to make us His disciples of Jesus Christ through the same Word, Spirit, and Grace, “teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” ^{vs. 12}

For in saving us then from His eternal wrath and condemnation God does not leave us to continue on in our ways which lead us into such a previous perilous state. But now He teaches us to deny all forms of ungodliness, that is all this evil worlds irreverence towards His Person and Name, for He is to hallowed and reverently feared. That’s our duty, to hold His Person and Name in reverence, for we are now His children, and that is our first duty towards Him, to keep His Person and Name hallowed in our hearts and minds, and thus always amongst ourselves (Matt. 6:9). Next is worldly lusts, these are not just sexual sins and lusts, but also lusts for wealth, power, fame, privilege, and anything else that the world lusts after (and thus makes their “god”), for it is all these lusts that corrupt this world and the people of it. Therefore, in denying the essential evils of this world that are constantly being propagated and promoted by this world as something to do and pursue, we should instead look to model our persons and lives after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by living soberly, righteously, and Godly in this present evil age in which we live, for we who believe in Him have hope beyond this life, and its selfish and sinful pursuits that only end in one’s own eternal ruin. For our hope is in Jesus Christ the King and His Kingdom Coming, and so the Apostle Paul says we are to be, “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” ^{vs. 13}

For when the Lord Jesus Christ Returns, all that is of this world will be consumed in the fire of God’s wrath, and so there will be no traces of it and its violent and evil and sinful ways and desires in Christ’s Kingdom. Therefore, the Apostle Paul is admonishing us all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to live our lives appropriately in anticipation of Christ’s Return and setting up His everlasting Kingdom which will have no end. For it was Jesus Christ Himself “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” ^{Vs. 14}

Therefore, Lord Jesus Christ didn’t just come to pay the penalty for our sins and transgressions on the Cross, but He came to redeem us from every lawless deed and to purify us for Himself, so that we might be His own special people, a people who are zealous for good works. And not just in the church, and amongst ourselves, but everywhere, wherever there is a need Christians are to be a people who willingly help and aid others.

Vs. 15 “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”

Therefore, the Apostle Paul says we who are leaders are to speak these things, exhort these things, and when necessary, rebuke those who contravene or oppose these things, and this we are to do with all authority; that is all the authority that the Lord Jesus Christ has bestowed upon us as His chosen and equipped by His Spirit leaders in the church. For a call to leadership does not come from man but through God, therefore the Apostle Paul also says let no one despise you when you do and are doing what it is that God Himself has chosen and called you to do.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.

 

Titus 2:1–10

¹ But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: ² that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; ³ the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—⁴ that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵ to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. ⁶ Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, ⁷ in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, ⁸ sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. ⁹ Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, ¹⁰ not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Commentary

Vs. 1-2 ¹ But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: ² that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;

Therefore, instead of following the Godless example of those who profess to know God but in works deny Him, the Apostle Paul now says to Titus (and us all who lead, whether in home Bible studies, or in “mega churches”, to speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine; that is speak those things which are in accord with the Jesus Christ’s Person and Commandments, and thus with His Body of believers everywhere; “that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;”

Sober, no one should ever excuse or justify the misuse and abuse of alcohol, for any Christian who does, or justifies anyone doing so, is only an afront to the Gospel of the grace of God (Prov. 20:1; Rom. 13:13-14; 1 Cor. 5:11; Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:7-8; 1 Peter 5:8 etc.).

Reverent, that is reverent of God, His Word, the church, and of course our Lord and Savior, all which can be done without being a religious prude.

Temperate, thus not given to extremes in speech or behavior.

Sound in faith, in order to lead anyone its essential that one first be sound in their own faith, which begins by first being grounded in Gospel, and thus the grace of God through the Word of God. For when one is they don’t need to debate with those who are not, nor partake in all of the strange doctrines and teachings and useless forms of so called “spirituality” that are out there. For such things simply don’t appeal to us, or anyone who is already rooted and grounded in Christ.

In love, love is more than a feeling, it’s an outlook towards God and others. Towards God our love for Him wants us to become people He is proud off. Towards others our love wants the best for them, wants to serve, and give and pray for them. Wants to see them believe and be saved!

In patience, if there is anything that we all need with each other it is patience, for none of us have arrived, or will attain to perfect image of Christ in this life. Modelling patience then is a true mark of a mature man of God.

Vs. 3-5 ³ the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—⁴ that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵ to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Having first addressed the men (the elders,) in the congregations the Apostle Paul now turns to the women. He beings by again reaffirming the same attributes which he commanded of the men, that the also be reverent in behavior, this is important since they too are modeling how one should look and act both inside and outside of the house of faith. And given the horrible and Godless examples that todays young women are daily exposed to through popular culture, it is important that there be a Godly example of true womanhood that they can look too and emulate. That doesn’t need to be half naked and sexually permissive or perverse in order to express their own persons individuality. Start here

“not slanderers” It’s not that men are not also given to this terrible abuse of others, but that woman tend to be more inclined to gossip then men. And so the word the Apostle Paul uses here is a word to describe the very character of the devil himself who is behind much of the malicious gossip that takes place in this world.

“not given to much wine” Again the emphasis is on the miss-use and abuse of wine not the total abstinence from it.

“teachers of good things”—⁴ that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵ to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Elder woman then in the church are to not only lead by example, but also instruct the younger woman in faith the basic tenets of being a Godly Christian woman. First then is to love their husbands which they can do in many ways, not the least of which is respecting her husband as the head of the family, which then goes a long way in making him feel loved and appreciated. Same then with their children, rather than seeing them or treating them as “a burden”, children are not only to be raised and instructed in the faith, but also loved and cared for by both their parents, which they do by spending quality time with them and regularly showing endearment to them. To be discreet means that she is not a person who quickly discloses sensitive information about another (especially her husband) without their consent. Chaste, means to be first and foremost faithful to her husband, her inward desires and outward affections then are focused on him, not on others. Homemakers, for this is a wife’s and mothers primary service for God and her family, to build, keep, and maintain a healthy home which itself is a fulltime job and carrier. As well elder woman instructing younger woman should also admonish them to be good, and not follow the Godless lives and examples seen on T.V. and in sitcoms etc. Last then but not least is that they teach them to be obedient to their own husbands, which not only makes for a healthy marriage, but also a happy home. For even if the wife is more gifted in certain areas, she should strive to help him as best she can be and become the head of the home. All these things are to be taught and kept so that the Word of God does not become blasphemed, that is held in contempt by those who are always watching and looking to see if we do what we believe and preach.

Vs. 6-8 ⁶ Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, ⁷ in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, ⁸ sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

In these verses the Apostle Paul gives a quick word for the young men in the congregation, saying that they too be sober-minded, and not be given to extremes in behavior and speech. “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works…” Building a life around doing good works begins in one’s youth, and so learning to help others then, does much for one’s faith, and says much about one’s person and character, both then, and later in their lives. “…in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.” This is important because it is during one’s youth that one develops one’s core beliefs and character, and so keeping one’s doctrine pure and unadulterated or corrupted by this worlds fleeting values and morals is critical to keeping one’s faith in Jesus Christ throughout one’s life. “sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”

Thus, no gossip, no slander, or defaming speech of others, and certainly no swearing or filthy language. For all these things are not becoming of us as children of God.

Vs. 9-10 ⁹ Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, ¹⁰ not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Though we do not have bondservants today we certainly have employee/employer relationships. And so, in these we as Christians should strive to show ourselves as being good employees, and not be contentious or argumentative towards whomever it is whom we are serving, whether the company, or its management, or its supervisory staff. Finically not pilfering from whomever it is who has employed us, because honesty is the mark of an honest man/honest woman, and is adorning the doctrine of God our Savior. Therefore, we should be considered trustworthy by our employers, that we don’t waste either their time, nor take for ourselves from their resources.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.

 

Titus 1:10–16

 ¹⁰ For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, ¹¹ whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. ¹² One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ¹³ This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. ¹⁵ To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

Commentary

Vs. 10-11 ¹⁰ For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, ¹¹ whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.

As the early church was rapidly growing, there were also many insubordinate individuals who also joined local assemblies, whom the Apostle Paul also describes as idle talkers and deceivers, who had risen up in these new congregations and were leading people astray. Now many of these individuals had Jewish origins, and so being more versed in the Scriptures than believing Gentiles, they quickly rose to prominence amongst new believers. However, as the Apostle Paul warns they were not holding to the doctrine of the Apostles, nor submitting themselves to the Christ’s Gospel, but rather they were only exploiting the ignorance’s of the new Gentile believers, subverting whole households, by turning people away from the Gospel of grace of God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to whatever things they were passing off as spiritual works, words, or knowledge. And this they were doing for the sake of dishonest gain! Therefore, the Apostle Paul now commands Titus to put an end to it, and them, and no longer let them exalt themselves in the assemblies, nor pass off their empty words and doctrines as something spiritual. For all that they were saying and doing was only devoid of the Spirit of God, just as their own persons were.

Vs. 12-13 ¹² One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ¹³ This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

Now to show Titus just what kind of men they historically were at Crete, the Apostle Paul now cites one their own prophets, who in times past said of them, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” Therefore, the Apostle Paul agreeing with this ancient assessment of them, now commands Titus to rebuke them sharply; that is rebuke all the liars, all the evil beasts, and all the lazy gluttons amongst the believers there, so that they all will be sound in the faith, and not follow their Godless examples and lives.

Vs. 14 “not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.”

Having commanded Titus to rebuke the Lazy and insubordinate, the Apostle Paul now returns to those amongst them whose minds were fixed on Jewish fables, who were heeding Jewish fables and commandments of men of those who turn from the truth, and thus seek to establish their own righteousness by their own means (consider Rom. 10:1-4; Col. 2:8-10; 20-23 etc.). 

Vs. 15-16 ¹⁵ To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

Here then the Apostle Paul makes it clear that its not keeping the doctrines, commandments, and ideals of men that makes us righteous in the sight of God, (whether these come through Judaism or anywhere else), but only our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who makes us pure, and who has purified all things for us. Therefore, “to the pure all things are pure, (that is all foods and drinks and everything else that falls under the grace of God which we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ in the New Covenant can freely and thankfully partake of; which again is not liberty to indulge in the sinful passions and desires of the flesh, but freedom to live rich, full, and abundant lives). For as the Apostle Paul says of those who seek to be righteous before God by their own standards and means; and thus, who are only defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.” And so, though the look like and play the role of the most religious of all men in fact all they are is defiled, for “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” This then is a great truth about the pitfalls of legalism and where it leads people which is only to hypocrisy and sin, which is to be contrasted with the glorious liberty of the children of God, which leads everyone who believes in Christ to eternal life.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.