Titus part five

We are at chapter two, verse 11, which reminds Titus that salvation is for all men, and the grace of god teaches them to just say "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions. They are to live "self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age" (first century BCE) while they wait for the "glorious reappearing" of Jesus. Well they wasted their time waiting. He didn't come. When he got there, he was supposed to "redeem them from all wickedness and purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Again, it never happened. Those people died without seeing what they were promised.

Verse 13 reminds Titus that he is to be teaching these things to the Cretans, encouraging and rebuking them, with all authority. Where did he get his authority from, Paul? Then Titus is told not to let anyone despise him. How will he stop them?

Chapter 3 begins next but there were no chapter divisions in the original. Plus, the content follows on the heels of Paul telling Titus that he had authority and to not let people despise him. Instead, he is to "remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities (Titus? Paul? The appointed elders?) to be obedient, to be ready to do what is good, to slander no one (including Titus and Paul, but not including the Judaizers), to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men" (Except those of the circumcision group).

Starting in verse 3, Paul gives an example of humility by reminding Titus that, after all, he and Titus both used to be foolish too, "disobedient, deceived, enslaved by all kinds of passions," living in malice, envy, and hatred. But the kindness and love of Jesus appeared (to Paul in a personal revelation) and saved them, not because of anything they had done, but purely out of mercy.  If Jesus was so merciful, why didn't he appear to everyone in the same way? Instead they must believe that what Paul tells them is the truth, without evidence from their own senses.

The author says  Jesus saved him and Titus by "the washing of rebirth and renewal of the holy spirit whom he poured out generously" on them, through Jesus. The washing of rebirth is usually assumed to mean baptism. Who knows what form their outpouring of the holy spirit took. Now they are justified by grace (yay for grace, that undefinable quantity/quality) and have the hope of an eternal life. Paul wants Titus to stress these things, so that those who trusted in god can devote themselves to doing good, which is profitable for everyone. That's the thing isn't it? Doing good can be profitable for everyone, whether or not there are any gods.

From verse 9, Titus is told how to deal with those Judaizers that Paul despises. Foolish controversies and genealogies (Matthew and Luke have genealogies), and arguments and quarrels about the law, are to be avoided. Titus is to warn a divisive person only twice. After that, he is to have nothing to do with that person. Three strikes they're out. Shunning is next. Notice it doesn't say all the rest of the Cretans are also required to shun that person. However, the humble, considerate, and non-slandering Paul, says that those men are warped and sinful, self-condemned. Uh oh. No eternal life for them.