Bible Commentaries

The final section of the epistle has to do with the Church and the State, dealing with the duty of the Church, arguments impelling to the fulfilment of duty, and the method of realization. The duty of the Church is to submit to authority, to be ready for every good work, to be free from evil speech, and to be gentle and meek.

In order to fulfil these ideals, Christian people should remember their own past, and treat with pity those who are yet “foolish, disobedient, deceived." The threefold memory of what we were, of how the change has been wrought, and of what we are, will serve to create the spirit of subjection to authority, equip us for honest toil, silence all evil speech, and generate an unceasing compassion.

Titus was charged to "affirm confidently" these important things. The whole charge to Titus reveals the truth concerning every minister to whom is committed the oversight of the flock of God. For himself the apostle charged him to shun the things unprofitable and vain, and to maintain discipline.

The epistle closes with reference to Tychicus, Apollos, Artemas, and Zenas. The very mention of these names indicates the growth of the Christian movement.

The final word concerning occupations shows clearly the duty of members of the Christian Church to contribute to the support of those devoted to the work of the ministry.

The closing benediction harmonizes with the opening salutation. It is a benediction of grace, the only difference being that whereas at the beginning it was addressed to Titus, at the close all those to whom he ministered were included. For fulfilment of the work as steward of the house of God, and for the Church's submission, grace is needed and supplied.