[Titus 3]

 

             ^3:1 Remind them to subject themselves to principalities and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared for every good work, ^3:2 to blaspheme no one, to not be quarrelsome, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men. ^3:3 For^* we were also previously foolish, disobedient, being misled, serving^* in various lusts and sensual-delights, leading lives in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. ^3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love of mankind appeared: ^3:5 he saved us (not from any works done in righteousness which we practiced), but according-to his mercy, through the full-washing {Or: bathing} of regeneration^* and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ^3:6 which he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior, ^3:7 in-order-that we might become heirs according-to the hope of everlasting life, and have been made righteous in that grace. ^3:8 The faithful word, and I will for you to confidently confirm concerning these things, in-order-that the ones who have believed God may be anxious to establish themselves from their good works. These things are good and profitable to men. ^3:9 But avoid foolish debates and genealogies and strifes and quarrels about-law, for^* they are unprofitable and futile. ^3:10 Renounce a sectarian man after a first and second admonition, ^3:11 knowing that such a one has been perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

 

             ^3:12 Whenever I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me in Nicopolis; for^* I have decided to winter there. ^3:13 Send Zenas, the professor of the law, and Apollos onward diligently in-order-that nothing may be deficient for them. ^3:14 But let^° our people also learn to establish themselves in good works ^*for the necessary needs, in-order-that they may not be unfruitful.

 

             ^3:15 All who are with me greet you. Greet the ones who love us in the faith.

 

             Grace be with all of you^°. Amen.

 

                                      {NOTES: Please read the Preface and other non-bible sections. * is our universal footnoting for words contained in the ‘Definitions’ section. These words are NOT the same Greek word as the non-asterisk form; i.e., *FOR is different from FOR* is different from FOR. ^° (degree sign) denotes plural forms.}

 

 

{{ Introduction to Philemon 62-64 AD

            Paul writes this letter, not to a congregation(s) in an area but Philemon, the owner of a runaway bondservant, Onesimus. The non-Christian bondservant met Paul in Rome; Paul taught him the truth. He became a Christian and good friend of Paul. Paul was sending Onesimus back to Philemon, but he wants Philemon to treat this bondservant now like a brother in Christ. Paul even says he personally will compensate if need be. However, it is doubtful Philemon ever asked for it considering he was also taught the truth by Paul. As you will see, Paul is acting like Paul in this short letter. Verse 11 is word play by Paul. ‘Not useful’ and ‘useful’, (Onesimus is our transliteration for the Greek word ‘useful’).