Titus is yet further directed by Paul, both concerning the things he should teach, and not teach: he is willed also to reject obstinate heretics: which done, he appointeth him both time and place, wherein he should come unto him; and so concludeth.
BECAUSE the Judaizers affirmed, that no obedience was due from the worshippers of the true God to magistrates who were idolaters, and because, by that doctrine, they made not only manyJewish, but Gentile professors, bad subjects, and exposed them to be punished as evil doers, (see Romans 13.) the apostle commanded Titus to inculcate frequently on the Cretans, to obey the magistrates under whose protection they lived, although they were idolaters, Titus 3:1.—and not to speak evil of any one, on account of his nationor religion, or on any other account, except in necessary defence of truth and religion, Titus 3:2.—Because, said the apostle, even we ofthe Jewish nation, who now believe the gospel, were formerly in behaviour as bad as the heathens; being foolish, disobedient, &c. Titus 3:3.—and through the unmerited mercyof God have been delivered from our former sinful state, by the bath of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Titus 3:4-6.—that being rescued from ignorance and wickedness by grace, we might become heirs of eternal life, Titus 3:7.—Next the apostle ordered Titus strongly to affirm, that every one who hath believed on God, is bound to practise good works, Titus 3:8.—Also he commanded him in his discourses, to avoid the foolish questions and genealogies which the false teachers insisted on, Titus 3:9.—and to admonish heretical teachers, both concerning their doctrine and their practice: and after a first and second admonition, if they did not amend, to cast them out of the church, Titus 3:11.—Withal, because the Cretans were disposed to be idle, Titus was to enjoin them to follow some honest occupation, whereby they might both maintain themselves, and do works of charity to the afflicted, Titus 3:14.—The apostle concluded his epistle with salutations; and with a benediction to all in Crete, who acknowledged his apostolical authority, Titus 3:15.