Titus 3:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,

NIV: Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.

NASB: Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning,

CSB: Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning.

NLT: If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.

KJV: A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

NKJV: Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,

In verse 9, Titus had been commanded by Paul to avoid wasting time on certain activities. Most of these involved some aspect of bickering, arguing, or squabbling. Here, Paul adds a warning about people who insist on stirring up division. Titus is to warn them twice, then have nothing to do with them. This is similar to the pattern given in Matthew 18:15–17. However, false teachers, agitators, and such are not to be given a platform or undue attention in the church. Their own conduct condemns them, as verse 11 will explain. Titus is told in no uncertain terms not to have any association with someone who tries to cause divisions within the church.

As the early Christian church grew, problems with false teachers grew as well. Later New Testament writings will speak often against false teachers, warning believers to stay away from them. Second John 1:10–11 teaches something similar to Paul's warning, that those who insist on rejecting sound doctrine should not be supported in any way whatsoever. Jude 1:4 suggests that some of those who are divisive have come into the churches unnoticed, and may only be found later.

Even today, false teachers and trouble-makers cause problems within churches. Church leaders must carefully and courageously correct false teaching. And, at times, they must make a point of having nothing to do with false teachers, or dividers.

Titus 3:8–11 affirms that the previous description of God’s grace can be trusted. Paul instructs Titus to insist on these basic principles. On the other hand, Paul lists four activities which should be purposefully avoided. Most of these involve an element of bickering. False teachers, according to this passage, should be warned, then cut off completely.

Paul reminds Titus of seven positive behaviors, and seven contrasting sins, which he is to insist on teaching correctly. False teachers are to be cut off, not given a public platform. Believers are not to waste time bickering, but focus on good works and urgent needs. This passage also explains how salvation is entirely the result of God’s grace, not our own good deeds.

Titus chapter 1 focused on the character traits of a church leader, contrasted to the immoral culture of Crete. Chapter 2 explained the ideal traits of church members, especially in their acts towards each other. Chapter 3 focuses on the relationship between Christians and their surrounding culture. Through goodness and peace, we are to make a positive impact, so people will see Christ in us.

The book of Titus is a letter written by the apostle Paul, to a Christian leader on the island of Crete. This is one of Paul’s three Pastoral Epistles, where he offers instructions to younger believers caring for large groups of others. Paul uses the book of Titus to emphasize the importance of selecting church elders carefully. Many of the topics discussed in Titus are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Though the details of this message are specifically for Titus, and the believers of Crete, they offer insight useful for churches today.