Titus 3:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,

NIV: But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,

NASB: But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,

CSB: But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,

NLT: But — When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,

KJV: But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

NKJV: But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

The previous verses describe proper Christian behaviors. These are contrasted with pre-salvation ways of sinful living. Verse 4 explains the origin of the change from immoral living to a changed life: God Himself. Specifically, change is brought on by the kindness and love of God, our Savior. God alone is the reason for the changed life of a believer, not our efforts (Ephesians 2:8–9).

According to verse 3, God's goodness and loving kindness "appeared." This isn't likely to mean the coming of Christ, though some interpret it this way. More likely, it is a reference to the time a person believes in Jesus by faith and is saved. This is the moment when God's goodness and loving kindness "appear" in our life.

Verses 4–7 are frequently arranged as poetry in most edited Greek texts. This statement includes all three persons of the Trinity. It concludes in verse 7 with a three-part focus on grace, being inheritors, and eternal life. Verse 8 refers back to this block of Scripture, calling it "trustworthy."

Titus 3:4–7 is a poetic description of how God saves us. Rather than depending on our good deeds, God rescues us on the basis of His mercy. When a person accepts Christ, they experience “regeneration,” meaning a spiritual cleansing. God generously gives us the Holy Spirit and forgives our sin through His grace.

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.

Accessed 5/8/2024 10:01:12 AM