What does Titus 3:9 mean?
ESV: But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
NIV: But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
NASB: But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless.
CSB: But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.
NLT: Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.
KJV: But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
NKJV: But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
Verse Commentary:
After giving Titus many positive instructions, Paul tells him four areas which he should avoid. First, Titus is to avoid "foolish controversies," or "foolish debates." Bickering over certain issues is poisonous to the Christian life. Paul took this so seriously that, in verse 10, he commands Titus to completely cut off a divisive person after giving them a second warning.
Second, Titus was to avoid genealogies. This sounds like an odd point, but certain false teachers took great pride in proving that they were direct descendants of Abraham. Yet God is not concerned with who one's parents are—He is concerned about our salvation. Titus was a Gentile and had no Jewish lineage. Instead of comparing family history, Titus is to preach the good news of Christ.
Third, Titus was commanded to avoid "dissensions," "strife," or "quarrels." This comes from a Greek word ereis, referring to arguments or debates. In other words, Titus is not to be known for being argumentative. The New Testament gives many positive instructions to contend for the Christian faith (1 Peter 3:15–16; Acts 17:3; Acts18:28; Acts 19:8). This, however, is different from arguing for the sake of arguing.
Fourth, Titus is to avoid "quarrels [or disputes] about the law." The false teachers of Crete were using the law of Moses to make accusations against Titus' fellow Christians. Paul tells Titus not to lose focus by arguing about details of the Jewish law. Instead, he is to center his ministry on the good news of Jesus, promoting sound doctrine in the local churches.
All four of these practices—pointless debate, arguments over genealogy, quarrels, and debates over the law of Moses—are considered a waste of time. All they accomplish is taking energy and resources away from the ministry Paul had entrusted to Titus.
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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 5/5/2024 12:59:02 AM
© Copyright 2002-2024 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
