Titus
Tradition tells us that the Apostle Paul was liberated at the end of the two years of imprisonment in Rome, that he again visited the churches of Asia Minor and, subsequently, made a visit to Spain, preaching the Gospel, and that later on he came to Rome again a prisoner without favor, and that he suffered martyrdom after spending a considerable time imprisoned in the Mamertine prison, a dread dungeon in Rome. It was probably during this latter imprisonment that the Apostle wrote his epistle to Titus. R3209:6
The term "elder" seems to be applicable to any or all of those servants whom the Lord sets in his Church for its edification, some of them having a principal service while others are assistants. Thus the apostles classed themselves as elders. The term "elder" would signify an elder brother, not necessarily in years, but matured in Christian character. Titus was probably young. R1894:3 The Apostle Paul penned the words of our lesson instructing Titus, an overseer (bishop) of the Church—ministering to the believers in the island of Crete. The instructions are not intended for, nor applicable to others than consecrated believers, and refer specifically to six classes in the church at Crete. (1) The elderly men—not merely the aged, but rather the advanced, the matured, who doubtless oftenest would be also advanced in years. (2) The aged women—advanced, matured. (3) The younger women. (4) The younger men. (5) Those who, though freemen in Christ, were bondmen according to the flesh—servants. (6) To Titus himself. (7) The lesson ends with an exhortation applicable to all classes in the Church. It has been claimed by some that the people of Crete were specially degraded and lacking of good character, and that this thought is necessary to the Apostle in giving such an exhortation to those who had left the world and joined themselves to the Lord as his Church. We shall see, however, that every word of the exhortation is quite applicable to the Lord's people today, even though they live under the most enlightened conditions. R2723:1,2 This epistle was to instruct Titus relative to false teachers. R868:5
[NTC - Titus 1:1]
To the faith of God's elect— A special, peculiar faith, not shared by others, neither can others know it, for "it is spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. 2:14) R3586:5
[NTC - Titus 1:2]
God, that cannot lie— It would be advisable to accept the Lord's Word. Q765:3
[NTC - Titus 1:3]
In due times— Israel did not have an accurate chain of chronology. There were certain broken links supplied for us in the New Testament, to be connected up "in due time." R5769:2
God our Saviour— Jehovah is the Saviour, the author of the divine plan of salvation, and the executor of it. E33
[NTC - Titus 1:4]
Mine own son— Titus was probably young but matured in Christian character. R1894:3
[NTC - Titus 1:5]
Left I thee— As a general overseer. F249
Ordain— Greek: kathestemi, to place or set down. F277; Q811:1 It is on this text the Episcopal theory of church order rests. It provides weak support. F277 Appoint. R1890:3
Elders— Not necessarily an elder in years, but advanced, matured in Christian character. R1894:3; 2723:1 Not Lords, nor Masters, nor Reverends. Q844:2
In every city— To organize and lay the foundation for an age of work just beginning. R536:3 To take the oversight of the Lord's flock in their vicinity, to feed them with the truth, to guard them against the wolves in sheep's clothing, and in a general way to act as their representatives. R1890:3 Otherwise the Lord's people would not make the proper progress in knowledge and in the graces of the Spirit. R3745:6
As I had appointed thee— The Apostle would surely not give Titus "charge" or instruction to do differently from what he (the Apostle) did in this matter. (Acts 14:23) F278; Q811:1
[NTC - Titus 1:6]
If any be— The Apostle judged fitness of an elder in the same manner that we now should judge. (vs. 6-11) R1822:1; 1890:4
Husband of one wife— An injunction more pertinent in those days. R1892:1 Not necessarily a married man; for the celibate state is preferable. (Matt. 19:12; 1 Cor. 7:32,33) R1892:1
[NTC - Titus 1:7]
Filthy lucre— The spoils taken by the clergy from the laity—(filthy lucre), honors, reverence, titles, etc. R1895:6
[NTC - Titus 1:9]
Holding fast the faithful word— Searching the Scriptures daily and critically, and abandoning everything which conflicts therewith. R5097:1
To exhort and to convince— To teach, "to feed the flock." (I Pet. 5:2-4) E284
[NTC - Titus 1:11]
Whose mouths— "Be not many teachers." (James 3:1, Revised Version) R2156:2 If contaminated with error, the tongue can do almost untellable harm—injury to faith, to morals, to good works.R2156:2
Which they ought not— Faithful elders will be quick to discern and prompt to warn and defend the flock against all such influences. (Acts 20:28-30; 2 Pet. 2:1-3) R1890:5
[NTC - Titus 1:12]
Even a prophet— A public expounder, a public teacher. A55
[NTC - Titus 1:13]
Rebuke them sharply— Leave no doubt with any as to just where you stand on the ransom. R1453:4 As soon as we see that any teacher or paper is wrong on the one, central and vital point—"a corresponding price" for all—we should have nothing further to do with such until it fully and openly acknowledges the error and retracts it heartily. R1453:4
[NTC - Titus 1:15]
Unto the pure— Those who are pure can see the true, pure hearts of God's sincere "little ones," in spite of the weaknesses of the fallen flesh. R5746:3
All things are pure— They can see righteousness in the divine law and arrangement. R5746:3
Them that are defiled— Some who identified with the cause of God, but whose doctrines and manner of life were in conflict with the Gospel—fault-finders. R5746:2
And unbelieving— "And unfaithful." (Diaglott) R5746:5 The unfaithfuls' consciences become perverted, so that they are unable to see anything or anybody in a proper light. R5746:3 Having lost the spirit of love which thinketh no evil. R2516:3
Is nothing pure— Unable to think of love and benevolence as motives for conduct. R2516:3 Being impure themselves, they attribute impurity to others. R2516:3 The minds of such become corrupted, seeing nothing pure, good or right in others. R5746:3 Even to the extreme of impugning the motives of Jehovah, our Lord Jesus, and the angels. R2516:3,6
Mind and conscience is defiled— They become blinded, self-deceived. R2516:6 They have permitted ill-natured thoughts to enter the mind and lodge there—suspicions, evil surmisings. R5746:3 Their consciences become corrupt and hardened. They are prevaricating, misjudging; do not see how unjust, impure and blind they have become. R5746:3 To avoid such a terrible condition, the Lord's people should maintain pure hearts and minds, keeping consciences very tender. R2516:6
[NTC - Titus 1:16]
They profess that they know God— Knowing something in an intellectual way about his plan and Word. R5746:3 Those who have enjoyed the truth, enjoyed at least the first step in heart-purification. R2516:3 Satan has driven far away from God nearly all, even of those who profess church membership. SM131:1
In works they deny him— "By their works they renounce him." (Diaglott) R5746:5 If we deny him, he will also (then) deny us. (2 Tim. 2:12) E490 Their works are contrary to God's Word, which instructs that all should seek to do all the good they can, to see all the good they can, and to give generous judgment to others. R5746:3Not that such have necessarily become immoral and vile. R5746:5
Every good work reprobate— "To every good work worthless." (Diaglott) R5746:2 Spoiled by the spirit of pride, selfishness, malice, and envy—worthless as bad salt: "If the salt have lost its savor...it is thenceforth good for nothing." (Matt. 5:13; Luke 14:34,35) R2517:3 So far as any good work is concerned they will defile it, injure it. R5746:5Instead of fault-finding, tearing down, we should give our time, hands, feet, tongues, to blessing and upbuilding. R5746:6
[NTC - Titus 2:1]
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine— The charges of Paul to Timothy (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 4:1-5) and to Titus (2:1,7,8,11-15), and of Peter (1 Pet. 5:1-11), might be read to the chosen elders in presence of company, followed by prayer that God would add his blessing upon them, and upon all the company as they shall co-operate together in the service of the Lord. R1892:4
[NTC - Titus 2:2]
The aged men— The elderly men, the advanced. Not only their years of natural life, but also their years of experience in Christian life should bring them to conditions of maturity and sobriety. R2723:2
Temperate— Moderate—not light, frivolous and excitable. R2723:2
Sound in faith— A sound faith is all-important, not only in shaping conduct, but also in inspiring it. R2723:3
In charity— The patience which will last and become an integral part of character must result from a change of heart: the mainspring of love must first replace the mainspring of selfishness. R2723:4
In patience— Greek: hupomonee, constancy—the thought being an endurance of evil in a cheerful, willing, patient manner. It represents therefore, an element of character, and not merely a temporary condition of restraint of feeling or action. R2791:1,5 Paul places patience above and beyond love. This final test of patient, cheerful endurance must be passed before we can be of the elect. R4910:1,5651:3, 2791:5, 2723:3
[NTC - Titus 2:3]
The aged women— Matured, developed. R2723:5
As becometh holiness— "Reverent in demeanor." (Revised Version) They are supposed to have professed holiness, full consecration to the Lord, full desire to know and to do his will, and such consecration is to show out in their lives.R2723:5
Not false accusers— "Not slanderers." (Revised Version) On the contrary, they will be examples in the matter of minding their own business. R2723:5
Teachers of good things— By precept as well as by example, to all with whom they have an influence. R2723:5
[NTC - Titus 2:4]
That they may teach— Naturally their influence will be greatest over the younger women, and it should be exercised as becometh women professing godliness, professing to be guided by the Word of the Lord, and the spirit of the Truth. R2723:5
[NTC - Titus 2:5]
To be discreet— Soberminded—not too emotional;—to do some sober thinking along sober lines, and thus to cultivate both heart and head. R2723:6
Chaste— Modest, pure—an instruction deep and powerful in its influence for good. R2723:6
Keepers at home— "Workers at home." (Revised Version) R2723:6 That the home is her workshop and her pulpit, where her influence should be greatest and most valuable. R2724:1
Obedient to— "Submissive" (Diaglott)—not attempting to usurp the place of. R2724:1 Not blind obedience or dumb submission. R2724:1 She shall use proper liberties and privileges with propriety, so as to make life a blessing and not a burden to her husband. R2724:1
The word of God— The Scriptures, divine revelation. R1584:3
[NTC - Titus 2:6]
To be sober minded— Not rash, thoughtless, conceited—that they exercise self-control. R2724:2
[NTC - Titus 2:7]
Uncorruptness— Not permitting his teachings (doctrine) to be corrupted either with vain imaginations of his own or those of other people. R2724:2
Gravity— The opposite of frivolity, levity. R2724:3
Sincerity— Greek: aptharsia, incorruption. E397; R204:1
[NTC - Titus 2:8]
Sound speech— Conversation that will exert a truly helpful, strengthening influence—to mind and heart and character. R2724:3
Cannot be condemned— By anybody, friend or foe, heathen or Christian, saint ot sinner; and such a course will be a constant reproof to those enemies who must always be expected; in the face of such noble living they of the contrary part must surely be put to shame eventually. (Jas. 3:13) R2724:3
[NTC - Titus 2:9]
Servants— Though freemen in Christ, bondmen according to the flesh. R2723:2
To please them well— To take as much interest in their master's goods as though they were their own; they were to do their work as though they were doing it to the Lord himself, faithfully, well. (1Cor. 10:31) R2724:5
In all things— In the little things as well as the great affairs. R2724:5
Not answering again— Not gainsaying nor quarreling with their master over his methods and ways and work. R2724:6
[NTC - Titus 2:10]
Not purloining— Secretly appropriating to themselves the master's goods. R2724:6
All good fidelity— By his own strict integrity even in the smallest things he shall do his preaching and exercise his influence upon his master—faithfulness to his master's interests. R2724:6
That they may adorn— By the exercise of a living faith in life's affairs, they show that it is not a doctrine of strife, but of peace and good-will toward men, not a doctrine merely of personal rights and of selfish strife for their attainment, but a doctrine of love, joy and peace in the holy Spirit. R2725:3
God our Saviour— Jehovah is the Savior, the Author of the great plan of Salvation. E33
[NTC - Titus 2:11]
For— "For (because) the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to (for) all men." (Revised Version) R2725:3
The grace of God— Divine grace signifies God's unmerited mercy and favor—it is not a reward. R2284:2, 4576:1, 2283:6 Relates primarily to the mercy which he purposed to extend to Adam and all of his posterity through our Lord Jesus Christ. R4576:1, 2725:5, 2284:3 God's grace in the present time is manifested in connection with the "high calling" to the divine nature and the life immortal connected therewith. (Phil. 3:14) R2725:4, 2284:4 To abide in God's grace we must turn from sin to serve the Lord. R4576:2, 2725:5 While justification is of grace, our presentation of our bodies living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1) is not grace, but of our own volition. R4576:5 The "new creature" (2 Cor. 5:17) has need of grace and mercy because it has for its expression only the frail "earthen vessel" (2 Cor. 4:17). R4576:2 Which God's people have through Christ for the justification from their sins on the basis of obedient faith (Rom. 4:25, 5:1). R4576:2, 2286:1 His favor, based upon Jesus' payment of a "ransom for all" (1 Tim. 2:6). R2284:3, 2725:4 God's grace in the Millennial age will be manifested in the "restitution" blessings which will be offered to all mankind (Acts 3:21). R2725:5, 4576:1, 2284:5 No one can intelligently believe in divine grace who holds the theory of evolution or any other theory of salvation than the Scriptural one. R2284:5
That bringeth— That leads to. R2283:3
Salvation— The opportunities afforded by grace make possible our salvation from sin and death conditions. R4576:1
Hath appeared— It has been manifested to some and the information has been given that ultimately it will be extended to all, so that all may have a share in it. R4576:1, 2285:5
To all men— For all men—the dead as well as the living. R2285:5 Since it has been provided freely for all, so ultimately it shall be extended to all, that all may avail themselves of it.R2285:5 The earthly life-everlasting which will be granted to all those who then come into harmony with the terms of that grace. R2725:5 The grace of God can never disappear until it has accomplished its mission. R691:1*, 1436:6*
[NTC - Titus 2:12]
Teaching us that— It has many teachings or lessons, but one of these is paramount, namely, that in God's sight sin is exceedingly sinful and must become so also in our sight. (Rom. 7:13) R4576:1That the way of reconciliation back to God's favor is a way of self-denial. R2725:5
Denying ungodliness— "Renouncing ungodly desires." R2283:6 Forego the weakness, the tendencies of the flesh and resist them and show our preference for righteousness by our zeal in fighting against sin. R4576:1 Denying everything that is contrary to our highest conception of the divine character and will. R2725:5
Righteously— All who will get God's blessing on the earthly or the heavenly plane must come to the standard of loving righteousness and hating iniquity. R4576:1
In this present world— "In this present age." R2283:6, 2725:5 The world that now is is already being violently shaken, and is beginning to crumble away financially, politically, socially, and ecclesiastically. Q853:1
[NTC - Titus 2:13]
Looking for that blessed hope— He holds up before us the grand consideration toward which all of our ambitions are to turn, in which all of our hopes are to center, and in which our hearts are to find their treasure, outweighing and outvaluing every earthly consideration. R2725:6 The second advent of Christ and the resurrection, the hope of the Church, and the hope of the world. F664,665 Of the Gospel. R2146:4 The object of the hope is the appearing of Christ to receive his Bride, and transform them into his likeness. R471:4, 1893:4, 1105:6 Neither prohibition, female suffrage, free silver, protective tariff, communism, anarchism. socialism, nationalism, general mechanical education, single tax, nor other human scheme. D470-515 The only hope for the world is in the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ—the Millennial Kingdom. D517 We shall be satisfied only when we get those eternal verities of which now we have only the promise, or hope. But what a hope is ours; what a glorious hope! SM739:2 The second advent is the motive for divine hope. R298:2* Our salvation continues as day by day we abide in the Lord and grow in grace, knowledge, and the holy Spirit. Eventually our salvation will be complete. (1 Pet. 1:13) R5920:4 Watching implies hoping, and it also implies waiting. R2973:2
And the glorious— "Even the glorious manifestation of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ." R2283:3
Appearing— Greek: epiphaneia, bright shining or manifestation. R2979:1
Of the great God— Our Lord Jesus is a mighty one, a great one amongst the mighty ones. R2726:1 Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ F673Who shall transform his Church to his own spiritual image and likeness, in order that we may be associated with him in his great work of bringing in the Millennial blessings. R2973:2
[NTC - Titus 2:14]
Who gave himself for us— Christ, who, through the eternal spirit, offered himself without spot to God, and for this cause he is the mediator of the New Covenant. (Heb. 9:14,16) E450
He might redeem— Greek: lutroo, "to loose by a price," to set free by the payment of a price. E431 Not only from the tomb in the Millennium, but also those who now hear the message and obtain relief from the thraldom of iniquity. E432
From all iniquity— Sin and iniquity are two names for the same thing. R710:4 Not merely a redemption from the power of the grave. R2517:6
A peculiar people— The Lord is seeking specially a people peculiarly cleansed, purified. R2517:6 Not striving after the things of this world. R2146:4 Different from others, possessed of a special love for that which is just, pure, noble, good; and are striving to cultivate these graces more and more in their hearts. R2726:4Separate from nominal Christians as well as the world, having higher hopes, aims and ambitions and with a clearer insight into the deep things of God. R5970:1 A people bought back from sin and death, different from others. They are new creatures in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:17) They have new hopes and new aims; namely, to be made associates in the government of Messiah. R5461:5 Not on outward looks, not by wearing peculiar clothing, nor by talking in some peculiar way. CR333:2, 408:6 A faith-full people, peculiar in this respect from the majority; not many great, not many wise, not many learned according to the course of this world have and exercise this faith—chiefly the poor, rich in faith, may be heirs of the kingdom. R3944:6 The Gospel Church, "a holy nation, a peculiar people" (1 Pet. 2:7,9). R2604:3
Zealous of good works— "Devoted to good works." R2283:6 Willing to lay down their lives in God's service. E30 One particular work given them of the Father; hence they cannot give their attention to political or social reform, etc. The Lord's people are eager to do good, but in the way that will be most effective. (John 9:4) R5462:1 The same kind of good works the Lord himself was engaged in. CR333:3 God's work now is to bring to a knowledge of the truth those who have an ear to hear. CR334:1 Earnestly desirous and striving to do good unto all men as they have opportunity, physically, mentally, morally, and, especially, to do good to the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). R2726:4, CR333:4 For that which is right, loving the right, the truth, and loving God's way so that we will be glad at any cost to serve His cause. CR408:6 Zealous for the Kingdom, zealous for the Lord's Word. R2510:5
[NTC - Titus 2:15]
Let our sentiments and our course of action always be noble and pure, and on the right side of every subject that comes forward for ventilation and investigation. R3068:4
These things speak— Let those who seek to serve the Lord know that his truth is his representative, and let them cast their influence, all of it, on the right side of this momentous question of the ransom. Leave no doubt with any as to just where you stand. R1453:3
Exhort, and rebuke— Not the pleasantest part of our duty, but some need words of warning in order that they be not deceived. R1480:4* In love and gentleness. R2726:4
All authority— Full authority, not doubting as to the meaning of the divine instruction. R2726:4: The authority of God's Word, not Titus' own. R1892:6
Despise thee— Titus was probably young. R1894:3 Declare these principles of righteousness governing the Lord's people in a plain, positive and authoritative manner. Speak with authority not as with uncertainty and questioning. R2726:4
[NTC - Titus 3:1]
Be subject to— The spirit of submission, rather than of contention, is enjoined upon the whole Church in its relationship to civil ordinances of men. R1553:2 "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake." (1 Pet. 2:13) R1553:2 Implies not merely a willingness to serve under compulsion, but implies also that we will not oppose earthly governments in any public manner. (Rom. 13:1) The public reproof and overthrow will come from the Lord. R5716:4 While our citizenship is in heaven, nevertheless, like all other foreigners, we are to be subject to the laws of the country in which we may be living. But obedience to the laws on the part of Bible Students does not imply military duty. R5928:3 Our allegiance to earthly lords and powers and their commands is merely to the extent that they do not conflict with the commands of our Over-Lord. R5929:2
[NTC - Titus 3:2]
Speak evil of no man— To speak that which is injurious; therefore one should say nothing that would injure any man. R5529:1 Evil speaking is to say anything derogatory respecting another, to tell things uncomplimentary, to speak anything that is prejudicial to the character of another, whether it be truth or falsehood. R4281:2, 5471:5 Strictly forbidden to God's people as wholly contrary to his spirit of love, even if the evil thing be true. R4803:1 We should say nothing contrary to the Golden Rule. R5529:1, 4283:5 How much more evil in the Lord's sight must it be if any of the Lord's brethren should speak evil of one another—speak evil of a member of the Lord's Body! How terrible is the thought. (Psa. 50:19-22) R3275:6 This is an absolute command—not only of no man in the Church, but of no man outside the Church. R4616:4 How much more will love insist that a brother's weaknesses or blunders or sins be carefully covered. F290 Some of the most conscientious Christians have difficulty along this line. Any who ignore it prove their own lack of development. R5529:1, 5530:4, 4803:1, 4281:5 The disposition that thus exposes the imperfections of the brethren is surely not the love that covers. (1 Pet. 4:8) R5530:4 The sooner every follower of Christ comes to see that defamation is the theft of another's reputation, the sooner they will see this subject as it really is, in all its hideousness—as it must appear in the sight of the Lord. R5530:4, 4283:4, 3275:5 A slander is equally a slander, whether it is true or whether it is false, and is so regarded not only in the law of God, but also in the laws of civilized men. R2444:4, 5573:1*, 4281:2, 3030:2 Slander and evil speaking are assassinations of the character of another. R3275:5 Those who listen to slanderers are partakers of their evil deeds. R4803:2, 4281:6 An exception would be if you were a witness to a murder, theft, or any other heinous crime, it would be a duty to society to speak of the evil, to report it to the proper authorities. R4281:3, 2445:1 It is not evil speaking to report violations of rules of house or office. R5529:2 We may properly set forth that there is but the one true Church, organized by our Lord, and that all other churches, therefore are merely human systems. But it is not our privilege to tirade against these churches. R4433:1 Matt. 18:15-17 should be used with our brethren. R4281:5, 1575:3; F289 It is not our duty to speak evil in the interests of the Church. R5530:1 Do not render slander for slander. R5639:3 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good, to the use of edifying." (Eph. 4:29) R2588:2; SM183:1 Do we always follow this Scriptural rule? Or do we find ourselves possessed of a mean disposition, which takes pleasure in gossiping to others respecting what we know, or what we have heard derogatory to others? NS590:4 He does not say, Speak evil of no creed. Some of the creeds should be very evilly spoken of! He does not say that we are not to speak evil of an evil principle, but brings the matter down to personality. R5471:1
[NTC - Titus 3:3]
For we ourselves— Paul sums up the disciple's transformation from selfishness to the love of God in a few words of verses 3 to 6. R2648:5
Malice and envy, hateful— Beware of all thoughts, feelings and conditions of heart directly or remotely connected with these, for they will surely do great injury. R4803:6
[NTC - Titus 3:4]
Kindness— Goodness. (Diaglott) R2648:5
God our Savior— The great Jehovah himself is the author of the salvation brought unto us by our Lord Jesus. E35
[NTC - Titus 3:5]
He saved us— Delivered us from this evil condition of heart. R2648:5
By the washing— The bath of a new birth. R2422:6, 1768:3* The purifying of regeneration. OV379:T The cleansing power is "the Blood of Christ." (1 John 1:7) E445, R5854:3 Our regeneration or begetting again of the holy Spirit and our renewing by it comes to us in conjunction with the washing or cleansing which is effected in us by the operation of the truth—the divine message. R4125:1 Symbolized by the priests first washing at the laver before entering the Holy and thus typically becoming new creatures. R4125:1
Of regeneration— Begetting again of the holy Spirit. R4125:1 The reforming and justifying influences of faith in the Redeemer. Q822:3 The regenerating processes of the present time are with a view to bringing the Church class to a new nature. Their regeneration began when God imparted the holy Spirit, following consecration, and continues during lifetime, a transforming and renewing work. OV378:4
And renewing— Renovation of the holy Spirit. R1768:3* The making new by the holy Spirit. R2422:6
[NTC - Titus 3:6]
Shed on us abundantly— Poured out on us richly as typified by the anointing of the head of the High Priest (Psa. 133:2), representing Jesus the Head and the Church, his members. R1768:3*;T29, 37
[NTC - Titus 3:7]
Justified by his grace— Down under all is the ransom—Jesus' death—the basis of all justifying faith—the channel of God's grace. (Rom. 3:24, 25) R441:2, 660:3 There was no obligation upon our Creator to do anything whatsoever for our recovery from the just penalty which he had placed upon us. F105
Be made heirs— Our Lord Jesus is the only heir under the Sarah Covenant. It is our coming into betrothal and union with him that gives us a share in that name and the honors and glorious future which it implies. (Gal. 3:28, 29) R1386:6
The hope of eternal life— The one hope—the resurrection of the dead. R1435:1,6* By a resurrection. The ground of this hope is found in Jehovah's promises, confirmed unto us by the death of our Lord Jesus as the ransom price for our sins, and by his resurrection from the dead for our justification. (1 Pet. 1:3; Acts 17:31) R1278:2
[NTC - Titus 3:9]
Avoid foolish questions— Let the world speculate as it may about its own themes of interest, but let us devote ourselves to the one thing at hand. R3200:6
And contentions— The contentious spirit is generally to by found among those who are not living up to the spirit of the truth which they have already recognized. They have been attempting to grow in knowledge without growing in grace—in love, in kindness, gentleness, meekness, patience, etc. R4009:1
[NTC - Titus 3:10]
An heretick— Those who wrest (twist) the Scriptures, and thus turn the truth of God into a lie. R1575:3 Doctrinal disorders are among the chief. R1575:3
Reject— If any come and bring not this doctrine (the ransom), receive him not. (2 John 10) R1453:4
[NTC - Titus 3:15]
Salute thee— The churches in one place were prompt to send Christian greetings and benedictions to those in other places. R1895:4
Them that love us— We are to recognize as "brethren" those who have only the phileo degree of duty-love; but we are to see to it that we "love the brotherhood" (1 Pet. 2:17) with agape or higher love. R2807:5