Titus – Chapter 3

New Testament15 Verses

Chapter Summary

Titus 3 opens with the words: "Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work." Apollo stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 15 verses, two threads run through the text: faith and trust in God and justice and care for the poor. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work.

2To speak evil of no man, not to be litigious but gentle: shewing all mildness towards all men.

3For we ourselves also were some time unwise, incredulous, erring, slaves to divers desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

4But when the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour appeared:

5Not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration and renovation of the Holy Ghost.

6Whom he hath poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour:

7That, being justified by his grace, we may be heirs according to hope of life everlasting.

8It is a faithful saying. And these things I will have thee affirm constantly, that they who believe in God may be careful to excel in good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

9But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions and strivings about the law. For they are unprofitable and vain.

10A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, avoid:

11Knowing that he that is such an one is subverted and sinneth, being condemned by his own judgment.

12When I shall send to thee Artemas or Tychicus, make haste to come unto me to Nicopolis. For there I have determined to winter.

13Send forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollo, with care that nothing be wanting to them.

14And let our men also learn to excel in good works for necessary uses: that they be not unfruitful.

15All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in the faith. The grace of God be with you all. Amen.

Important Verses in Titus 3

Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work.

Titus 3:1

Not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration and renovation of the Holy Ghost.

Titus 3:5

It is a faithful saying. And these things I will have thee affirm constantly, that they who believe in God may be careful to excel in good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Titus 3:8

All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in the faith. The grace of God be with you all. Amen.

Titus 3:15

Historical Context

Titus belongs to the New Testament and was composed for titus and the young churches of Crete, ordered in faith and good works. Chapter 3 of 3 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 15 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Apollo, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work." It concludes: "All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in the faith. The grace of God be with you all. Amen. " The wider setting of Titus is this: Titus was left in Crete to 'set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in every town' (Titus 1:5)—a snapshot of apostolic succession in action. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Titus around About AD 63-65.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 63-65

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work." The passage repeatedly touches on faith and trust in God.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2559). Here, the Church's teaching on ordained ministry (CIC 1577). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize faith and trust in God as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

People in This Chapter

Apollo1 mention

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Titus Chapter 3 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. Leo the Great and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. the Church's teaching on ordained ministry (CIC 1577). The passage calls believers to grasp that Be ready for every good work.

May your reading of Titus Chapter 3 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how Be ready for every good work applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Titus Chapter 3 about?

Titus 3 contains 15 verses. It opens with "Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work." and closes with "All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in the faith. The grace of God be with you all. Amen. ". The book as a whole is pastoral epistle.

What is a key verse in Titus 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Titus Chapter 3?

This chapter mentions Apollo.

Who wrote Titus and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 63-65.

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