Paul's Final Instructions to Titus and Farewell
Titus 3:12-15 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. KJV
The aging Apostle has now come to the end of this one and only recorded letter written to Titus ordained the first Bishop of the Church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia, and in so doing he gives him some final instructions that are practical and spiritual with these words first, "When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter." (Titus 3:12) (KJV). Paul wanted Titus to be diligent or to make haste to come to him in Nicopolis (which was the home town of Brother Titus) perhaps because of this fact is why Paul has decided to spend the winter there. At the time of Paul writing this letter to Titus, he had not yet arrived in Nicopolis. Some Bible Commentators think that this is not the same Nicopolis where Titus was born and raised, but this is not a point of significance which city it was or was not, for Paul wanted to have Brother Titus with him in person so that he could make sure he was understanding all that had been written to him and perhaps to impart some spiritual gift to him (Romans 1:11). Paul had likewise closed his letter to Brother Timothy with the same request to come to him quickly (2 Timothy 4:21). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about this verse, "Why Paul designed to spend the winter there, or what he purposed to do there, are questions on which no light can now be thrown. There is no evidence that he organized a Church there, though it may be presumed that he preached the Gospel, and that he did not do it without success. His requesting Titus to leave his important post and to come to him, looks as if his aid were needed in the work of the ministry there, and as if Paul supposed there was a promising field of labor there."
Immediately after instructing Titus to come to him, Paul tells him to bring with him two other men and notice how there is no language of this sort, 'If your schedule and their schedule will permit?' Here is what he wrote, "Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them." (Titus 3:13) (KJV). When Paul the Apostle instructed someone to do something or to go somewhere, it was never questioned, but immediately obeyed. Here is what the JFB Commentary wrote concerning this verse, "Enable them to proceed forward by supplying necessaries for their journey. Zenas the contracted form of Zenodorus, a Jewish 'scribe,' who, when converted, still retained the title from his former occupation. A civil lawyer. Apollos with Zenas, probably the bearers of this Epistle. In 1 Corinthians 16:12, Apollos is mentioned as purposing to visit Corinth; his now being at Corinth (on the theory of Paul being at Corinth when he wrote) accords with this purpose. Crete would be on his way either to Palestine or his native place, Alexandria. Paul and Apollos thus appear in beautiful harmony in that very city where their names had been formerly the watchword of unchristian party work. It was to avoid this party rivalry that Apollos formerly was unwilling to visit Corinth though Paul desired him. Hippolytus mentions Zenas as one of the Seventy, and afterwards bishop of Diospolis."
Paul was very quick to point out things that were not right between brethren and perhaps this is why he emphasizes in the previous verse to make sure that they provided all that Zenas and Apollos would need to make the journey, so now he writes these last words as a final reminder, "And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful." (Titus 3:14) (KJV). Maybe Titus had not done so with Zenas and Apollos in the past as he should have, so Paul wants this to be another reminder for him that will always be there for him to refer to in the future. Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say about this verse, "But ... also. Not only thou, but let others also of 'our' fellow believers (or 'whom we have gained over at Crete') with thee, for necessary uses — to supply the necessary wants of Christian missionaries and brethren, according as they stand in need in their journeys for the Lord's cause." Lastly, Paul bids his farewell to Brother Titus at the end of this letter sending greetings to him (before he arrives) from all those there with Paul with these words, "All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen." (Titus 3:15) (KJV). Here is what the JFB Commentary had to say concerning Paul's final farewell words in this letter to Titus, "Salute them that love us in the faith. All at Crete had not this love rooted in faith, the true bond of fellowship. A salutation peculiar to this Epistle, such as no forger, that is, counterfeiter would have used. 'The grace,' namely, of God be with you all — not that the Epistle is addressed to all the Cretan Christians, but Titus would naturally impart it to his flock."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 26
Paul Instructs Titus on how the Grace of God should enable him to deal with Biblical Heritics that rise up in the Church of Jesus Christ
Titus 3:10-11 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. KJV
Paul wants Brother Titus and every true believer in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to always and at all times be ready and able to take a stand for the truth of the Word of God. Before Paul wrote this letter to Titus, he had already warned the believers in Ephesus to be on the look out for men who would rise up even within their fellowship who were not truly men who were reborn by our Lord Jesus Christ, here is what Paul said to them, "For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also men shall arise from your own selves, speaking perverse things in order to draw disciples away after them. Therefore watch and remember that for the time of three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears." (Acts 20:29-31) (KJV). Paul was always a watchman or a guardian of the truth of the Word of God and would defend it at all cost, even the ultimate cost, which was his beheading at the hands of the Romans incited by the Jews. King David prayed for our Lord God to defend him as he stood for and in the truth of God with these words, "Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me." (Psalm 59:1) (KJV). So it is no strange thing that Paul would make one of his final instructions to Brother Titus to be such the same type of guardian of the truth as he instructs him with these words here, "A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;" (Titus 3:10) (KJV). This English word 'heretic' is translated by the Greek word aihretikos (used this one time only in the entire Bible) meaning a schismatic. ('heretic' is the Greek word itself.), that is, one who causes schism or Division of a group into opposing factions, that is, the formal separation of a Church into two Churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences or error. The English word 'admonition' is translated by the Greek word nouthesia meaning calling attention to, that is, (by implication) mild rebuke or warning: - admonition. The English word 'reject' is translated by the Greek word paraiteomai meaning to beg off, that is, deprecate, decline, shun: - avoid, (make) excuse, intreat, refuse, reject.
In other words, a heritic is in actuality an unbeliever or someone who has taken the truth of the Word of God and twisted it or perverted it by virtue of their taking heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). You see the devil cannot refute the Word of God because as it is written, "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in Heaven." (Psalm 119:89) (KJV), therefore, instead he works hard to pervert and twist the truth of the Word of God in the hearts and minds of people in order to prevent or keep them in their lost state or condition, that is, to keep them from the forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ. The people (men or women) must be warned and rebuked even, but after doing so twice, if they persist in their believing and teaching of lies, then they must be completely avoided and rejected, just as this same Apostle Paul instructed the believers in Rome to do with these words, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:17-18) (KJV). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the heritic, "An heretic, according to the notation of the word, is either one that makes choice of an opinion upon his own judgment, contrary to the generally received sense of the Churches of Christ, and prefers it to theirs, and obstinately persists in it; separates from them, forms a party, and sets himself at the head of them, whom he has drawn into the same way of thinking with himself: or he is one that removes and takes away a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, which affects particularly the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity, and personality of Father, Son, and Spirit, and especially the doctrines relating to the person, office, and grace of Christ; one that brings in, or receives damnable doctrines; speaks or professes perverse things, and draws away disciples after him; or is among such disciples: for though schism and heresy do differ, and every schismatic may not be an heretic, yet every heretic is a schismatic; he makes a rent in the doctrine of Christ, and makes parties and divisions in his Church; and such are not always to be contended and disputed with, but to be avoided and rejected: Have nothing to do with him; have no society with him; admit him not to private conversation; and eject him from Church communion, after he has been publicly admonished twice by the order of the Church; for this is not to be understood of private admonition, by a particular person or persons; as in the case of private offences, Matthew 18:15, but of public admonition, in the name of the Church."
Paul declares to Brother Titus that this man knows deep down that what he embraces or follows after is wrong, "Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself." (Titus 3:11) (KJV). The English word 'subverted' is translated by the Greek word ekstrephō (used this one time only in the entire Bible) meaning to pervert. The man or woman that is a heritic will at some point know (within themselves) that what they espouse is a lie, yet many, if not most will go on persisting in that lie having been fooled or duped by the devil's appearence as an angel of light, as it is written, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) (KJV), also it is because of what Paul wrote to the Thessalonian beleivers to beware of with these words, "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) (KJV).
Here is what the Expositor's Bible Commentary had to say concerning this matter, "In all such cases there are three sets of persons to be considered:-the heretic himself, those who have to deal with him, and the Church at large. What conduct on the part of those who have to deal with him will be least prejudicial to themselves and to the Church and most beneficial to the man himself? The supreme law of charity/love must be the guiding principle. But that is no true charity/love which shows tenderness to one person in such a way as to do grievous harm to others, or to do more harm than good to the person who receives it. Love of what is good is not only consistent with hatred of what is evil; it cannot exist without such hatred. What we have to consider, therefore, is this. Will friendliness confirm him in his error? Would he be more impressed by severity? Is intercourse with him likely to lead to our being led astray? Will it increase his influence and his opportunities of doing harm? Is severity likely to excite sympathy in other people, first for him, and then for his teaching? It is impossible to lay down a hard-and-fast rule that would cover all cases; and while we remember the stern instructions which St. Paul gives to Titus, and St. John to the 'elect lady,' let us not forget the way in which Jesus Christ treated publicans and sinners. In our own day there is danger of mistaking lazy or weak indifferentism for Christian charity/love. It is a convenient doctrine that the beliefs of our fellow-Christians are no concern of ours, even when they try to propagate what contradicts the creed. And, while emphasis is laid upon the responsibility of accepting articles of faith, it is assumed that there is little or no responsibility in refusing to accept, or in teaching others to refuse also. To plead for tenderness, where severity is needed, is not charity/love, but Laodicaean lukewarmness; and mistaken tenderness may easily end in making us 'partakers in evil works.' To be severe, when severity is imperatively called for, is not only charity/love to the offenders, it is also charity/love towards all men besides. It is charity/love towards the ignorant as carrying instruction along with it; charity/love towards the unwary, as giving them warning to stand off from infection; charity/love towards the confirmed Christians, as encouraging them still more, and preserving them from insults; charity/love towards the whole Church, as supporting both their unity and purity; charity/love towards all mankind, towards them that are without, as it is recommending pure religion to them in the most advantageous light, obviating their most plausible calumnies, and giving them less occasion to blaspheme."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 3:10-11 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. KJV
Paul wants Brother Titus and every true believer in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to always and at all times be ready and able to take a stand for the truth of the Word of God. Before Paul wrote this letter to Titus, he had already warned the believers in Ephesus to be on the look out for men who would rise up even within their fellowship who were not truly men who were reborn by our Lord Jesus Christ, here is what Paul said to them, "For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also men shall arise from your own selves, speaking perverse things in order to draw disciples away after them. Therefore watch and remember that for the time of three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears." (Acts 20:29-31) (KJV). Paul was always a watchman or a guardian of the truth of the Word of God and would defend it at all cost, even the ultimate cost, which was his beheading at the hands of the Romans incited by the Jews. King David prayed for our Lord God to defend him as he stood for and in the truth of God with these words, "Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me." (Psalm 59:1) (KJV). So it is no strange thing that Paul would make one of his final instructions to Brother Titus to be such the same type of guardian of the truth as he instructs him with these words here, "A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;" (Titus 3:10) (KJV). This English word 'heretic' is translated by the Greek word aihretikos (used this one time only in the entire Bible) meaning a schismatic. ('heretic' is the Greek word itself.), that is, one who causes schism or Division of a group into opposing factions, that is, the formal separation of a Church into two Churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences or error. The English word 'admonition' is translated by the Greek word nouthesia meaning calling attention to, that is, (by implication) mild rebuke or warning: - admonition. The English word 'reject' is translated by the Greek word paraiteomai meaning to beg off, that is, deprecate, decline, shun: - avoid, (make) excuse, intreat, refuse, reject.
In other words, a heritic is in actuality an unbeliever or someone who has taken the truth of the Word of God and twisted it or perverted it by virtue of their taking heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). You see the devil cannot refute the Word of God because as it is written, "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in Heaven." (Psalm 119:89) (KJV), therefore, instead he works hard to pervert and twist the truth of the Word of God in the hearts and minds of people in order to prevent or keep them in their lost state or condition, that is, to keep them from the forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ. The people (men or women) must be warned and rebuked even, but after doing so twice, if they persist in their believing and teaching of lies, then they must be completely avoided and rejected, just as this same Apostle Paul instructed the believers in Rome to do with these words, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:17-18) (KJV). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the heritic, "An heretic, according to the notation of the word, is either one that makes choice of an opinion upon his own judgment, contrary to the generally received sense of the Churches of Christ, and prefers it to theirs, and obstinately persists in it; separates from them, forms a party, and sets himself at the head of them, whom he has drawn into the same way of thinking with himself: or he is one that removes and takes away a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, which affects particularly the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity, and personality of Father, Son, and Spirit, and especially the doctrines relating to the person, office, and grace of Christ; one that brings in, or receives damnable doctrines; speaks or professes perverse things, and draws away disciples after him; or is among such disciples: for though schism and heresy do differ, and every schismatic may not be an heretic, yet every heretic is a schismatic; he makes a rent in the doctrine of Christ, and makes parties and divisions in his Church; and such are not always to be contended and disputed with, but to be avoided and rejected: Have nothing to do with him; have no society with him; admit him not to private conversation; and eject him from Church communion, after he has been publicly admonished twice by the order of the Church; for this is not to be understood of private admonition, by a particular person or persons; as in the case of private offences, Matthew 18:15, but of public admonition, in the name of the Church."
Paul declares to Brother Titus that this man knows deep down that what he embraces or follows after is wrong, "Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself." (Titus 3:11) (KJV). The English word 'subverted' is translated by the Greek word ekstrephō (used this one time only in the entire Bible) meaning to pervert. The man or woman that is a heritic will at some point know (within themselves) that what they espouse is a lie, yet many, if not most will go on persisting in that lie having been fooled or duped by the devil's appearence as an angel of light, as it is written, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) (KJV), also it is because of what Paul wrote to the Thessalonian beleivers to beware of with these words, "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) (KJV).
Here is what the Expositor's Bible Commentary had to say concerning this matter, "In all such cases there are three sets of persons to be considered:-the heretic himself, those who have to deal with him, and the Church at large. What conduct on the part of those who have to deal with him will be least prejudicial to themselves and to the Church and most beneficial to the man himself? The supreme law of charity/love must be the guiding principle. But that is no true charity/love which shows tenderness to one person in such a way as to do grievous harm to others, or to do more harm than good to the person who receives it. Love of what is good is not only consistent with hatred of what is evil; it cannot exist without such hatred. What we have to consider, therefore, is this. Will friendliness confirm him in his error? Would he be more impressed by severity? Is intercourse with him likely to lead to our being led astray? Will it increase his influence and his opportunities of doing harm? Is severity likely to excite sympathy in other people, first for him, and then for his teaching? It is impossible to lay down a hard-and-fast rule that would cover all cases; and while we remember the stern instructions which St. Paul gives to Titus, and St. John to the 'elect lady,' let us not forget the way in which Jesus Christ treated publicans and sinners. In our own day there is danger of mistaking lazy or weak indifferentism for Christian charity/love. It is a convenient doctrine that the beliefs of our fellow-Christians are no concern of ours, even when they try to propagate what contradicts the creed. And, while emphasis is laid upon the responsibility of accepting articles of faith, it is assumed that there is little or no responsibility in refusing to accept, or in teaching others to refuse also. To plead for tenderness, where severity is needed, is not charity/love, but Laodicaean lukewarmness; and mistaken tenderness may easily end in making us 'partakers in evil works.' To be severe, when severity is imperatively called for, is not only charity/love to the offenders, it is also charity/love towards all men besides. It is charity/love towards the ignorant as carrying instruction along with it; charity/love towards the unwary, as giving them warning to stand off from infection; charity/love towards the confirmed Christians, as encouraging them still more, and preserving them from insults; charity/love towards the whole Church, as supporting both their unity and purity; charity/love towards all mankind, towards them that are without, as it is recommending pure religion to them in the most advantageous light, obviating their most plausible calumnies, and giving them less occasion to blaspheme."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 25
Paul Reminds Titus of what we should not do because of the Grace of God Given to Us
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. KJV
Now Paul reminds Brother Titus and we true believers of every era and generation of what we should not be doing, with these words, "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." (Titus 3:9) (KJV). The English word 'avoid' is translated by the Greek word periistēmi which means basically the same as our English definition which is to keep away from: - avoid, shun, or stand aloof from. The English word 'genealogies' is translated by the Greek word genealogia which means tracing by generations ones ancestry. When Paul writes, 'foolish questions', he is referring to things of no benefit or usefulness in the matter of the Gospel of the Grace of God and whether or not a sinner is saved by hearing and believing the Gospel. These stupid useless questions about all sorts of silly nonsense only left people to wander away from what was then and is still now and forever will be and that is that human beings are sinners period and their only hope for restoration, redemption, and resurrection life is found in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ.
Here is what Adam Clarke wrote concerning these 'foolish questions' and genealogies so often spoke of amongst the Jews, "In these the Jews particularly delighted; they abounded in the most frivolous questions; and, as they had little piety themselves, they were solicitous to show that they had descended from godly ancestors. Of their frivolous questions, and the answers given to them by the wisest and most reputable of their rabbins, the following is a specimen: - Rabbi Hillel was asked: Why have the Babylonians round heads? To which he answered: This is a difficult question, but I will tell the reason: Their heads are round because they have but little wit. Why are the eyes of the Tarmudians so soft? Because they inhabit a sandy country. Why have the Africans broad feet? Because they inhabit a marshy country. But ridiculous and trifling as these are, they are little in comparison to those solemnly proposed and most gravely answered by those who are called the schoolmen. These, with many thousands of others, of equal use to religion and common sense, may be found in their writings. See the Summa of Thomas Aquinas, passim. Might not the Spirit have these religious triflers in view, rather than the less ridiculous Jews?"
When Paul writes, 'and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain', he means specifically the Jewish Talmud which is the collection of ancient rabbinic writings on Jewish law and tradition (the Mishna and the Gemara) that constitute the basis of religious authority in Orthodox Judaism. The Apostle Paul knew very well what he spoke of here in regard to the many contentions and strivings that went on concerning the Talmud, for he was once one of those (as a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin) participating in much of the striving and contending. The English word 'contentions' is translated by the Greek word eris meaning a quarrel, that is, (by implication) wrangling: - contention, debate, strife, variance. The English word 'strivings' is translated by the Greek word machē meaning a battle, that is, (figuratively) controversy: - fighting, strive, striving. In other words, all the minutia found in the Jewish Talmud (put there by sinful Jewish Rabbi') created reasons for striving and contending about these useless and profitless man made rules, rituals, and regulations that had no Divine Authority or Power with them, but the Gospel of the Grace of God (which each one of us born again believers have received and are continuing to receive) has the Divine Power of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit with it to do what ever it is that the will of God decrees, declares, and determines to be done in His Name and for His Glory, therefore, the old Jewish traditions and minutia is obselete under the grace of God.
This is whay Paul declares them to be 'unprofitable', that is, useless and 'vain', that is, empty or without any value whatsoever. Here is what Matthew Henry wrote concerning the contentions and strivings about the law being worthless and vain, "There were those who were for the Mosaic rites and ceremonies, and would have them continued in the Church, though by the Gospel and the coming of Christ they were superseded and done away. Titus must give no countenance to these, but avoid and oppose them; for they are unprofitable and vain: this is to be referred to all those foolish questions and genealogies, as well as those strivings about the law. They are so far from instructing and building up in godliness, that they are hindrances of it rather: the Christian religion, and good works, which are to be maintained, will hereby be weakened and prejudiced, the peace of the Church disturbed, and the progress of the Gospel hindered. Observe, Ministers must not only teach things good and useful, but shun and oppose the contrary, what would corrupt the faith, and hinder godliness and good works; nor should people have itching ears, but love and embrace sound doctrine, which tends most to the use of edifying."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. KJV
Now Paul reminds Brother Titus and we true believers of every era and generation of what we should not be doing, with these words, "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." (Titus 3:9) (KJV). The English word 'avoid' is translated by the Greek word periistēmi which means basically the same as our English definition which is to keep away from: - avoid, shun, or stand aloof from. The English word 'genealogies' is translated by the Greek word genealogia which means tracing by generations ones ancestry. When Paul writes, 'foolish questions', he is referring to things of no benefit or usefulness in the matter of the Gospel of the Grace of God and whether or not a sinner is saved by hearing and believing the Gospel. These stupid useless questions about all sorts of silly nonsense only left people to wander away from what was then and is still now and forever will be and that is that human beings are sinners period and their only hope for restoration, redemption, and resurrection life is found in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ.
Here is what Adam Clarke wrote concerning these 'foolish questions' and genealogies so often spoke of amongst the Jews, "In these the Jews particularly delighted; they abounded in the most frivolous questions; and, as they had little piety themselves, they were solicitous to show that they had descended from godly ancestors. Of their frivolous questions, and the answers given to them by the wisest and most reputable of their rabbins, the following is a specimen: - Rabbi Hillel was asked: Why have the Babylonians round heads? To which he answered: This is a difficult question, but I will tell the reason: Their heads are round because they have but little wit. Why are the eyes of the Tarmudians so soft? Because they inhabit a sandy country. Why have the Africans broad feet? Because they inhabit a marshy country. But ridiculous and trifling as these are, they are little in comparison to those solemnly proposed and most gravely answered by those who are called the schoolmen. These, with many thousands of others, of equal use to religion and common sense, may be found in their writings. See the Summa of Thomas Aquinas, passim. Might not the Spirit have these religious triflers in view, rather than the less ridiculous Jews?"
When Paul writes, 'and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain', he means specifically the Jewish Talmud which is the collection of ancient rabbinic writings on Jewish law and tradition (the Mishna and the Gemara) that constitute the basis of religious authority in Orthodox Judaism. The Apostle Paul knew very well what he spoke of here in regard to the many contentions and strivings that went on concerning the Talmud, for he was once one of those (as a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin) participating in much of the striving and contending. The English word 'contentions' is translated by the Greek word eris meaning a quarrel, that is, (by implication) wrangling: - contention, debate, strife, variance. The English word 'strivings' is translated by the Greek word machē meaning a battle, that is, (figuratively) controversy: - fighting, strive, striving. In other words, all the minutia found in the Jewish Talmud (put there by sinful Jewish Rabbi') created reasons for striving and contending about these useless and profitless man made rules, rituals, and regulations that had no Divine Authority or Power with them, but the Gospel of the Grace of God (which each one of us born again believers have received and are continuing to receive) has the Divine Power of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit with it to do what ever it is that the will of God decrees, declares, and determines to be done in His Name and for His Glory, therefore, the old Jewish traditions and minutia is obselete under the grace of God.
This is whay Paul declares them to be 'unprofitable', that is, useless and 'vain', that is, empty or without any value whatsoever. Here is what Matthew Henry wrote concerning the contentions and strivings about the law being worthless and vain, "There were those who were for the Mosaic rites and ceremonies, and would have them continued in the Church, though by the Gospel and the coming of Christ they were superseded and done away. Titus must give no countenance to these, but avoid and oppose them; for they are unprofitable and vain: this is to be referred to all those foolish questions and genealogies, as well as those strivings about the law. They are so far from instructing and building up in godliness, that they are hindrances of it rather: the Christian religion, and good works, which are to be maintained, will hereby be weakened and prejudiced, the peace of the Church disturbed, and the progress of the Gospel hindered. Observe, Ministers must not only teach things good and useful, but shun and oppose the contrary, what would corrupt the faith, and hinder godliness and good works; nor should people have itching ears, but love and embrace sound doctrine, which tends most to the use of edifying."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
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