Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Titus 3:8

"Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:" — Titus 3:8 (ASV)

(8a) “This is a trustworthy saying” clearly looks back to the doctrinal statement in vv.4–7 as a unified whole and stamps it as worthy of full approval. Confined to the Pastoral Letters (see comment on 1 Timothy 1:15), this is the sole occurrence of this formula in Titus. Scholars generally accept the view that the writer is citing a hymn or confessional statement, but there is no agreement about the extent or exact contents of the assumed quotation. Whether it is a quotation or Paul’s own composition, no nobler doctrinal statement is found in any Pauline letter.

(8b) It is Paul’s definite intention that Titus, as his personal representative in Crete, continue insistently “to stress [GK 1331] these things” (i.e., the trustworthy truths contained in vv.4–7). Titus must stoutly and confidently affirm them. The orthodox preacher must proclaim his message with confidence and ringing certainty.

Such insistent preaching must aim at a definite result in the lives of believers.

“Those who have trusted in God” pictures not only the believers’ initial acceptance of these truths but also their present personal faith relationship to God. Because of this present relationship, they are obligated to “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” Again Paul emphasizes that the Gospel message of free forgiveness for sinners on the sole basis of faith must find expression in a life characterized by the performance of excellent deeds.

The practice of good works is the logical outcome of a true apprehension of the grace of God.

Paul concludes with a summary evaluation of the instructions just given.

“These things” could refer to his final demand that believers combine faith and practice, but more probably the reference is to the true teachings that Titus must insist on in his work in Crete. By their very nature they are “excellent” (GK 2819), i.e., good, attractive, and praiseworthy. They are also “profitable [GK 6068] for everyone,” meaning that they have a beneficial impact on humankind. The beneficial effects of Christian ethical standards are not limited to believers only. A vital Christianity unites the beautiful and the profitable.