Final Greetings to Titus
“All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.”
His instructions to Titus now finished, Paul closes his epistle to his co-laborer with greetings from all those who are with him, and he tells Titus to “greet those who love us in the faith” (3:15). Most commentators believe the qualification “love us in the faith” reflects the reality in Crete that some have been disloyal to the apostle’s teaching and have turned from the gospel of grace to fruitless speculations (1:10–16). Paul is reserving the warmth of Christian fellowship only for those who stand firm for the biblical gospel, and he is not deceived into thinking that one can deny essential doctrines and be called a Christian in any meaningful sense (1 John 2:22–23).
The apostle concludes as he began, blessing Titus with a pronouncement that God’s grace would be with his delegate (Titus 1:4; 3:15). It is, as one commentator says, a final prayer for Titus’ strength as he organizes the church on Crete and confronts the false teachers troubling his congregation.
Grace — its priority in our redemption and its role in turning sinners into fruitful saints — is the predominant theme of Paul’s letter to Titus. Such grace led our Father to promise redemption before the world began and to send His only begotten Son to effect that salvation for His elect (1:1–4; 2:11–14; 3:4–7). This profound and unmerited favor demands the response of faith and the appointment of servant-leaders who will not waver in proclaiming that salvation to be by grace alone and who will not succumb to esoteric theories and myths (1:5–16). Once we have been justified by faith alone, divine grace goes on to make us fruitful citizens of the kingdom of God, people who are reverent toward our Maker and loving servants of our neighbors (2:1–10, 15). God’s grace also transforms us into peacemakers, people who are courteous to all and who look for urgent needs in order that we might help meet them in the name of Christ Jesus, showing the world that only He is the way to life eternal (3:1–2, 8–15).
We can do nothing to earn our salvation, but by God’s grace we can offer up a life of service in gratitude for His great redemption. Empowered by His grace, let us go forth and bear fruit that will last forever.
Coram Deo
Take time today to skim through Titus and reflect on the ways the grace of God has been manifested in your life both in your salvation and in the many gifts that have been given to you. Express your thanks to Him for His many blessings and consider how you might offer to Him a life of service that benefits the church and your non-Christian neighbors. Be confident that the grace that saves us also enables us to please our Father in heaven.