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"After the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers . . . . ."
(Acts 24: 14).
There is only one standard of true orthodoxy and that is an acceptance and practice of
the Word of God rightly divided. As long as this is our position we need not be afraid of
such taunts. In fact we are in good company. All else is but the fallible opinion of men,
however eminent or religious.
However, the Apostle instructs Titus concerning those who rightly come under the
description of heretics, self-choosers, and dividers. Such were perverted. Ekstrepho, to
turn inside out, to twist or pervert, is used only here in the N.T. They were to be given
two warnings and then, if hot heeded, were to be avoided. The A.V. `reject' is somewhat
too strong, for it sounds like excommunication, but this is not what Paul is enjoining.
The R.V. translates `refuse' and puts `avoid' in the margin. Similar exhortations are
given in the epistles to Timothy, "from such withdraw thyself" (I Tim. 6: 5). "Foolish
and unlearned questions avoid" (II Tim. 2: 23). "From such turn away" (II Tim. 3: 5).
The only hope for such backsliders is that "God will give them repentance to the
acknowledging of the truth" (II Tim. 2: 25).
The closing verses of the epistle have several personal touches. Paul gives
instructions concerning Artemas, Tychicus, Zenas and Apollos. Of Artemas we know
nothing, for this is the only reference in the N.T. to him, likewise Zenas, the lawyer. The
designation `lawyer' should be understood as one who was expert in the Mosaic law, not
necessarily in ordinary civil law. Tychicus is the well-loved follower of the Apostle
(Eph. 6: 21; Col. 4: 7; II Tim. 4: 12), also Apollos, the disciple who was `mighty in
the Scriptures' and who had been led on further into the Truth by the gracious witness of
Aquila and Priscilla. Zenas and Apollos were possibly bearers of this epistle. They were
to be given all facilities for their journey and this would doubtless include hospitality.
The early Christians were taught to entertain and provide for Christian travelers, specially
those who ministered the Word.
Titus is exhorted to hasten (give diligence) to come to the Apostle at Nicopolis, where
he had decided to spend the winter. There were three cities which bore this name, in
Cilicia, Thrace or Macedonia, and in Epirus. The latter is probably the one referred to.
Augustus had built it to commemorate his naval victory over Mark Anthony in B.C.31.
The title means `city of victory', a fitting place for the close of the Apostle's live;
victorious in a very different sense to Caesar Augustus.
"And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be
not unfruitful" (3: 14 R.V.).
Paul cannot close the epistle without another reference to the importance of
maintaining good works. If ever a portion of the N.T. clearly teaches the right and the
wrong place for good works it is this letter. Much unbalance and wrong doctrine has
resulted from this aspect of truth not being appreciated. Good works are likened to fruit.
They are the outcome of a healthy root just as in the realm of nature. `Rooted and
grounded' in Christ is the basis for all spiritual growth and practical response, and