How does Titus 3:11 address dealing with divisive people in the church? Immediate Literary Context Paul’s charge to Titus flows out of the epistle’s overarching purpose—“set in order what was unfinished” (1:5). The letter moves from appointing qualified elders (1:6-9) to confronting false teachers (1:10-16), urging congregational ethics (chs. 2-3), and ends with the directives on handling factious individuals (3:9-11). Verse 11 therefore functions as the apostolic warrant behind Titus’ disciplinary action. Biblical-Theological Threads 1. Self-condemnation echoes Jesus’ teaching: “By your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). 2. The two-warning pattern parallels Jesus’ three-step process (Matthew 18:15-17) and the pattern of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). 3. The concept of corruption recalls Genesis 6:12 (“all flesh had corrupted their way”) and thus identifies divisiveness with pre-Flood rebellion—underscoring the seriousness of schism. Historical And Manuscript Attestation P 46 (c. AD 175 – 225) and the Codices Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, and Alexandrinus uniformly preserve the wording, strengthening confidence that the command represents apostolic, not later ecclesiastical, policy. Patristic citation is early: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 1.16.3, quotes Titus 3:10-11 while discussing heretical division; the textual line is stable. Early-Church Practice The Didache 15:1-2 instructs believers to reprove wrongdoers, but “if he does not change, have nothing to do with him.” Cyprian (Epistle 51.3) applies Titus 3 to Novatian schismatics. Thus Titus 3:11 governed church discipline from the 1st through 3rd centuries. Pastoral Application 1. Identify factious behavior: promoting party spirit (1 Corinthians 1:10), endless controversies (Titus 3:9), or teaching contrary to apostolic doctrine (Romans 16:17). 2. Issue two admonitions: Each must be gracious, Scripture-based, and aimed at restoration (Galatians 6:1). The twofold limit underscores patience yet prevents paralysis. 3. After persistence in error, “reject” (paraiteomai)—not hatred, but formal refusal of fellowship and platform, for the protection of the flock (Acts 20:29-30). Practical Steps For Today’S Church • Document both warnings, including Scripture cited and the individual’s responses. • Involve plural leadership (1 Timothy 5:19) to avoid personal vendettas. • Communicate the decision and its biblical basis to the congregation to prevent rumor-driven schism. • Maintain an open door for repentance; restoration is always the goal (2 Corinthians 2:7-8). Common Objections Answered • “Rejection is unloving.” Biblical love protects the body (1 Corinthians 5:6-7) and seeks repentance through consequences (Hebrews 12:11). • “Freedom of thought is suppressed.” Scripture prizes unity in truth, not uniformity of error (Ephesians 4:13-14). • “This harms church growth.” Divisiveness tolerated is far more destructive; historically, disciplined congregations retain doctrinal integrity and lasting health (see the Montanist and Donatist schisms). Comparative Scripture Survey • Romans 16:17—“Watch out for those who cause divisions… keep away from them.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:6—“Keep away from any brother who is idle and disruptive.” • 1 Timothy 6:4—The factious person “has an unhealthy interest in controversies.” • Proverbs 6:16-19—Among seven abominations: “one who sows discord among brothers.” The biblical witness is unanimous: unchecked divisiveness endangers the covenant community and requires decisive, measured action. Ultimate Motive The goal is “sound faith” and “good works” (Titus 2:1; 3:8) so that the church may adorn “the doctrine of God our Savior” (2:10). Guarding unity protects the gospel’s credibility before the watching world (John 17:23). Conclusion Titus 3:11 gives pastors and congregations a clear, God-authorized rationale for firm action against persistent divisiveness: the offender stands “corrupt and sinful,” having already passed sentence upon himself. Obedience to this directive glorifies God, shields the flock, and invites the erring brother to repentance and restoration. |
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