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Titus 3

Paul widens the frame from the household to the city: remind believers to submit to rulers, to slander no one, to be gentle toward everyone. The reason is personal — 'we ourselves were once foolish' and enslaved to malice (v.3), so contempt for outsiders is hypocrisy. The turn comes at verse 4, when 'the kindness of God our Savior' appeared. Salvation is credited not to our righteous works but to mercy, through the washing of regeneration and the Holy Spirit.

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1
Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2
to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
3
For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4
But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,
5
not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior;
7
that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8
This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;
9
but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
10
Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning,
11
knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.
12
When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.
13
Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.
14
Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
15
All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Last instructions, named names

After the gospel summary, Paul gets practical: avoid foolish controversies and quarrels about the law (v.9), and after a first and second warning, have nothing more to do with a divisive person (v.10).

The letter closes with travel logistics and real people — Artemas, Tychicus, Zenas the lawyer, Apollos — and a plan to winter at Nicopolis (vv.12-13). The closing plea, that believers 'maintain good works,' echoes the whole letter's theme.