Titus 3:10
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Titus 3:10 (KJV)
Context
Titus is one of the pastoral epistles written by the apostle Paul to his young protégé, Titus. In this letter, Paul provides instructions on appointing elders and leaders in the church and emphasises the importance of good works and sound doctrine.
In the preceding verses, Paul exhorts Titus to remind believers to be subject to rulers, to be ready for every good work, to avoid slander, to be peaceable, gentle, and showing humility to all people. He also highlights the transformative power of God’s grace, emphasising the need for believers to engage in good works.
Meaning
Titus 3:10 addresses the issue of dealing with a person who promotes or adheres to false teachings or heretical doctrines within the church. The term “heretick” refers to someone who promotes division or holds to false beliefs that contradict the core teachings of the Christian faith. The Greek word translated “heretick” (hairesis) describes one who makes a choice of opinion on his own judgment, contrary to the generally received sense of the churches of Christ, and obstinately persists in it, forming a party and separating from the fellowship.
The phrase “after the first and second admonition” indicates that the initial response to a heretic should involve two warnings or admonitions. The purpose is to correct the individual and bring them back to sound doctrine and orthodox faith. This demonstrates the importance of patience, gentleness, and a desire for restoration rather than immediate rejection.
If the heretic persists in their false teachings after being warned twice, the church is instructed to “reject” them. The Greek word “paraitou” means to have nothing more to do with them, to refuse or avoid them. This action is taken to protect the unity, purity, and soundness of the church’s teaching. The following verse (Titus 3:11) explains the reason: such a person is “subverted” (overturned, like a building demolished) and “sinneth, being condemned of himself” (self-condemned), indicating that further engagement is not expected to be fruitful.
Biblical connections
This directive is part of Paul’s broader instruction to Titus about guarding sound doctrine and maintaining good works. The process of admonition before rejection reflects the principle of restoration found elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Matthew 18:15-17, where a brother who sins is to be confronted privately, then with witnesses, and only then brought before the church. The goal is always restoration, but persistent unrepentance leads to separation.
Application
This verse highlights the responsibility of church leaders and believers to confront and correct false teachings that arise within the body of Christ. However, it also emphasises the need for patience and multiple attempts at correction before taking more drastic measures.
Titus 3:10 underscores the importance of holding fast to the foundational truths of the Christian faith. It reminds believers to be discerning and diligent in guarding the teachings of the church, ensuring they align with Scripture.
The initial goal when dealing with someone promoting false teachings is restoration rather than immediate rejection. This approach reflects God’s desire for all to come to repentance and be reconciled to Him. The church should strive to bring the heretic back into right relationship with God and the community of believers.
Ultimately, the instruction to reject the heretic aims to preserve the unity and purity of the church. By removing those who persistently promote divisive or false teachings, the church maintains its witness and guards against potential harm to the faith of its members.
Reflection
Remember that the context of Titus 3:10 is within the framework of the church and its responsibility to guard sound doctrine. It is crucial to exercise wisdom, grace, and love when addressing these matters, always seeking restoration and reconciliation whenever possible.
