The time has come to discuss how Paul wanted to deal with heresy in the body of believers. He uses pretty strong words like Liars, Evil Beasts, and gluttons. So again, we find Paul not mincing words much like in the previous verses. What else does he point out and how does he want it handled? There is a lot to dig into here and we will just scratch the surface, let’s get started.
Read with Me
Let’s take a look at Titus 1:10-16 together. Titus 1 (CSB) – For there are many rebellious (blueletterbible.org)
The Circumcision Party?
We need to clear this up before we move on. Who is part of this party? Well, the Jewish people another Bible version reads, those from Judaism. The Jewish men took part in circumcision as a blood covenant that set them apart from the gentiles. This was an original covenant first cut by Abraham at age 99. This is still a common practice today. If you would like more information on this topic, check out this article 20 Facts About Jewish Circumcision Everyone Should Know – Chabad.org
Regarding these verses, Paul is specifically addressing the legalistic Jew. But he doesn’t just mention them, he also brings up the Cretans. He makes reference to a Cretan Philosopher who pointed out that the Cretans were wild beasts. We have to consider that the body of Christ is many times referred to as sheep. Think about what wild beasts can do to sheep.
Protecting the Flock
Wild beasts can attack the flock. They need to be kept safe. What do they need protection from? Here are the main things Paul talks about in those seven verses.
- False Teachers
- Vein Talkers/ Deceivers/ Liars
- Impact on the Family
- Greed
- False Christians
Which should we start with? Verse ten, rebellious people full of empty talk and deception, in other words false teachers, or even people who produce bad fruit and do nothing to grow the kingdom. They may have spoken highly of themselves, even made sure their “good works” were known by all.
Rebellious is a strong word, some versions use the term insubordinate. When we translate the ancient Greek word for insubordinate, anupotaktos, we see that its definition is “not subject to rule” – an insubordinate man will not submit to the rule, authority of God.
It is interesting that he points out the Jews here, but he was referring to the Jews who had professed Christianity but still held to the legalistic practices and therefore held themselves as some would say “holier than thou”.
Verse eleven is very specific to say it is necessary to silence them. In other words, shut them up. Not by violence but with reason. Allowing this to continue could have spread to entire church families. I’m sure many of us have seen how a small group of people can split an entire church, you have experienced it yourself or seen a friend or family members’ church go through it. This is basically what he was warning Titus of. The churches in Crete were home churches and so they were not just referring to a single family but also a church family.
I like how King James Version reads “who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” 1 Timothy 1:4, we read that Paul warned Timothy to not give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. So, there were definite guidelines, in essence, that they had to adhere to when teaching and preaching.
Should we talk about filthy lucre’s sake? We all know what this is talking about. When a pastor or member of leadership is motivated by financial gain, admiration gain, and or personal gain instead of Kingdom gain, they are walking a dangerous line. Sadly, we all know people like this. Our goal must always be to further the Kingdom of God for His glory and His alone.
There has been a lot here to take in and consider. There is a lot more to discuss. Join me next week as we see what to do about all of this.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In