This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to
affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to
maintain good works. These things are
good and profitable to men. (Titus 3:8)
In Titus 3:8, “This is a faithful saying”, Paul is
emphasizing that what he has written (Titus 3:4–8) is a trustworthy statement,
one that is central to the Christian faith.
There are four other places in the Pastoral Epistles where Paul labels
his teaching as a faithful saying (1 Timothy 1:15, 3:1, 4:9; 2 Timothy
2:11–13). It is significant that the
faithful saying in Titus includes an admonition to maintain good works, the
theme of the letter. These things are
good and profitable: This emphasizes the practical benefit of good works.
