Titus 3:10 – “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Titus 3:10 gives clear and serious instruction about how to handle someone who is causing division in the church. Paul tells Titus to give the person a warning-not just once, but twice. This shows patience and a desire for correction. But if the person refuses to change and continues stirring up trouble, then it’s time to part ways: “have nothing to do with them.”
This isn’t about small disagreements or personality differences. This is about someone who is actively working against unity, truth, and love within the church community. The goal of the first two warnings is restoration, not punishment. But when someone refuses to listen, continuing to tolerate their behavior can cause real damage to others. That’s why Paul draws a line here-sometimes, for the health of the church, the best thing is separation.
Historical Context
In the early church, false teachers and divisive voices were a real problem. Some people spread confusion about the Gospel, pushed legalistic ideas, or used debates to stir up arguments. These people didn’t just believe the wrong things-they tried to pull others into it, creating factions and division within the church.
Titus was overseeing new believers in Crete, and unity was especially fragile. Paul wanted Titus to know that part of good leadership is knowing when to show patience and when to draw boundaries. The church needed to be a place of truth, peace, and love-not division and strife.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights both God’s grace and His seriousness about holiness and unity in the body of Christ. God gives people the opportunity to repent-two warnings, not just one-but He also cares about protecting His people from harm. Persistent division isn’t just a social issue; it’s a spiritual one. It can tear apart a church, damage faith, and dishonor Christ.
This verse also shows the importance of church discipline when it’s needed-not out of anger or control, but out of love for truth and for the community. Sometimes removing a person from fellowship is the most loving and faithful response if they refuse to change.
Literary Analysis
The structure of the verse is firm and simple. “Warn… warn… then have nothing to do with.” There’s a progression: warning, a second chance, then separation. The repetition emphasizes patience and grace, but the final action shows clear resolve. The term “divisive person” refers to someone who intentionally stirs up strife, causes factions, or resists sound teaching. The language is not emotional or dramatic-it’s direct and pastoral, showing both care and clarity.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 18:15-17 – Jesus gives a similar process for dealing with a sinning brother: confront privately, then with witnesses, then before the church, and finally treat them as an outsider if they refuse to repent.
- Romans 16:17 – “Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way… Keep away from them.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 – “Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.”
- 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 – Paul instructs the church to remove someone who refuses to repent of public sin.
- Proverbs 22:10 – “Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse teaches that unity in the church is a serious matter. We’re called to be patient and gracious, but also wise and firm when someone is causing harm. Church isn’t a place for ongoing division and drama-it’s a place for truth, love, and spiritual growth.
It also encourages each of us to check our own hearts. Are we building unity or tearing it down? Are we receiving correction or resisting it? God calls us to be peacemakers, not troublemakers.
And for leaders especially, this verse is a reminder that shepherding God’s people means sometimes making hard decisions for the sake of the whole body.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, this verse may not seem loving-but it is. God’s love includes both grace and truth. He is patient and gives people a chance to change. But He also protects His people from harm. A loving parent doesn’t let one child hurt the others. In the same way, God cares deeply about the peace and health of His church.
Removing a divisive person isn’t about revenge-it’s about guarding what’s good and giving that person space to reflect and, hopefully, repent.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus always sought peace and unity among His followers. In John 17, He prayed that His people would be one, just as He and the Father are one. But He also didn’t tolerate hypocrisy or stubborn rebellion, especially from those who misled others. He warned the Pharisees sharply because their influence could lead many astray.
Jesus called us to love one another, but He also taught that when someone refuses correction and continues to cause harm, there are times to let them go for the good of the church (Matthew 18:17). Even in that, the goal is always redemption, not rejection.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Paul takes division in the church so seriously?
- How can we tell the difference between healthy disagreement and harmful division?
- Are you open to being corrected when needed-or do you resist it?
- What does this verse teach about both grace and boundaries in the church?
- How can churches practice this kind of wisdom without becoming harsh or unforgiving?