Foolish Controversies and Genealogies

Q: In Titus 3:9; it says not to boast of Genealogy. Are there different interpretations of this statement?

A: The King James, New International, New American Standard and New King James Versions of the Bible all say to "avoid foolish" genealogies. The New Living Translation uses "spiritual pedigrees" rather than genealogies. There shouldn't be too many varying interpretations of the use of this word or the passage in which it is contained. Genealogies are, by definition, the records or accounts of the ancestry or descent of a person, family, group, etc. From a biblical perspective the use of genealogies can serve a purpose. They can be used to determine inheritance rights of individuals, families or groups as it pertains to property rights and other items. We even see genealogies were used to validate Jesus' claim to being the King of Israel as well as His claim to being the Messiah. However, in the context of Titus 3, the Apostle Paul was talking about doing what is good and how arguments and quarrels over genealogies can be unproductive and divisive.

The entire verse reads, "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless (Titus 3:9)." Paul had just spent the first eight verses encouraging the readers to be peaceable, considerate and humble towards each other. It is this attitude that leads to people being "subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one (Titus 3:1-2)..." When we engage in arguing over disputable matters it only leads to anger, division and a lack of unity. Nothing good can come from this type of behavior. That is why Paul talks about these actions being unprofitable and useless. I don't know about you, but I have experience when it comes to trying to discuss with people, especially fellow Christians, topics like the law. I have had Christians question my salvation, tell me I was leading a "dangerous life" and slander me simply because we had disagreements. Often times, in order to defend their topics, they use something similar to a genealogical argument. Many will start talking about the history of those that believe the same as they do as though it ends all arguments against their position. You see how this can become unprofitable and useless. Both sides could go on for a length of time and never come to a conclusion. This usually only ends when one side is willing to swallow their pride and let the other have the last word.

It is in that spirit that Paul wrote, "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him (Titus 3:10)." There would seem to have been a certain segment within the Body of Christ, or closely associated to the Body, that were focusing their teaching on genealogies. And, it would also appear that those that subjected themselves to these teachings were being quite disruptive. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul warned of teachers who promoted false doctrines and devoted "themselves to myths and endless genealogies (1 Timothy 1:4)." The division comes because many people are more concerned about convincing others of their beliefs instead of just laying out the evidence that has convinced them of their belief and allowing the Holy Spirit to convince the other party. Religious pride can become a stumbling block to effective communication. If you believe that you can validate your belief because there is a history of like-minded individuals behind it, you may feel that you are not wrong just because you are not alone in your belief. But, we all know that something is not true simply because it has been accepted by many and repeated for years. If something is true its age and how many people believe in it is irrelevant.

How can you do what is good if your pride has you engaging in arguments about things like genealogies? You cannot. Paul says that we can be "sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned (Titus 3:11)." These are harsh words for such behavior. It is an attitude of the heart that is determined to prove one person right and the other wrong. The end result is separation as one person has their pride stoked while the other is left to feel condemned and inadequate. If a person is more concerned about being correct rather than being open to correction the only conclusion can be a warped and sinful existence. As Christians we must realize that this sort of attitude is representative of what we once were prior to salvation. "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures (Titus 3:3)." Is this how we want to be know as Christians? Nobody wants to be around someone who is constantly causing friction. You cannot be humble and focused on doing good when the focus is on yourself and sowing to your prideful nature. When you are focused on yourself you are not focused on Christ. And if you're not focused on Christ it makes it more difficult to be a witness for Him