Titus

The book of Titus, written by the apostle Paul around 63 AD, addresses Titus, Paul’s trusted co-worker, who was left on the island of Crete to restore order and strengthen the church. Paul writes to authorize Titus as his representative to appoint godly leaders and confront false teachers promoting a blend of selective Jewish practices and speculative doctrines that fail to produce godly living. Paul emphasizes the grace of God, offering salvation to all. Paul emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel, encouraging good works as a reflection of faith. Paul outlines plans to meet Titus in Nicopolis, trusting that the church in Crete will be set on a firm foundation.

Chapter 1

Paul introduced himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, commissioned to advance the faith of God’s elect and deepen their understanding of truth that leads to godliness. Paul addressed the letter to Titus and extended grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus.

Appointing Elders Who Love What Is Good

Paul instructed Titus to complete unfinished tasks in Crete by appointing elders in every town. Elders were to be blameless, faithful to their wives, and lead well-behaved, believing children. Overseers of God’s household were required to avoid arrogance, quick tempers, drunkenness, violence, and greed. They should be hospitable, virtuous, self-controlled, holy, and disciplined. Elders needed to uphold sound doctrine to encourage others and refute opposition.

Rebuking Those Who Fail To Do Good

Paul warned against rebellious people, specifically from those that were circumcised and teaching false teachings for selfish gain. Paul instructed Titus to rebuke the false teachers to restore their faith and doctrine. He emphasized that while the pure see all as pure, the corrupted and unbelieving defile everything. "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good." - Titus 1:16.

Doing Good For The Sake Of The Gospel - Chapter 2

Paul instructed Titus to teach sound doctrine and encourage godly behavior. Older men were to exhibit temperance, self-control, respectability, steadfast faith, love, and endurance. Older women were to live reverently, avoid slander and drunkenness, and mentor younger women to love their families, live purely, and uphold good conduct. Young men were to be self-controlled, and Titus was to model good works, integrity, sound speech, and blameless, so anyone who opposed them would having nothing bad to say about them. Slaves were to respect and obey their masters and gain their full trust to make the teachings of God attractive. Paul emphasized God’s grace, which brings salvation, trains believers to reject sin, inspires hope in Christ’s return, and fosters eagerness for good works.

Saved In Order To Do Good - Chapter 3

Paul reminded Titus to teach the people to submit to rulers, obey, and be ready for good works. They were to avoid slander, live peacefully, and show gentleness to everyone. Paul reminded Titus and those in Crete that they were once disobedient and enslaved to passions, but God, in His mercy, saved them through the renewal of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ justified (provided us with salvation) believers by grace and gave them hope of eternal life. Paul urged them to focus on good works and reprimand those in the church that are divisive.

Final Remarks

Paul planned to send Artemas or Tychicus to Crete and asked Titus to join him in Nicopolis for the winter. He requested help for Zenas and Apollos, stressing the importance of believers meeting urgent needs and living productive lives. Paul concluded with greetings and a blessing of grace.