Titus
Paul instructs Titus on church order and sound doctrine.
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The letter to Titus is attributed to Paul, who identifies himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ (Titus 1:1). It is addressed to Titus, whom Paul calls his 'own son after the common faith' (Titus 1:4), and was written to instruct Titus on matters of church order and sound doctrine in Crete (Titus 1:5). The letter emphasizes the hope of eternal life promised by God before the world began (Titus 1:2) and the manifestation of God's word through preaching (Titus 1:3).
- Author
- Paul (Titus 1:1)
- Recipient
- Titus, Paul's son in the faith (Titus 1:4)
- Setting
- Crete (Titus 1:5)
- Purpose
- To set in order what is lacking and ordain elders (Titus 1:5)
- Key Theme
- Sound doctrine and godly living (Titus 1:9, 2:1)
Lore & Background
Paul then instructs Titus to speak what is consistent with sound doctrine (Titus 2:1), giving specific exhortations for various groups: aged men to be sober, grave, temperate, and sound in faith, love, and patience (Titus 2:2); aged women to be reverent, not slanderers or drunkards, and teachers of good (Titus 2:3); young women to love their husbands and children, be discreet, chaste, homemakers, and obedient (Titus 2:4-5); young men to be sober-minded (Titus 2:6); and Titus himself to be a pattern of good works with uncorrupt doctrine and sound speech (Titus 2:7-8). Servants are to be obedient and faithful, adorning the doctrine of God our Savior (Titus 2:9-10). The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all, teaching believers to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:11-12).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Titus as a trusted delegate of Paul, left in Crete to establish church order and appoint qualified leaders (Titus 1:5). The letter emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine (Titus 1:9, 2:1) and the need for leaders to be blameless in character and family life (Titus 1:6-8). A significant portion addresses false teachers, particularly those from Jewish backgrounds, who are described as unruly, deceptive, and motivated by dishonest gain (Titus 1:10-11). Paul quotes a Cretan prophet to characterize the local culture as prone to lying and laziness (Titus 1:12), and instructs sharp rebuke to correct them (Titus 1:13). The letter then shifts to practical instructions for different age groups and social roles within the church, emphasizing behavior that adorns Christian doctrine (Titus 2:1-10). The theological foundation is the grace of God that brings salvation and teaches godly living (Titus 2:11-12). The overall portrayal is of a pastoral letter focused on church governance, doctrinal purity, and ethical conduct in a challenging cultural context.
Did You Know?
- Paul calls Titus his 'own son after the common faith' (Titus 1:4).
- The letter quotes a Cretan prophet who said, 'The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies' (Titus 1:12).
- Elders must be 'blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children' (Titus 1:6).
- The grace of God that brings salvation is said to have 'appeared to all men' (Titus 2:11).
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