Titus

Titus is a book in the NT which is a Pauline epistle (letter) and is one of three ‘Pastoral Epistles.’ Titus was a Gentile convert by Paul’s influence (1: 4), and he was a leader left in Crete by Paul to help order the churches there (1: 5). Paul gave him instructions on how to combat false teaching, choose elders, and how to teach sound doctrine that would protect and encourage ongoing growth in the church. It was written about 66 A.D., around the same time as 1 Timothy, and not long before 2 Timothy.

In eleven of Paul’s thirteen epistles, there is a prayer/thanksgiving section which contains the main themes of the letter. Galatians does not have one because Paul is angry that the Galatians are considering another gospel. Titus does not have one either, because Paul begins to share his heart during the salutation- he is an apostle for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness (1: 1). He shows in 1: 2 how these rest on the hope of eternal life.

He gives qualifications of an elder, namely one who is blameless, leads his household well, loves the good, and especially one who holds onto the gospel so he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (1: 9). Paul warns Titus about the false teachers, describing them as rebellious, mere talkers, deceivers, teaching things they ought not to for dishonest gain, rejecting the truth, corrupted and not believing, denying God by their actions, detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good (1: 10-16). These characteristics define the idea of total depravity.

Paul encourages Titus to teach what is in accord with sound doctrine (2: 1). He is to instruct all groups of people- older and younger men, older and younger women, and slaves. He is to set an example in his teaching with seriousness, integrity, and soundness of speech. Then Paul reminds Titus of the gospel, sharing that the grace of God in salvation teaches believers to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. We wait for Jesus, our great God and Savior, to return after he redeemed a people for himself who are eager to do what is good (2: 11-14).

God’s people are to submit to authorities and to show true humility toward all men (3: 1-2). Again, Paul reiterates the gospel in 3: 4-7. Believers are to devote themselves to doing good (3: 8). In this way, they will persevere until the end. He repeats this idea in 3: 14 to end the book.