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The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is studying Paul's pastoral Epistles (Letters) to his proteges, Timothy and Titus.
The first letter to Timothy, which we studied, and the one to Titus, which we are starting today, are called Pastorals. They are called that because they were written to give spiritual guidance and to encourage Paul's sons in the faith Timothy and Titus. His other letters to the churches are often to correct the churches or the believers wavering in the truth of the gospel.
It is believed that this letter to Titus and the first letter to Timothy were written during the period of travel and missionary work between Paul's two Roman imprisonments, sometime between a.d. 61 and 63.
In this letter Titus, together with all the Church, is charged to keep "the faith." The outworking of this charge is not only maintaining the faith through good works and right conduct but also resisting that which is false.
Paul had left Timothy in charge in Ephesus and Titus in Crete.
As you read and study this letter, you will discover that it is a condensed version of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. In this first chapter, Paul reminded Titus of three responsibilities he had to fulfill.
Crete is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. What we know of the church on Crete comes from this letter. Paul was on the island as a prisoner, on the way to Rome.
Acts 27:1-8 HCSB [1] When it was decided that we were to sail to Italy, they handed over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial Regiment. [2] So when we had boarded a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, intending to sail to ports along the coast of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. [3] The next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends to receive their care. [4] When we had put out to sea from there, we sailed along the northern coast of Cyprus because the winds were against us. [5] After sailing through the open sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we reached Myra in Lycia. [6] There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. [7] Sailing slowly for many days, we came with difficulty as far as Cnidus. Since the wind did not allow us to approach it, we sailed along the south side of Crete off Salmone. [8] With yet more difficulty we sailed along the coast and came to a place called Fair Havens near the city of Lasea.
There is no evidence that he started the church on this brief visit, because he was being taken to Rome to prison for the first time. If Paul was personally involved in starting the church on Crete, he probably did it after his release from his first Roman imprisonment. There is some thought that other of Paul’s coworkers carried out the work by Paul's direction, and the church may have been established on the island prior to his imprisonment. In either case, the task assigned to Titus--to complete and put in order what was unfinished.
Titus 1:5 (HCSB)5 The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town:
This suggests a church (probably house churches in most of the districts) considerably younger and less organized than the church in Ephesus.
The more immediate need for the first letter to Timothy and the one to Titus was that many things at Ephesus and Crete needed adjustment. In advising his sons he also advised others including us today.
Remember in 1 Timothy Paul tells Timothy how to select leaders, how the church should treat certain members of the church like widows, family members, elders, how to deal with false teachers and teaching. He addresses some of these same things in the letter to Titus for the church(s) on Crete.
What we know about Titus
Titus was a Gentile Christian
Galatians 2:1-4 (HCSB)1 Then after 14 years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also.2 I went up according to a revelation and presented to them the gospel I preach among the Gentiles—but privately to those recognized ⌊as leaders⌋—so that I might not be running, or have run ⌊the race⌋, in vain.3 But not even Titus who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.4 ⌊This issue arose⌋ because of false brothers smuggled in, who came in secretly to spy on the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us.
Paul described Titus as his ‘true son’
Titus 1:4 (HCSB)4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Paul described Titus as a partner and a worker with him.
2 Corinthians 8:23 (HCSB)23 As for Titus, he is my partner and coworker serving you; as for our brothers, they are the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
He trusted Titus and valued his opinion. Titus delivered the 2 letter that Paul wrote and sent to the church in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 7:13-15 (HCSB)8 3 For this reason we have been comforted. In addition to our comfort, we rejoiced even more over the joy Titus had, because his spirit was refreshed by all of you. 14 For if I have made any boast to him about you, I have not been embarrassed; but as I have spoken everything to you in truth, so our boasting to Titus has also turned out to be the truth.15 And his affection toward you is even greater as he remembers the obedience of all of you, and how you received him with fear and trembling.
Titus was the one responsible for completing the collection from the Corinthians for the poor Christians in Jerusalem.
2 Corinthians 8:16-19 (HCSB)16 Thanks be to God who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus.17 For he accepted our urging and, being very diligent, went out to you by his own choice.18 We have sent with him the brother who is praised throughout the churches for his gospel ministry.19 And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gift that is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness ⌊to help⌋.
The reason why Paul wrote the letter
Titus had to appoint leaders to lead the churches. Paul reminded Titus about the kind of character that a leader should have.
Paul advised Titus how he should teach different groups of people. These groups were the old people, the young people and slaves. Titus had to emphasize the true message about Jesus Christ. He had to tell the Christians how to behave in the right way. He had to warn them about false teachers
Paul obviously felt that Titus had what it takes to be a leader.
Titus 1:1-3 NIV [1] Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— [2] in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, [3] and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
In this greeting, Paul emphasized the importance of the Word of God.
(1) “According to the faith of God’s elect”
“God’s elect” are those who have trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior
Ephesians 1:1-4 NIV [1] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: [2] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. [4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
Paul’s ministry was governed by the Word of God. He was “a slave of God” and “a messenger sent on a special commission” by Jesus Christ. to share the faith, that body of truth contained in the Word of God.
(2) “The truth which is after [according to] godliness” “Godliness” is an important concept in this letter, just as it was in 1 Timothy.
I Timothy 6:11 NKJV [11] But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
“Righteousness” means “personal integrity.”
“Godliness” (which means being devoted the God and His Word, obedient)
Personal integrity or righteousness has to do with character; godliness has to do with conduct, or good works
The truth of the gospel changes a life from ungodliness (Titus to holy living.
Titus 2:11-12 NIV [11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
There were probably people in the churches on Crete, like some church members today, who professed to be saved, but whose lives denied their profession by the way they act.
Titus 1:12 NIV [12] One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”
(3) “According to the commandment of God”
Titus 1:3 NIV [3] and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
God reveals His message through preaching.
Romans 10:17 NIV [17] Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
This does not mean the act of proclaiming the Word, but rather the content of the message.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25 NIV [22] Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, [23] but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, [24] but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. [25] For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
As in 1 Timothy, the title Savior is often repeated in Titus. The God-given written Word reveals the Savior, because a Savior is what sinners need. Jesus could have come to earth as a Judge, but He chose to come as a Savior.
Luke 2:10-11 NIV [10] But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
(4) “After the common faith”
Titus 1:4 NIV [4] To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
The word common means “to have in common.” This faith is the possession of all of God’s people and not just a selected few. All Christians, those who have truly done with it says in Romans 10:9, all possess and share the common faith and as it says in Jude the salvation we share.
Jude 1:3 NIV [3] Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.
Paul related everything to the Word of God. Everything depended on Jesus and Paul wanted Titus to understand this and make the a priority in his ministry.
Ordain or Select Qualified Leaders
Titus 1:5-9 NIV [5] The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. [6] An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. [7] Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. [8] Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. [9] He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
One reason Paul had left Titus on the island of Crete was that he might finish the organization of the local churches. He used, in Greek, a medical term that was applied to the setting of a crooked limb.
We discussed several of the qualifications listed here in our study of 1 Timothy 3:2–3:
“blameless, the husband of one wife … not given to wine, no striker [not violent], not given to filthy lucre … a lover of hospitality … sober.”
The fact that these standards applied to Christians on the island of Crete as well as to those in the city of Ephesus proves that God’s measure for leaders does not fluctuate. A big-city church and a small-town church both need godly people in places of leadership.
However, here Paul gives nine additional qualifications.
(1) “Having faithful children”
Titus 1:6 NIV [6] An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.
Faithful means “believing.” The bishop’s, or elder’s children should be Christians. After all, if a servant of God cannot win his own children to Christ, what success can he expect with outsiders? This is the same principle Paul emphasized to Timothy (1 Tim. 3:5)—Christian living and Christian service must begin at home. The children in an elder’s home must not only be saved, but must also be good examples of obedience and dedication.
This applies, of course, to children still at home, under the authority of their father.
(2) “The steward of God”
Titus 1:7 NIV [7] Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
A steward does not own but manages all that his master puts into his hands. His time, possessions, ambitions, and talents are all loaned to him by the Lord, and he must be faithful to use them to honor God and build the church. All Christians ought to be faithful stewards, and not the pastors only!
(3) “Not self-willed”
Titus 1:7 NIV [7] Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
An elder must not be, a person always pushing to have his own way. A self-willed pastor is arrogant, will not take his people’s suggestions and criticisms, and makes sure he always gets his own way.
(4) “Not soon angry”
Titus 1:7 NIV [7] Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
He must not have a quick temper. There is a righteous anger against sin, but much of our anger is unrighteous and directed towards people.
(5) “A lover of good men”
Titus 1:8 NIV [8] Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
“One who loves what is good” (NIV) is an alternate translation, and this would include good men. A man is a good man because he has a good heart and surrounds himself with good things. It is difficult to believe that a dedicated servant of God would deliberately associate with things that are bad for him and his family.
(6) “Just”
Titus 1:8 NIV [8] Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
“Upright” is a good translation. He should be a man of integrity who sticks by his word and who practices what he preaches. His conduct is righteous.
(7) “Holy”
Titus 1:8 NIV [8] Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
Unstained” gives the idea.
1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV says [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
The Greek word for holy is heiros which means sacred or
“different.” Christians are different from lost sinners because Christians are different because they are new creations by the grace of God.
2 Corinthians 5:16-19 NIV [16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
(8) “Temperate”
Titus 1:8 NIV [8] Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
“Self-controlled” is the meaning, and it applies to a man’s appetites and actions. “Disciplined” is a synonym. A spiritual leader must keep his mind and body under control, as he yields to the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
(9) “Holding fast the faithful Word”
Titus 1:9 NIV [9] He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Because the Word is trustworthy, because God cannot lie, go back to Titus 1:1-2 NIV [1] Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— [2] in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the Those who teach and preach the Word should be faithful. Paul used the term sound doctrine, which talked about in 1 Timothy It means “healthy doctrine” that promotes spiritual growth.
So, the elders have a twofold ministry of God’s Word: (1) building up the church with “healthy” doctrine, and (2) refuting the false teachers who spread unhealthy doctrine.
The mentioning of those who oppose true doctrine led Paul to give the third responsibility that Titus was to fulfill. The first was to complete the organization of the churches which included ordaining or selecting the spiritual leaders and the third was to
