Titus 1-3

Titus was a close friend and associate of the apostle Paul (see Paul's Ministry). Born of Greek parents, Titus was a convert to Christianity at a relatively young age, a somewhat similar background to Timothy. One difference between Titus and Timothy however involved circumcision: Paul condoned the circumcision of half-Jewish Timothy ("^16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek" Acts 13:3 KJV), but refused that of Titus ("^2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised" Galatians 2:3 KJV). Why? "^6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature" (Galatians 6:15 KJV).

During Paul's missionary journeys (see Paul's First Missionary Journey, Paul's Second Missionary Journey and Paul's Third Missionary Journey), Titus was frequently with, or sent by, Paul e.g. Titus was with Paul and Timothy at Ephesus, from which Titus was sent by Paul to Corinth and then returned to be with Paul in Macedonia. Titus is later spoken of, after Paul was being held in prison by the Romans, when we find him assisting the church in Crete, as Paul wrote to Titus in this epistle: "^1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee" (Titus 1:5 KJV). Titus continued his own ministry after Paul's martyrdom.

The opening salutation (see Salutations) of Paul's letter (see Epistles) to Titus:

"^1:1 Paul, a servant of God [see Christianos], and an Apostle of Jesus Christ [see The Apostle To The Gentiles], according to the faith of God's elect [see The Elect], and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; ^1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began [see How Old Is God? and Christ The Creator]; ^1:3 But hath in due times [see When Will You Be Judged? and Could Christ Return Tonight?] manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; ^1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father [see and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Titus 1:1-4 KJV)

Crete is one of the largest islands of The Mediterranean Sea, about 140 miles long and 35 miles wide, located off the south coast of Greece. It was home to many Christians in the time of Titus who Paul sent to Minister unto them. Paul's "Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies" was obviously speaking of the "wolves" (see The Warning About Grievous Wolves), not of the Christians there.

"^1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: ^1:6 If any be blameless, the husband [see also Husbandman] of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. ^1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; ^1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; ^1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

^1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers [see Many Antichrists?], specially they of the circumcision: ^1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. ^1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. ^1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; ^1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. ^1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure [see A Pure Heart]: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and Conscience is defiled [see also Concupiscence]. ^1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work Reprobate." (Titus 1:5-16 KJV)

Titus Chapter 2

The apostles were not "diplomats" who could compromise what they were sent to say and do; they were Ambassadors, in the pure meaning of the word, who were sent to deliver the message that they were sent to deliver - nothing more, or less. They were, without fear or favoritism to anyone, anywhere, to commend those who did right and rebuke those who did wrong - not in a self-righteous "holier than thou" judgmental way, but simply according to the Word of God. The word "sober," as it is translated into English in this chapter, refers not merely to not becoming drunk; it refers also to being dignified in manner and character in order to bear Good Fruit.

"^2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: ^2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience [see Growing In The Grace And Knowledge].

^2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine [see Is Drinking Alcohol A Sin?], teachers of good things; ^2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, ^2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

^2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. ^2:7 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works [see Works Means Obedience]: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, ^2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

^2:9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters [see No Class Struggles In Christianity], and to please them well in all things; not answering again; ^2:10 Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

^2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, ^2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world [see Who Still Rules The World Today?]; ^2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing [see Behold, He Cometh With Clouds] of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ [see Deliverance]; ^2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

^2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:1-15 KJV)

Titus Chapter 3

Christians are to be good citizens of whatever country that they find themselves born or living in, keeping in mind that The Lord's Law is to be obeyed at all times. Any man-made law, that violates God's Law, is what is "against the Law."

"^3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates [see also Magistrates Of Israel], to be ready to every good work, ^3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.

^3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. ^3:4 But after that the Kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, ^3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of The Holy Ghost; ^3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; ^3:7 That being justified by his grace [see also Grace Into Licentiousness], we should be made heirs [see Spiritual Adoption and Spiritual Conception] according to the hope of eternal life. ^3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

^3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. ^3:10 A man that is an heretic [see Heretics] after the first and second admonition reject; ^3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself." (Titus 3:1-11 KJV)

As was typical of some of Paul's letters, he concludes with personal information that pertained to their immediate circumstances.

"^3:12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. ^3:13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. ^3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

^3:15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all. Amen." (Titus 3:12-15 KJV)

Fact Finder: Why must Christians be humble?
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