Titus:

[Rob Morgan]

Titus:

Titus, like First Timothy, was written by Paul after his release from Roman imprisonment and was also written to an associate who was given the task of organizing and supervising a large work as an apostolic representative. Paul left Titus on the island of Crete to "set in order the things that are locking, and appoint elders in every city" (l: 5). Not long after Paul’s departure from Crete, he wrote this letter to encourage and assist Titus in his task. lt stresses sound doctrine and warns against those who distort the truth, but it also is a conduct manual that emphasizes good deeds and the proper conduct of various groups within the churches. This epistle falls into two major sections: the appointment of elders (1); setting things in order (2-3).

Appoint Elders (l): The salutation to Titus is actually a compact doctrinal statement, which lifts up "His word" as the source of the truth that reveals the Way to eternal life (1:1-4). Paul reminds Titus of his responsibility to organize the churches of Crete by appointing elders (also called overseers; see 1:7) and rehearses the qualifications these spiritual leaders must meet (l: 5-9). This is especially important in view of the disturbances that ore being caused by false teachers who ore upsetting o number of the believers with their Judaic myths and commandments (‘l: 1 0-1 6). The natural tendency toward moral laxity among the Cretans coupled with that kind of deception is a dangerous force that must be overcome by godly leadership and sound doctrine.

Set Things in Order (2-3): Titus is given the charge to "speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (2:1), and Paul delineates Titus’ role with regard to various groups in the church, including older men, older women, young women, young men, and servants (2:2-10). The knowledge of Christ must effect a transformation in each of these groups so that their testimony will "adorn the doctrine of God" (2: I 0). The second doctrinal statement of Titus (2:11-1 4) gives the basis for the appeals Paul has just made for righteous living. God in His grace redeems believers from being slaves of sin, assuring them the "blessed hope" of the coming of Christ that will eventually be realized. Paul urges Titus to authoritatively proclaim these truths (2:15).

In chapter 3, Paul moves from conduct in groups (2:1-10) to conduct in general (3:1-11). The behavior of believers as citizens must be different from the behavior of unbelievers because of their regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. The third doctrinal statement in this book (3:4-7) emphasizes the kindness, love, and mercy of God who saves us "not by works of righteousness which we have done" (3:5). Nevertheless, the need for good deeds as a result of solvation is stressed six times in the three chapters of Titus (1 :1 6; 2:7 , 14; 3:1 , 8, 14). Paul exhorts Titus to deal firmly with dissenters who would cause factions and controversies (3:9-11) and closes the letter with three instructions, a greeting, and a benediction (3:.l2-.l5).