Titus

Author: the apostle Paul
Place of writing: unknown
Time of writing: 65 A.D.

Titus, the recipient of this letter, was one of Paul’s early converts, and subsequently became a close friend and trusted helper throughout the course of his ministry (1:4; cf. also Galatians 2:1-5). After Paul’s release from imprisonment in Rome, he worked with Titus on the Mediterranean island of Crete; and when he left, he commissioned Titus to stay behind and organize the church. Paul is writing to instruct Titus how to carry out his duties, until Paul sends a replacement so that Titus can rejoin him (3:12).

This letter emphasizes three things: first, the necessary qualities and responsibilities of the church elders; second, how to contend against false doctrine; and third, the importance of pursuing good works, in consequence of the free grace of God.

Paul first reminds Titus of his responsibility to appoint elders in the church, and gives instruction about what kind of men to choose. He warns him about the moral laxity and false teaching among the Cretian believers, and declares that true believers will not deny the God whom they confess by an immoral lifestyle. He charges Titus to teach the believers to pursue the works which are worthy of sound doctrine, and reminds him that God’s free grace in the gospel teaches us how to live lives which are pleasing to God. He is clear to say that we are not saved by works, but by the grace of Jesus Christ our Savior; but the result of his grace must be a life of good works. Finally, he exhorts Titus to avoid unprofitable quarrels and all those who teach falsely about Jesus.

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