Introduction to the Book of Titus

Introduction to Titus

Author: Paul
Date: Probably in the year 64 A.D.
Theme: Putting order in the church of Crete
Key Words: Diligence, commitment, responsibility

Background: It is strange that so little could be known about a person whose name appears in the title of one of the books of the New Testament. Although Titus was a companion and valuable co-laborer of Paul, nothing is mentioned of him in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles.

Titus was Greek and apparently a convert of Paul. The fact that Titus wasn't circumcised (Gal. 2:3) indicates that he hadn't been born into Judaism, nor was he a proselyte. Paul felt great esteem for Titus, and was disturbed when he hadn't received notices of how he was and what he was doing.

Titus: (IBD) Titus (pleasant) was a "partner and fellow worker" (II Cor. 8:23) of the apostle Paul. Although Titus is not mentioned in the Book of Acts, Paul's letters reveal that he was the man of the hour at a number of key points in Paul's life.

Paul first mentions Titus in Galatians 2:1-3. As an uncircumcised Gentile, Titus accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem as a living example of a great theological truth: Gentiles need not be circumcised in order to be saved.

Titus next appears in connection with Paul's mission to Corinth. While Paul was in Ephesus during his third missionary journey, he received disturbing news from the church at Corinth. After writing two letters and paying one visit to Corinth, Paul sent Titus to Corinth with a third letter (II Cor. 7:6-9). When Titus failed to return with news of the situation, Paul left Ephesus and, with a troubled spirit (II Cor. 7:5), traveled north to Troas (II Cor. 2:12-13).

finally, in Macedonia, Titus met the anxious apostle with the good news that the church at Corinth had repented. In relief and joy, Paul wrote yet another letter to Corinth (II Corinthians), perhaps from Philippi, sending it again through Titus (II Cor. 7:5-16). In addition, Titus was given responsibility for completing the collection for the poor of Jerusalem (II Cor. 8:6,16-24; 12:18).

Titus appears in another important role on the island of Crete (Titus 1:4). Beset by a rise in false teaching and declining morality, Titus was told by Paul to strengthen the churches by teaching sound doctrine and good works, and by appointing elders in every city (Titus 1:5). Paul then urged Titus to join him in Nicopolis (on the west coast of Greece) for winter (Titus 3:12). Not surprisingly, Titus was remembered in church tradition s the first bishop of Crete.

A final reference to Titus comes from II Timothy 4:10, where Paul remarks in passing that Titus has departed for mission work in Dalmatia (modern Yugoslavia).

Titus was a man for the tough tasks. According to Paul, he was dependable (II Cor. 8:17), reliable (II Cor. 7:6), and diligent (II Cor. 8:17); and he had a great capacity for human affection (II Cor. 7:13-15). Possessing both strength and tact, Titus calmed a desperate situation on more than one occasion. He is a good model for Christians who are called to live out their witness in trying circumstances.

Occasion and Date: Although the New Testament doesn't mention anything of Paul's ministry in Crete, passages like 1:5 indicate clearly that the apostle and Titus had begun a missionary work in that community. This campaign probably developed during the years 63-64 A.D., upon Paul's being freed from his first imprisonment in Rome. As he didn't have much time, Paul left Titus in Crete to look after the churches and departed for other fields of labor. At some place on the route to Nicopolis of Greece (3:12), he wrote to Titus. The letter contains evidence of having been written during autumn, probably in the year 64 A.D. (see 3:12).

Purpose: Paul assigned to Titus, a relatively young preacher of the gospel, the difficult task of directing the work in Crete. He later wrote this letter to give him more detailed instructions about the fulfillment of his pastoral duties.

Content: The letter exhibits some similarities to I Timothy. They are directed to young men who had been assigned positions of responsibility and leadership in their respective churches during Paul's absence. Both are occupied with the qualifications of those who must lead and teach the churches. The worldly corruptions that threaten the new churches are the same. Titus embraces three great themes: organization of the church, sound doctrine and living in holiness. Titus should ordain elders in each city where a new congregation exists. They should be people of high moral qualities, solid in questions of principles, holders of true apostolic doctrine and able to refute contesters.

Theological Contribution: (IBD) Titus emphasizes sound doctrine (1:9; 2:8,10) and challenges believers to good works (1:16; 2:14; 3:14). Paul summons Titus "to affirm constantly that those who have believed in GOD should be careful to maintain good works" (3:8). This letter will allow no separation between belief and action. We often hear it said that it makes no difference what we believe, as long as we do what is right. The truth, however, is that we become what we think, and all action is shaped by belief.

Two passages (2:11-14; 3:4-7) remind us of this truth. In a world such as ours, we cannot be reminded too often to hold fast to the truth of the gospel of our salvation.

Personal Application: Difficulties in the church are complicated when there are problems with the leadership. The letter teaches that the supreme objective of the government of the church is preserving the revealed truth and safeguarding ethical norms. Thus leaders should be examples in lifestyle and sound doctrine. This letter also emphasizes the intimate connection between sound doctrine and morals. Truth is destined to bring about life and promote holiness.

Christ Revealed: Along with Paul's instructions is the theme that Christ constructs his Church carefully choosing the materials that he uses. Paul also emphasizes Christ as our Redeemer (2:14; 3:4-7), and presents his Second Coming as an incentive to live in holiness (2:12,13).

The Holy Spirit in Action: The ministry of the Holy Spirit is revealed throughout the epistle. The Cretans can't change themselves (1:12,13), and regeneration can only be the work of the Holy Spirit (3:5). He who experiences a new birth receives the Holy Spirit, in order to be able to maintain a victorious lifestyle, like that of Christ (3:6-8).

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