“As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 8:23 (ESV)
Continuing our study in the Apostle Paul’s Pastoral Epistles, the next in line historically is the Epistle of Titus. Paul’s letter to this other young protégé follows his first epistle to Timothy and precedes his second. In beginning this exegetical study, what do we know of Titus?
Titus was a Greek believer in Christ (Gal. 2:3). Paul’s ministry was how the Holy Spirit brought Titus to saving faith (John 3:1-8; Romans 10:14-17; Titus 1:4). There is little we know about Titus’ his background. Luke never mentioned him in Acts. It is possible he was a convert from heathenism who Paul enlisted for service.
Titus assisted Paul in collecting the offering for the saints (2 Cor. 2:1–9; 7:8–12; 12:18); and he met Paul at Troas with the report of the Corinthian situation (see 2 Cor. 2:12–13; 7:5–16). Titus carried the Epistle of 2 Corinthians back for Paul (2 Cor. 8:16–24). Titus remained on Crete to organize the church (Titus 1:5) until Paul could send Tychicus or Artemas to take over (Titus 3:12). Titus was also at Rome during Paul’s second imprisonment, until traveled to Dalmatia on a mission for the apostle (2 Tim. 4:10). Paul’s estimate of Titus is given in 2 Cor. 8:23.
Paul identified Titus as a partner and fellow worker. Partner (κοινωνὸς; koinonos) refers to one who joins in with another for shared purposes and activities. Fellow worker (συνεργός; synergos) means a co-laborer. Both terms are references to Titus’ work of ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why did Paul write this letter to Titus? Paul’s haste in leaving Titus at Crete prompted Paul to write to Titus in order encourage and instruct his dedicated co-laborer. The Cretians were not the easiest people to work with, as Titus 1:12–13 indicates. We do not know who began the church at Crete. However, we know the organization of the church, and the lives of the believes, needed repair.
“It is likely that the church suffered from two sources: (1) visiting Judaizers who mixed law and grace, and (2) ignorant Christians who abused the grace of God and turned it into license,” explains Dr. Warren Wiersbe. .
The Apostle Paul had several purposes in mind when he wrote this letter: (1) to remind Titus of his work of organizing the church and appointing elders; (2) to warn him about false teachers; (3) to encourage him in pastoring the various people groups in the church; (4) to emphasize the true meaning of grace; and (5) to explain how to deal with troublemakers in the church.
There are several repeated words in this brief letter. They help us to understand Paul’s burdened heart. First, there is a major emphasis on good works (1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 5, 8, 14). Salvation by grace alone also means saved unto good works. Second, Christian doctrine and Christian living are to be sound (1:9, 13; 2:1–2, 8). Third, believers in Christ are to live a life of godliness (1:1; 2:12), not worldliness. Fourth, God’s grace leads a person to live a godly life (1:4; 2:11ff; 3:7, 15).
The key verse is Titus 3:8. “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” (Titus 3:8 (ESV)
A suggested outline for the Epistle of Titus is as follows.
I. Chapter 1: In Congregational Life.
A. The Address and Salutation.
B. Well-qualified elders must be appointed in every town.
C. Reason: Crete is not lacking in disreputable people who must be sternly rebuked.
II. Chapter 2: In Family and Individual Life
A. All classes of individuals that compose the home-circle should conduct themselves in such a manner that by their life they may adorn the doctrine of God, their Savior.
B. Reason: to all, the grace of God has appeared unto sanctification and joyful expectation of the appearing in glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
III. Chapter 3: In Social (i.e. Public) Life
A. Believers should be obedient to the authorities. They should be kind to all men, since it was the kindness of God our Savior—not our own works!—which brought salvation.
B. On the other hand, foolish questions should be shunned, and factious men who refuse to heed admonition should be rejected.
C. Concluding directions with respect to kingdom-travelers (Artemas or Tychicus, Titus, Zenas, Apollos) and Cretan believers in general. Greetings.[1]
I encourage you to begin reading the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to Titus. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 336.
His Word Today 