Faith & Reason Nexus

AUTHOR: Paul

TIME WRITTEN: Around A.D. 63, possibly from Corinth.

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

• 56th Book in the Bible
• 17th Book in the New Testament
• 12th of 21 Epistle Books (Romans – Jude)
• 11th of Paul’s 13 books
• 10 Books follow it

CHAPTERS: 3
VERSES: 46
WORDS: 921

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT TITUS:

• Titus in the New Testament: Unlike many other prominent figures in Paul’s letters, Titus is not mentioned in the Book of Acts. However, he is referenced 13 times in Paul’s other writings.
• Paul’s Convert: Titus was likely a convert of Paul, as suggested in Titus 1:4, where Paul refers to him as “my true son in our common faith.”
• Origin: Titus may have hailed from Antioch in Syria, a significant early center of Christianity.
• Titus and Corinth: On three different occasions, Paul sent Titus to Corinth, reflecting his trust in Titus’s leadership and ministry.
• The Island of Crete:
• Crete is a significant Mediterranean island, measuring 156 miles long and up to 30 miles wide.
• The phrase “To act the Cretan” became an idiom meaning “to play the liar,” possibly reflecting the cultural reputation of the Cretans at the time.
• A number of Jews from Crete were present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost when the church was established (Acts 2:11).
• Paul’s Work in Crete: After his release from his first Roman imprisonment, Paul evangelized in Crete and left Titus there to continue organizing the congregations. Paul instructed Titus to “set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city” (Titus 1:5).
• Letter to Titus: Paul wrote the letter to Titus in A.D. 63, likely to take advantage of Zenas and Apollos’s journey by Crete, ensuring the message would be delivered.
• Key Themes in Titus:
• “Good works”: Mentioned 7 times.
• “Savior”: Mentioned 7 times.
• “Salvation”: Mentioned 7 times.
• “Sound doctrine”: Mentioned 7 times.
• Paul and Secular Literature: Paul is unique among New Testament writers in that he quotes from heathen (secular) writers. He does so in Titus 1:12 and Acts 17:28.
• Paul’s Instructions to Titus:
• Maintain proper order in the church.
• Appoint elders who meet specific qualifications.
• Preach the truth.
• Encourage believers to be ready for every good work.
• Keep the church pure.
• Live as a faithful example.
• Rebuke false teachers.
• Key Verse: “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.” (Titus 3:1)

The Book of Titus is a practical guide for church leadership and Christian living, emphasizing sound doctrine, good works, and maintaining order within the church. Titus’s role in establishing and organizing the early church highlights the importance of strong, faithful leaders in the Christian community.