A Survey of Titus
Located on the Mediterranean Island was a place called Crete; its inhabitants had a bad reputation for being immoral, abounding in wicked activities. To be called a “Cretan” was similar to being called “vile” and “wicked.” Paul had visited Crete following his Roman imprisonment but dispatched Titus with the challenging task of appointing elders and to give oversight for the churches in Crete. Thus, Paul will advise Titus to appoint elders so that the churches will be properly organized and managed; but more importantly, Paul will stress to Titus that each age group mentioned in Chapter 2 (aged men and women, young men and women, and servants) must exhibit the proper character and conduct that is consistent with the profession of their claimed faith in God.
In addition to Titus’ responsibility to properly organize the churches, there was also a grave need that he refute the false teachers in Crete who were guilty of distorting the truth of the gospel (1:10-16). These false teachers were guilty of subverting sound doctrine; a problem that is still prevalent among us today! We need more trouble-shooters today as a Titus who will stand firm and rebuke false teachers in their aim to go against sound “healthy” doctrine. The theme of this marvelous epistle is Paul’s exhortation to Titus to appoint elders in the church for organization and that each member would live out the truth of the gospel through godly living.
Some of the key verses of this grand epistle are found in Titus 1:5 and 3:8, and they read – “For this reason (cause) left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (1:5); “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” This epistle has a brief outline.
- Select Proven Leaders (Chapter 1)
- Proclaim Sound Doctrine (Chapter 2)
- Practice Good Works (Chapter 3)
As I conclude this article, it would be remiss on my part if I didn’t alert you to the marvelous Christian theology references found in the book of Titus, and they are:
1:1-4; 2:11-14; 3:4-7. May God truly prosper your ministry, and as you minister, be on alert that He is coming back again (Titus 2:11-14).
