Titus

The three chapters of Titus would have been written shortly before Paul wrote 2nd Timothy. Titus, like Timothy, was entrusted to lead churches where Paul had originally taught and established correct doctrinal foundations. Timothy was in Ephesus, and Titus was the overseer of many churches on the island of Crete. The island is approximately 160 miles long and varies from 7 to 35 miles in width. Beyond guiding Titus, these instructions would also have benefited the elders Titus was to appoint (v.5), as he certainly needed help in serving so many congregants spread over such a large area. This letter not only encouraged Titus but also established his continued apostolically delegated authority, especially as the Cretan churches had attracted "many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision" (v.10). IN the three sections of this chapter you will read Paul's greeting of grace and commitment of a faithful leader (vv.1-4), the family qualifications of the elder/pastor (vv5-6), the general character qualifications of the elder/pastor (vv.7-9), and of men who must be silenced (vv.10-16). Note in verse 13, the direction is "reprove them severely," which is quite clear about the importance of dealing with this spiritual danger; but it is just as clear that this is to be remedial, as the purpose is "that they may be sound in the faith." This is consistent with Paul's message to the church in Galatia, but here he directs Titus to deal more severely with those causing dissent in the church. "Brothers, even if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, each of you looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." (Gal. 6:1)

In verse one, Paul's use of "speak" (present imperative tense) conveys to Titus that he understands he is already speaking and should continue. Verse two delivers the entire domain in which old men (those of an age such that they ought to be an example to younger men. Paul was over 60 and used this reflexively) should prove themselves to be leaders; faith, love, and perseverance (patience) - R.C.H. Lenski. Paul writes a similar emphasis on instruction from older women to younger women but delivers a 7-item list in vv.4-5. A strong justification for this instruction is that the Gospel, faith, and church will not be mocked. The temptation in verse nine is to justify the term "slave" for modern application, where that is unnecessary. The typical manner would be to say that today we should consider the admonition as that of an employee to his/her employer. The proper understanding is that Christians in subordinate roles cannot neglect to show forth with all good fidelity, a manner fully trusted to serve the interests of those appointed over us. This adorns the doctrine of God our Saviour in everything (v.10). Further, we should not hesitate to embrace the role of a slave, knowing we own nothing except that which God has given us. "For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" (1 Cor 4:7)

For the most part, the few vestiges of Christianity still reflected in our culture are weak and compromising. A growing number of those vestiges have become apostate or cultic. -John MacArthur. Paul shifts in these final verses from how believers are to live in the church (Ch. 2) to how they are to live in society (Ch.3). Could this be more critical today? Jesus Christ is the God of His church, but the prevailing gods in society are self-expression, moral freedom, materialism, and hedonism. We live in a society with gods no less pagan than Paul's Greek and Roman Pantheons. As such, Paul directs Titus to deliver reminders of four major areas. 1) Christian duty (vv.1b-2), 2) our former condition of unbelief and sin (v.3), 3) our salvation through Jesus Christ (v.5), and 4) our mission to an unbelieving, lost world (vv.6-7). His letter's final verses (9-15) mention four distinct and important categories of personal relationships within the church. Two good, and two bad. False teachers, divisive people (factious), fellow servants, and faithful friends. "Shun," and "reject" are our directed interactions with the former. Shun, here means "to turn away from purposefully." Reject, is also translated as "have nothing to do with." For the latter, the spirit of mutual support and care should always characterize spiritual leadership. Christian leaders are interdependent and called to trust and assist one another. Faithful service to Christ will show the world a harmonious, loving church, attracting unbelievers to salvation through trust in Christ.