What makes Titus special?

Titus was a close friend of Paul who worked with him in Asia Minor and Greece and who was connected with the church in Corinth (see 2 Cor 2.13; 7.5-7,13-15; 8.6,16-24; 12.14-18; Gal 2.1-3). Titus apparently received this letter while he was still on the island of Crete, where Paul had left Titus to develop leaders for the churches in each town (Titus 1.5; Acts 27.7-13).

Why was Titus written?

This letter was written to encourage Titus to continue teaching the truth about the faith and to instruct people how to live their lives as God wants. Apparently, some people in the -churches on Crete were trying to fool some of the followers by teaching false things (1.10-14; 3.9,10). The letter also provides instructions for church leaders and all the people of God.

What’s the story behind the scene?

Titus focuses on instructions to church leaders about following correct beliefs and living in a proper way. This concern for how authority should be maintained within the churches may indicate that Titus is one of Paul’s later letters, or even that the letter was written in Paul’s name a number of years after he died. Writing a letter in a person’s name was considered a way of honoring that person’s life and teachings and was a common practice in that age.

How is Titus constructed?

The letter may be outlined in the following way:

Church leaders and false teachers (1.1-16)

What to believe and how to live as God’s people (2.1—3.15)

Church Leaders and False Teachers

After a warm greeting Paul reminds Titus that his work is to appoint leaders and officials for the churches of Crete. He tells Titus what qualities he should expect these leaders to have and reminds Titus of the importance of sticking to the true message. Paul also warns Titus about false teachers who apparently were upsetting families and causing trouble because of their teachings.

What To Believe and How To Live as God’s People

Titus is instructed to teach various church members how they are to live as God’s people. The author quotes an ancient hymn to remind Titus how God came in Christ to save God’s people and wash them clean by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives new birth and the promise of eternal life. The letter ends as Paul’s letters often do with a number of personal greetings.

Questions about Titus

1. According to the author of Titus, how are appointed church leaders and officials to live? (1.5-9) Do you think church leaders, pastors, and priests are expected to live according to a higher set of standards than anyone else? Why or why not?

2. The author of Titus says, “Everything is pure for someone whose heart is pure” (Titus 1.15). What does this mean?

3. According to the author of Titus, how did God show his kindness? (2.11-14; 3.4-7)

4. Why was Titus instructed to remind the people in his care to obey the government rulers and authorities? (3.1) What might have been the consequences if they were rebellious? What do you think of this advice? Compare Titus 3.1 to Acts 5.27-29. What do you make of the difference between these passages?

5. What was the most important thing you learned from reading Titus?