Titus
Purpose
Titus is a short pastoral letter to Paul's Gentile coworker Titus, left on the island of Crete to "put what remained into order" and appoint elders in every town so that the churches can stand firm against those who "upset whole families" with empty talk and gain. Against a culture proverbially known for laziness and deceit, Paul grounds the church in sound doctrine that produces good works, and he insists that the truth of grace and the beauty of a transformed life are inseparable: the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, "training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives" while we wait for the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (2:11-13). Paul sketches how each member — older men, older women, younger women, young men, slaves — is to adorn the doctrine of God, how leaders must be blameless, how the church is to avoid foolish controversies, and how believers are to be ready for every good work, gentle and showing perfect courtesy to all, because they too were once foolish and disobedient until the goodness and loving kindness of God appeared.
Author
Paul the apostle
Time Period
Written c. 62-64 AD, after Paul's first Roman imprisonment
Key Themes
- Sound doctrine and good works
- Church order in Crete
- The appearing of grace
- Self-controlled godly living
- Avoiding controversies
Outline
Elders and order against error (ch. 1): appoint qualified elders, rebuke the rebellious, and the Cretan problem of empty talk. Sound living for every member (ch. 2): older men and women, younger women and men, slaves, and the grace of God that trains for godliness. Doing good and avoiding strife (ch. 3): be subject to rulers, ready for every good work, the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Spirit, avoid foolish controversies, and final charges and greetings.