TITUS at a glance

PURPOSE: Paul’s letter to Titus was sent to advise him of his responsibility in overseeing the churches that had begun on the island of Crete.

AUTHOR: Once again it is the great Apostle Paul who wrote this correspondence.

ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: Titus was a Greek that was more than likely converted thru Paul’s ministry. He became a close trusted friend of Paul over time and because of that he was made the special envoy to Crete by the Apostle.

WHEN WRITTEN: It appears to have been written around AD 64 when Paul was ministering in Macedonia in between his Roman imprisonments. It was written around the same time as Paul’s first letter to Timothy.

SETTING: Paul sent Titus to the isle of Crete to organize and oversee the churches there. This letter was meant to tell him exactly how to go about this.

NOTE: Paul’s letter to Titus is very similar to his first letter to Timothy, in that they both have specific instructions to church leaders.

                  The Apostle Paul starts his letter off with a longer than usual greeting and introduction where he outlined leadership’s progression. That progression was Paul’s ministry and Titus’ responsibility to be a biblically sound leader; as a result this would positively affect those leaders that Titus would appoint and train to be leaders as well. Paul then took the time to list pastoral qualifications and paint a contrast between faithful elders and those who were false teachers and preachers. It was then that Paul points out the importance of doing good deeds, not because they buy you your ticket to heaven, but rather that it should become a natural outcropping of your life as a believer in Christ. Paul also tells Titus just how he can relate to the different age groups in the church. He urges Titus to be a positive example of a mature Christian, while teaching with courage and conviction. It was then that Paul wrote about a believers general responsibilities in society. Titus was commissioned to share this with the people. He was also cautioned to avoid divisive arguments, which are from the enemy.

                  This letter, while being brief, was still considered an important link in the discipleship process. The advice given in this letter is still valid for Christians to follow today.

NOTE:  Discipline is something personal that needs to be worked on, for scripture speaks often about self-discipline or self-control. No one can do it for you. We are called to be orderly and disciplined in all areas of our lives as a testament of how God is working in our lives. We must remember that how we act around others will form their perception of us. While we are not called to be a people pleasers, we do need to exhibit Christ’s attributes so that non-believers will be able to see Christ in us. To believe in God, yet have that belief have no appreciable impact on our lives is nothing more than a wasted life. God doesn’t need us, nor is he obligated in any way to use us. He has chosen to use us to assist in growing his kingdom. God sees potential in all of us because he put that potential in us at birth. He WANTS us to SUCCEED. Trust the Lord in all things and allow the Spirit within you to help you cultivate your intimate relationship with Christ.

                  Up next are the Mega Themes of Paul’s letter. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: The Life Application Study Bible