Titus
Book Overview
Author: Paul the Apostle Date of Writing: Approximately 62-64 AD (similar timeframe to 1 Timothy) Historical Context: Paul left Titus in Crete to organize churches and appoint leaders Original Audience: Titus, Paul's associate, and churches in Crete Purpose: To instruct Titus on appointing elders and promoting sound doctrine with good works Genre: Epistle; pastoral instruction
One-Sentence Summary
Appoint qualified elders to teach sound doctrine that produces good works, knowing that God's grace not only saves but also trains believers in godly living as they await Christ's appearing.
Book Structure
I. Introduction (1:1-4)
- Greeting from Paul to Titus
II. Church Leadership: Appoint Qualified Elders (1:5-16)
- Qualifications for elders (1:5-9)
- Rebuke false teachers (1:10-16)
III. Sound Doctrine and Godly Living (2:1-15)
- Instructions for various groups (2:1-10)
- Older men and women (2:2-3)
- Younger women and men (2:4-6)
- Titus himself (2:7-8)
- Slaves (2:9-10)
- Theological foundation: grace teaches godliness (2:11-15)
IV. Christian Conduct in Society (3:1-11)
- Be good citizens (3:1-2)
- Gospel reminder: saved by mercy, not works (3:3-7)
- Devote yourself to good works (3:8)
- Avoid foolish controversies (3:9-11)
V. Conclusion: Personal Instructions (3:12-15)
- Travel plans and greetings
Key Verses
Titus 2:11-12 - "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."
- Significance: Reveals the dual purpose of grace—it not only saves but also educates believers in godly living, demonstrating that justification and sanctification are inseparable aspects of God's gracious work.
Titus 3:5 - "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."
- Significance: Declares salvation's foundation in God's mercy alone, not human merit, accomplished through the Spirit's regenerating and renewing work—the heart of the gospel message.
Titus 3:8 - "This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good."
- Significance: Connects sound doctrine to practical outcome—genuine faith in God naturally produces devotion to good works, demonstrating that orthodoxy and orthopraxy are inseparably linked.
Key Themes & Messages
Major Themes
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Qualifications for Elders
- Must be blameless, faithful in marriage
- Manage household well, children believe
- Hold firmly to trustworthy message
- Able to encourage and refute false teachers
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Sound Doctrine
- Teach what accords with sound doctrine
- Rebuke false teachers sharply
- Sound in faith, love, endurance
- Truth leads to godliness
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Good Works
- Devoted to doing good
- Stressed throughout the letter
- Doctrine must result in godly living
- Good deeds demonstrate genuine faith
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God's Grace Teaches Us
- Grace appeared, bringing salvation to all
- Teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness
- Live self-controlled, upright, godly lives
- Await blessed hope - appearing of Jesus
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Living as God's People
- Instructions for various groups (older/younger, men/women, slaves)
- Be subject to authorities
- Show courtesy to all people
- Avoid foolish controversies
Central Message
Titus provides practical instruction for establishing healthy churches in Crete. Paul emphasizes appointing qualified elders who can teach sound doctrine and refute error. The letter stresses that sound doctrine must produce good works - faith without works is dead. God's grace not only saves but also trains believers in godly living as they await Christ's return. Various groups within the church are given specific instructions appropriate to their roles. The epistle demonstrates that proper church organization, sound teaching, and godly living are inseparable components of healthy Christianity.
Practical Application
For Daily Living:
- Be Devoted to Good Works: Actively look for opportunities to do good - your faith should produce visible fruit in service, generosity, and practical help for others
- Let Grace Teach You: Allow God's grace not just to save you but to train you in godliness - saying "no" to ungodliness and "yes" to self-control and righteousness
- Live as a Good Citizen: Be subject to governing authorities, show courtesy to all people, and live peaceable lives that adorn the gospel
- Reject Divisiveness: After one or two warnings, have nothing to do with those who cause divisions in the church over trivial matters
- Make Your Faith Attractive: Live in such a way that your conduct makes the gospel appealing to outsiders rather than giving them reason to criticize
For Spiritual Growth:
- Study the character qualifications for elders as a spiritual growth checklist - these traits should increasingly mark your life regardless of official leadership roles
- Meditate on how grace both saves and trains - avoid separating justification from sanctification in your understanding or practice
- Examine whether your beliefs are producing good works - doctrine that doesn't change behavior isn't truly believed
- Balance truth and grace by holding firmly to sound doctrine while showing gentleness and courtesy toward all people
Recommended Resources
Commentaries
Best Overall The Letters to Timothy and Titus (Pillar New Testament Commentary) by Philip H. Towner - Excellent treatment of Paul's instructions on sound doctrine producing good works.
For Beginners Titus (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Donald Guthrie - Clear, accessible guide to church organization and godly living shaped by grace.
For In-Depth Study 1-2 Timothy and Titus (NIV Application Commentary) by Walter L. Liefeld - Outstanding at applying Paul's pastoral wisdom on doctrine and good works to contemporary church life.
Technical/Academic The Pastoral Epistles (Word Biblical Commentary) by William D. Mounce - Comprehensive scholarly treatment with extensive discussion of church leadership and sound doctrine.