This letter is very similar to 1 Timothy as it is full of instructions to church leaders. Titus was a Greek believer. He was taught and nurtured by Paul and stood before the leaders of the church in Jerusalem as a living example of what Christ was doing among the Gentiles. Like Timothy, he was one of Paul’s trusted travelling friends and closest friends. Slowly and carefully Paul developed Titus into a mature and responsible Christian.
Paul starts the letter with a longer than usual greeting and instruction. He lists pastoral qualifications, emphasises the importance of good deeds in the life of Christians, he urges Titus to be a good example and he then discusses the general responsibilities of the Christians in the society.
To advise Titus in his responsibility of supervising the churches on the island of Crete.
Paul
Titus, a Greek, probably converted to Christ through Paul’s ministry (he had become Paul’s special representative to the island of Crete), and all believers everywhere.
The date is believed to have been around AD 64, around the same time 1 Timothy was written. It was probably written from Macedonia, when Paul travelled between his Roman imprisonments.
Paul sent Titus to organise and oversee the churches on Crete.
Jesus in Titus: Jesus gave himself for us in love and mercy, to wash us and allow the Spirit to be poured out on us.
“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” (1:5)
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no-one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility towards everyone.” (3:1, 2)
“But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” (3:4-6)
What do young leaders bring to our churches?