Jul 10 2020 - Introduction to Titus

Titus the Man

Titus is not mentioned in the Book of Acts, but he does play a prominent role in 2 Corinthians which indicates that Titus, along with Timothy, had become a member of Paul's inner circle of trusted travelling companions and co-workers in his gospel mission. Paul had paid a 'painful visit' to the Corinthian church (2 Cor 2:1) and followed it up with a painful letter (2 Cor 2:4) which Titus was entrusted to carry to the church (2 Cor 2:12-13; 7:6). Paul was anxious to discover how his letter had been received and so left Ephesus for Troas, hoping to find Titus there. When he did not find him, he continued on to Macedonia, where he met up with Titus, who brought an encouraging word about the Corinthian church's repentance (2 Cor 7:13-15). Titus had also been involved in collecting the offering which Paul was putting together for the Jerusalem church (2 Cor 8:6; 16-17,23). 

Historical setting for the letter to Titus

For the historical context for Titus being in Crete and the background to Paul's letter, see the outline in the "Introduction to the Pastoral Epistles and to 1 Timothy"   

Themes of the Letter to Titus

Though there are similarities between the contents of Titus and 1 Timothy there are also significant differences. The letter to Titus seems to relate to the situation of a young church in a pagan environment where the problems arise from the need for clear instruction. The insistence in 1 Timothy that elders should not be young in the faith is absent from Titus probably because there were none who had been Christians for very long.

Paul wrote to Titus asking him to remain in Crete and to nurture this young church until either Artemis or Tychicus could come to replace him. Paul then wants Titus to come and spend the winter with him at Nicopolis. Meanwhile, Titus was to appoint suitable leaders from within the church and to stand firm against opponents who are undermining the work of the gospel. In particular, he was to emphasise that faith in Christ and a hope rooted in the promises of the gospel must be accompanied by a life of godliness; Christian faith finds its necessary expression in a life of Christlike obedience. 

Paul also writes to ask Titus to encourage Zenas and Apollos, the carriers of the letter, on their way, providing them with everything they need for their onward journey (3:13). 

It is uncertain which of the two letters, 1 Timothy or Titus, was written first.

Peter Misselbrook