Titus
Introduction
Author: The Apostle Paul
Date Written: Around A.D. 63–65 (traditional dating)
Location Written: Uncertain
The Epistle to Titus is one of Paul’s three pastoral letters, written to his trusted co-worker Titus, whom he left on the island of Crete to establish leadership and strengthen the young churches there. This short but powerful letter provides instruction on appointing godly elders, promoting sound doctrine, and encouraging believers to live godly lives in an ungodly culture.
Paul emphasizes the importance of church order, moral integrity, and the transforming power of God's grace. Titus serves as a practical handbook for Christian leadership, discipleship, and community conduct, especially in settings marked by moral and doctrinal confusion. Read all three chapters of Titus in the Amplified Bible (AMP).
Chapter 1: Appointing Elders and Rebuking False Teachers
Paul opens with a greeting and a reminder of his apostolic calling (Titus 1:1–4).
He instructs Titus to appoint elders in every city, outlining qualifications for church leaders—blameless, faithful in marriage, self-controlled, and holding fast to sound doctrine (Titus 1:5-9).
He warns against rebellious people and false teachers who deceive others, especially those promoting Jewish myths.
Titus is urged to rebuke them sharply so that they may be sound in the faith (Titus 1:10-16).
Chapter 2: Teach Sound Doctrine and Godly Living
Older men must be sound in faith; older women must live reverently and teach younger women. Younger men must be self-controlled; Titus must model good works and sound teaching (Titus 2:1-8).
Slaves are instructed to be submissive and trustworthy. Paul then highlights the grace of God, which brings salvation and teaches believers to live righteous lives while waiting for Christ’s return (Titus 2:9-14).
Titus is encouraged to teach these things with authority (Titus 2:15).
Chapter 3: Doing Good and Avoiding Divisiveness
Paul reminds believers to be submissive to rulers, ready for every good work, and gentle toward all people (Titus 3:1-2).
He describes how God saved us, not because of our righteousness, but through His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:3-7).
Believers should do good and avoid foolish disputes. After two warnings, reject a divisive person. Paul closes with practical instructions and greetings (Titus 3:8-15).
Key Takeaways
- The church must be led by people of character and conviction.
- Sound doctrine must shape both belief and behavior.
- God's grace not only saves but trains us to live godly lives.
- Good works are not the cause of salvation but the fruit of it.