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Paul's Letter to Titus

    

 

 

  

BOOK : Titus

Description : A letter of encouragement to Titus, one of Paul's fellow workers, overseeing the church in Crete .

Author: The apostle Paul

Date written : Probably between AD63 and AD65

Chapters : 3

   

  

Brief Synopsis:

•  The letter starts with a reminder that Titus is in Crete to establish the church leadership there and so gives guidelines about elders.
•  There are warnings about false teachers and a number of directions in respect of teaching the church and the different groups in it.

  

    

Outline :

    

1:1-4 Salutation
1:5-9 Concerning Elders

1:5 Reasons for Leaving Titus in Crete

1:6-9 Qualifications of Elders

1:10-16 Concerning False Teachers
Ch.2 Concerning Various Groups in the Congregations

2:1-10 The Instructions to Different Groups

2:11-14 The Foundation for Christian Living

2:15 The Duty of Titus

3:1-8 Concerning Believers in General

3:1-2 Obligations as Citizens

3:3-8 Motives for Godly Conduct

3:9-11 Concerning Response to Spiritual Error
3:12-15 Conclusion

 

    

What we know about Titus

He was

•  one of Paul's converts (1:4) and a considerable help to Paul in his ministry.
•  When Paul left Antioch to go to the Jerusalem leaders, he took Titus with him (Gal 2:1-3);
•  Acceptance of Titus (a Gentile) as a Christian without circumcision vindicated Paul's stand there (Gal 2:3-5).
•  Although not referred to in Acts he is mentioned 13 times in the rest of the NT),
•  He worked with Paul at Ephesus during the third missionary journey.
•  See 2Co 2:12-13; 7:5-6,13,14; 8:6,16,17,23: 12:18; Gal 2:1,3; 2 Tim 4:10 ).

  

   

Some Key Verses:

 

The work for Titus

1:5 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.

   

Teaching was a large part of it

2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine

  

Christ's work and outworkings in us

2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

3:3-7 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior 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 Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

  

A similar instruction as given to Timothy – watch out for false teachers

3:9-11 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

 

Basic instructions for the church to be a good witness

3:1,2 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 toward all men.

3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

 

 

Concluding Comments

   

A simple letter that has some echoes of those to Timothy but has some valuable unique bits to it which makes it worthwhile reading.

  

    

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