by Rehema Jonathan | 28 March 2021 08:46 am03
The Book of Titus is one of the three pastoral epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus) written by the Apostle Paul. These letters were written to individuals who held leadership or pastoral roles in young Christian communities. Titus, Paul’s trusted co-worker and spiritual son, was left on the island of Crete with the responsibility of organizing and strengthening the newly established churches there.
Crete, an island south of Greece, was known in ancient times for its difficult moral culture. Even one of their own prophets, Epimenides, described the Cretans as “liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12, NKJV). This cultural context helps us understand why Paul emphasized strong leadership, sound doctrine, and holy living—qualities urgently needed in that environment.
Church leadership, according to Scripture, is never arbitrary. Paul provides Titus with clear, Spirit-inspired qualifications for elders (also called overseers or bishops). These qualifications align closely with Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 3:1–7, showing consistency in early church leadership structure.
Paul instructs Titus to:
“set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city…” (v. 5).
The leaders must be:
Blameless (above accusation)
Husbands of one wife (faithful and morally upright)
Having faithful children (who are respectful and disciplined)
Not self-willed (not stubborn or arrogant)
Not quick-tempered
Not given to wine
Not violent or greedy for dishonest gain
Hospitable
Lovers of what is good
Sensible, just, holy, and self-controlled
Firm in sound doctrine—able to encourage the faithful and refute false teachers
These qualifications highlight character over charisma. Leadership in the early church was based on spiritual maturity, integrity, and doctrinal stability—not on personality, popularity, or giftedness alone.
Paul warns Titus about false teachers, especially those from the “circumcision group” (Titus 1:10–11), who were promoting legalism and corrupt doctrine for personal gain. This reflects the early church’s struggle against Judaizers—those who insisted that Gentile believers must follow the Mosaic Law to be saved (cf. Acts 15:1–11).
Thus, Titus was functioning in a pastoral, supervisory, and corrective role—ensuring the durability of the Gospel message in a challenging culture.
Paul then gives Titus practical guidelines for different groups within the church—older men, older women, young women, young men, and servants. These instructions emphasize holy living, discipleship, and countercultural behavior.
They are to be:
Sober
Reverent
Temperate
Sound in faith, love, and patience
They are to:
Live reverently
Avoid slander
Avoid drunkenness
Teach what is good
Mentor younger women
They are encouraged to:
Love their husbands and children
Be discreet and pure
Be industrious at home
Be kind
Be submissive to their husbands
This protects the reputation of God’s Word (v. 5).
They are to be:
Self-controlled
Examples of good works
Sound in speech
They are instructed to:
Obey their masters
Be respectful
Not argue
Not steal
Show complete fidelity
This enhances the credibility of the Gospel.
Paul’s instructions demonstrate the principle of Christian witness through everyday conduct. Holiness is not limited to worship settings; it is seen in family life, work, relationships, and society.
This aligns with Jesus’ teaching on being “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14–16, NKJV).
Titu (3:1-2)Paul tells Titus:
“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work…” (NKJV)
Believers are to:
Respect authority
Avoid slander
Be peaceable
Show humility to all
This teaching mirrors Romans 13:1–7 and 1 Peter 2:13–17.
Submission to civil authority is part of Christian obedience—unless such authority commands disobedience to God (Acts 5:29).
Paul reminds Titus that:
“the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men”
Salvation is:
By grace (3:7)
Not by works (3:5)
Through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit (3:5)
This reinforces the doctrine of justification by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 3:23–24).
It also highlights sanctification, as God’s grace teaches believers to deny ungodliness and live righteously.
Paul commands Titus:
“Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.”
This authority comes from Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Rebuke is part of discipleship, accountability, and spiritual protection (Galatians 6:1; James 5:19–20).
Correction is not judgment—it is love in action.
Churches must be led by biblically qualified leaders—not merely talented or charismatic individuals.
Believers must model holiness in speech, conduct, relationships, and work.
So long as it does not violate obedience to God.
Silence toward sin is not compassion—it is spiritual negligence.
Grace is offered today, but judgment is real.
If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus Christ—or if your lifestyle still reflects sinful patterns such as drunkenness, immorality, dishonesty, or ungodliness—Scripture warns clearly about eternal consequences (1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Revelation 21:8).
But salvation is available now through repentance and faith in Christ.
Romans 10:13 (NKJV)
“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Jesus Christ is coming soon.
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