Titus 1:1

KJV

¶ Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

KJV (with Strong's)

Paul {G3972}, a servant {G1401} of God {G2316}, and {G1161} an apostle {G652} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, according to {G2596} the faith {G4102} of God's {G2316} elect {G1588}, and {G2532} the acknowledging {G1922} of the truth {G225} which {G3588} is after {G2596} godliness {G2150};

Complete Jewish Bible

From: Sha’ul, God’s slave and an emissary of Yeshua the Messiah, sent to promote among God’s chosen people the trust and knowledge of truth which lead to godliness

Berean Standard Bible

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,

American Standard Version

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 1:1 serves as a foundational declaration, introducing Paul's divinely appointed authority and the core theological principles that underpin his ministry and the entire epistle. It establishes Paul's identity as both a humble servant of God and a commissioned apostle of Jesus Christ, whose mission is intrinsically tied to the faith of God's chosen people and the deep, transformative knowledge of truth that leads to genuine godliness. This verse sets the stage for the practical instructions and theological arguments that follow, emphasizing the divine origin and purpose of the Christian message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Titus 1:1 initiates Paul's letter to Titus, one of his three Pastoral Epistles (alongside 1 and 2 Timothy). As with most Pauline epistles, it begins with an apostolic salutation, immediately establishing the author's identity and authority. This opening verse is not merely a formality but a concise theological statement that frames the subsequent instructions. The themes introduced here—divine election, the nature of truth, and the pursuit of godliness—are elaborated throughout the letter, particularly in Paul's directives concerning church leadership ([Titus 1:5-9](/titus/1-5-9 "Titus 1:5-9 - Qualifications for Elders")) and the conduct of believers in light of sound doctrine ([Titus 2:1-15](/titus/2-1-15 "Titus 2:1-15 - Instructions for Various Groups")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter to Titus, his trusted co-worker, who was ministering on the island of Crete. Crete was notorious in ancient times for its moral depravity and deceitful inhabitants, as even a Cretan prophet acknowledged ([Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - Cretans are Always Liars")). Paul had left Titus there to "set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city" ([Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Appointing Elders in Every City")). Therefore, the emphasis on "truth" and "godliness" in the opening verse directly addresses the pervasive ungodliness and false teachings prevalent in Cretan society. The letter was written to provide Titus with clear guidelines for establishing healthy churches, combating heresy, and fostering a community whose lives would genuinely reflect the transforming power of the gospel in a challenging cultural milieu.
* **Key Themes:** Titus 1:1 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the epistle. First, it highlights **Paul's Apostolic Authority**, grounding his instructions not in human wisdom but in a divine commission from God and Jesus Christ. This authority is crucial for Titus to implement Paul's directives in a difficult environment. Second, the phrase "according to the faith of God's elect" underscores the theme of **Divine Election and Sovereign Grace**, emphasizing that salvation and true faith are God's initiative, aligning with Paul's broader theology found in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Finally, the verse powerfully connects "the acknowledging of the truth" with "godliness," establishing the critical theme of **Truth Leading to Practical Piety**. This theme is central to the entire letter, as Paul repeatedly stresses that sound doctrine (truth) must always result in transformed lives and righteous conduct, a concept he elaborates on in [Titus 2:11-14](/titus/2-11-14 "Titus 2:11-14 - The Grace of God Teaches Us Godliness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From the provided Strong's data, _doûlos_ signifies a slave, literal or figurative, implying complete devotion, ownership, and submission to a master. For Paul, this term is not one of degradation but of profound honor and commitment. It highlights his absolute allegiance to God, indicating that his entire being and ministry are fully surrendered to God's will and purpose. This self-designation underscores his humility and the divine source of his authority.
* **Apostle (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** According to the Strong's data, _apóstolos_ means a delegate or one sent forth with a commission, specifically an ambassador of the Gospel and a commissioner of Christ with miraculous powers. Paul's use of this term asserts his unique, divinely appointed role as an authorized messenger and representative of Jesus Christ. It signifies that his message and mission are not self-initiated but directly from God, carrying the weight of divine authority and a specific commission to proclaim the gospel.
* **Acknowledging (Greek, _epígnōsis'_):** The Strong's data defines _epígnōsis_ as recognition, or by implication, full discernment and acknowledgment. This is more than mere intellectual assent or superficial understanding. It denotes a deep, precise, and experiential knowledge of truth that leads to a profound apprehension of spiritual reality. For Paul, the "acknowledging of the truth" implies a transformative knowledge that grips the heart and mind, leading to a changed life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Paul, a servant of God,"**: This opening phrase immediately identifies the author. Paul's self-designation as a "servant of God" (Greek: _doûlos Theou_) establishes his primary identity and allegiance. It signifies his complete submission and devotion to God, indicating that his life and ministry are wholly dedicated to God's will and purposes. This sets a tone of humble authority, rooted in divine ownership.
* **"and an apostle of Jesus Christ,"**: Following his identity as a servant, Paul asserts his specific calling and commission. As an "apostle of Jesus Christ," he claims a unique, divinely appointed role as an authorized messenger and representative of Christ. This title underscores the divine origin of his message and the authority with which he speaks, signifying that he has been personally sent by Jesus to proclaim the gospel and establish the church.
* **"according to the faith of God's elect,"**: This clause explains the purpose or basis of Paul's apostleship. His ministry is "according to" or "for the sake of" the faith of those whom God has chosen. This highlights God's sovereign initiative in salvation ("God's elect") and the divine origin of true faith. Paul's mission is to bring about this faith in those whom God has chosen, emphasizing that salvation is a work of God's grace, not human merit.
* **"and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;"**: This second purpose or outcome of Paul's apostleship is linked to the first by "and." His ministry also aims for a deep, experiential "acknowledging of the truth." This truth is not abstract intellectual knowledge but a living reality that has a specific orientation: it is "after godliness" (Greek: _katá eusébeian_). This means that genuine truth is always practical; it leads to and produces true piety, reverence for God, and a life transformed by adherence to God's ways. It underscores that true doctrine must always result in righteous living.

#### Literary Devices
Titus 1:1, though a single verse, is rich in literary technique. Paul employs **Apostolic Salutation**, a standard epistolary opening in his letters, immediately establishing his authority and the letter's divine origin. The use of **Apposition** is evident in his self-description: "a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ." These two phrases are placed side-by-side to further define and amplify Paul's identity and role, presenting him as both humbly submissive and divinely commissioned. Furthermore, there is a clear **Parallelism** in the two "according to" clauses: "according to the faith of God's elect" and "and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness." This structure emphasizes the dual purpose of his apostleship—to foster saving faith in the elect and to cultivate a deep, transformative knowledge of truth that culminates in practical godliness. The verse is also characterized by its **Theological Density**, packing profound concepts of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of saving truth into a concise statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 1:1 lays a robust theological foundation for understanding the nature of Christian ministry and salvation. Paul's dual identity as a "servant of God" and an "apostle of Jesus Christ" underscores that true spiritual authority is rooted in humble submission to God's will and a divine commission from Christ. This highlights the paradox of Christian leadership: power is found in servanthood. Furthermore, the verse's emphasis on "the faith of God's elect" points to the sovereign grace of God in choosing a people for Himself, a foundational doctrine throughout Pauline theology. This election is not arbitrary but purposed towards "the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness," demonstrating that divine truth is inherently practical and transformative, leading believers to live lives that honor God. It connects the intellectual apprehension of truth with its moral and ethical outflow, asserting that genuine faith is always evidenced by godliness.

* [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul's Self-Designation as a Servant and Apostle")
* [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - God Chose Us in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")
* [1 Timothy 4:7-8](/1_timothy/4-7-8 "1 Timothy 4:7-8 - Training Yourself for Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 1:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Paul's self-identification as a "servant of God" reminds us that our primary calling, regardless of our specific roles, is one of humble devotion and submission to God's will. Our identity in Christ should be defined by our service to Him, not by worldly accolades or personal ambition. His subsequent title, "an apostle of Jesus Christ," underscores that every believer, in their own sphere, is called to be a messenger of Christ, commissioned to share the truth of the gospel. This verse also challenges us to consider the depth of our "acknowledging of the truth." Is our understanding of God's truth merely intellectual, or does it lead to a transformative "godliness" in our daily lives? True faith and knowledge are not passive but active, shaping our character, choices, and conduct. We are called to embody the truth we profess, demonstrating its power through lives marked by piety and righteous living, reflecting God's nature to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's self-identification as both "servant of God" and "apostle of Jesus Christ" inform your understanding of your own calling and purpose as a believer?**
* **In what ways does your "acknowledging of the truth" manifest in practical "godliness" in your daily life? Are there areas where your understanding of truth has yet to transform your conduct?**
* **Considering "the faith of God's elect," how does understanding God's sovereign initiative in salvation deepen your gratitude and commitment to Him?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Paul calling himself both a "servant of God" and an "apostle of Jesus Christ"?**

Answer: Paul's dual self-identification is highly significant. Calling himself a "servant" (Greek: _doûlos_) emphasizes his absolute devotion, submission, and belonging to God. It reflects a deep humility and complete surrender to God's will, indicating that his life and ministry are not his own but entirely dedicated to his divine Master. Simultaneously, calling himself an "apostle" (Greek: _apóstolos_) asserts his unique, divinely appointed authority and commission. It means he is a specially "sent one" by Jesus Christ, entrusted with the authoritative proclamation of the gospel and the establishment of the church. Together, these titles convey that Paul's authority is not self-derived but divinely bestowed, rooted in humble submission to God while carrying the full weight of Christ's commission. This combination of servanthood and authority is a hallmark of true biblical leadership.

**What does "the faith of God's elect" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The faith of God's elect" refers to the faith that God Himself grants to those whom He has chosen for salvation. This phrase highlights the sovereign nature of salvation, emphasizing that God takes the initiative in drawing people to Himself. It implies that true, saving faith is not merely a human decision but a divine gift, enabling individuals to believe and respond to the gospel. Paul's apostleship is "according to" or "for the sake of" this divinely initiated faith among God's chosen people. This concept aligns with other Pauline teachings on election, such as in [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World"), where believers are described as being "chosen in him before the foundation of the world."

**How does "the acknowledging of the truth" lead to "godliness"?**

Answer: This phrase underscores the vital connection between genuine spiritual knowledge and practical living. "Acknowledging" (Greek: _epígnōsis_) signifies a full, precise, and experiential knowledge of the truth, not just intellectual understanding. This deep apprehension of God's revealed truth (the gospel, His character, His will) is not meant to remain theoretical. Instead, it is inherently transformative, leading to "godliness" (Greek: _eusébeia_), which encompasses true piety, reverence for God, and a lifestyle that reflects this devotion. The truth "is after godliness" means it is oriented towards, produces, and results in godly living. It implies that where genuine truth is embraced, it will inevitably shape one's character and conduct, leading to a life that honors God and reflects His nature, as seen throughout Paul's instructions in [Titus 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Instructions for Godly Living").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 1:1, though an introductory salutation, is profoundly Christ-centered. Paul's identity as a "servant of God" finds its ultimate expression in following the pattern of Christ, who "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility as a Servant")). His role as an "apostle of Jesus Christ" is directly derived from the resurrected Lord's commission to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). The "faith of God's elect" is faith *in* Jesus Christ, for He is the object and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). Moreover, the "acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness" points directly to Christ, who declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). It is in knowing Christ, the embodiment of truth, that believers are transformed into His likeness, growing in true godliness. Thus, Paul's entire mission, as outlined in this foundational verse, is to bring people into a saving relationship with Jesus and to see their lives conform to the truth revealed in Him, culminating in a life that glorifies God through Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 1:1

¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

1 Timothy 6:3

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:12

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

2 Timothy 2:25

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2 Timothy 2:23

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

2 Peter 1:3

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: