An Introduction to Titus: Instructions for the Church in Crete

An Introduction to Titus: Instructions for the Church in Crete

The Epistle of Titus, a concise yet profoundly practical letter from the Apostle Paul, stands as a vital guide for Christian living and church order. Penned by Paul during what is believed to be his post-first Roman imprisonment travels, possibly between his first and second imprisonments, it is addressed to his trusted companion and "own son after the common faith," Titus (Titus 1:4). This pastoral epistle provides crucial instructions for establishing and maintaining a healthy church, particularly in a challenging cultural context like ancient Crete. Its central themes revolve around sound doctrine, godly conduct, and the qualifications of church leadership, all grounded in the transformative power of God's grace.

Who Was Titus? Paul's Trusted Emissary

Titus was a Gentile believer, likely converted under Paul's ministry, who became one of the apostle's most faithful and capable co-workers. He is not mentioned in the Book of Acts, but his name appears frequently in Paul's other epistles, especially 2 Corinthians and Galatians. Paul took Titus with him to the Jerusalem Council as an example of a Gentile convert who was not compelled to be circumcised, thus affirming the truth of the gospel of grace (Galatians 2:1-3). Titus later served Paul in critical missions, including collecting the offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem from the Corinthian church and helping to resolve tensions there (2 Corinthians 7:6-7, 2 Corinthians 8:6, 2 Corinthians 12:18).

Paul's confidence in Titus is evident in the mission he entrusted him with in Crete: to "set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city" (Titus 1:5). This was a monumental task, requiring spiritual discernment, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to truth. Paul's instructions to Titus were not merely suggestions but authoritative directives for the fledgling churches on the island.

The Church in Crete: A Challenging Environment

Crete, a large island in the Mediterranean, was known for its particular cultural characteristics, often viewed negatively by outsiders. Paul quotes one of their own prophets, Epimenides, to describe the Cretans:

One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

Titus 1:12

This harsh assessment highlights the challenging environment in which the Christian church was attempting to take root. The pervasive immorality, deceit, and idleness of the general populace made the need for clear instructions on godly living and sound doctrine all the more urgent. False teachers, often Jewish legalists or those promoting Gnostic ideas, exploited this spiritual vacuum, "subverting whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake" (Titus 1:11). Paul's letter to Titus directly confronts these issues, emphasizing that the church must be distinct from the surrounding culture, demonstrating truth and godliness through its leadership and the lives of its members.

The Core Message: Sound Doctrine and Godly Living

The epistle of Titus is a powerful reminder that true faith is always accompanied by transformed living. Paul stresses the inseparable link between sound doctrine (hugiainousa didaskalia – healthy teaching) and good works (kala erga). He instructs Titus to "speak thou the things which become sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). This "sound doctrine" is not merely intellectual assent but a life-transforming truth that leads to practical righteousness. Conversely, "good works" are not a means to salvation but the fruit and evidence of genuine faith and the outworking of God's grace in a believer's life. The goal is that believers "might be careful to maintain good works" (Titus 3:8) and that they might "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things" (Titus 2:10).

Instructions for Leadership: Qualifications of Elders

A significant portion of Titus 1 is dedicated to the qualifications for elders (also called bishops or overseers). Paul understood that the health and stability of the church depended heavily on the character and competence of its leaders. He outlines a comprehensive list of virtues and responsibilities:

• Blamelessness: "If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly." (Titus 1:6)
• Character: "For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;" (Titus 1:7-8)
• Teaching Ability: "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:9)

These qualifications emphasize not only spiritual maturity but also practical wisdom, self-control, and the ability to manage one's own household well. The elder must be able to protect the flock from false teaching and uphold the truth of the gospel. This robust standard was crucial for establishing credible and effective leadership in a challenging environment filled with deceptive teachers.

Instructions for Various Groups: The Household of God

In Titus 2, Paul provides specific instructions for different age and gender groups within the church, demonstrating how sound doctrine translates into practical, godly living for everyone. This reflects the holistic nature of biblical discipleship:

Each instruction aims to ensure that the lives of believers reflect the beauty and truth of the gospel, making the church a light in a dark world and protecting the "word of God" from being "blasphemed."

The Doctrine of Grace: Foundation for Godly Living

At the heart of Paul's practical instructions lies a profound theological truth: the grace of God. In Titus 2:11-14, Paul articulates the transformative power of grace:

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:11-14

This passage clarifies that grace is not merely a license to sin, but a divine power that teaches and enables believers to "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts" and to "live soberly, righteously, and godly." It is the motivation for good works, not their prerequisite. Our redemption through Christ's sacrifice purifies us and makes us "a peculiar people, zealous of good works." This foundational truth undergirds all the practical exhortations found in the letter.

Living a Godly Life: Submission and Good Works

Paul continues his exhortations in Titus 3, emphasizing the Christian's conduct in society. Believers are to be submissive to civil authorities, ready for every good work, and to live peaceably with all men (Titus 3:1-2). This is contrasted with their former state, before conversion, when they were "foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another" (Titus 3:3). The profound change is attributed solely to God's "kindness and love," not by works of righteousness, but "according to his mercy" through "the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:4-5).

The letter concludes with practical advice on dealing with divisive individuals, emphasizing that those who cause divisions should be rejected after a first and second admonition (Titus 3:10). This underscores the importance of maintaining unity and purity within the church.

Conclusion: Enduring Instructions for Today's Church

The Epistle of Titus, though brief, offers timeless and invaluable instructions for the church in every age. It underscores that true Christianity is characterized by both sound doctrine and godly living. The church, as the pillar and ground of the truth, must be led by men of impeccable character and grounded in biblical teaching. Its members, transformed by God's grace, are called to live lives that adorn the gospel and stand in stark contrast to the world's immorality and deceit.

In a world increasingly marked by moral relativism, false teachings, and a departure from biblical standards, the Book of Titus serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging call for His people to be distinct, to uphold truth, and to live lives that reflect the transforming power of His grace. It is a foundational text for understanding what a healthy, vibrant, and effective church should look like, even amidst the most challenging circumstances.