Titus — Introduction & Outline

The same arguments used for the other pastoral epistles apply here to prove Paul was the author. His identification (1:1), the content, the circumstances and the familiar companions (3:12-13) all point to Paul. Church tradition is consistent with this conclusion.

The date and place of origin assigned to this letter depend on whatever course of travel is conjectured for Paul after his release from the first Roman imprisonment. It was probably written after his trip to Spain and shortly before 2 Timothy, thus about A.D. 66. Both Asia Minor and Corinth have been suggested as the place of writing.

Paul writes to Titus (1:4), who is in Crete (1:5). Though unmentioned in Acts, Titus merits thirteen references in Paul's epistles which show he was a close and trusted companion. Titus was a Gentile (Gal. 2:3) converted by Paul (1:4). Nothing is said of him until he accompanies Paul on the third missionary journey. Then Paul used him as a messenger and letter-bearer to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:12-13; 7:5-7,13-15; 8:6,16-24). Again there is silence until Paul indicates that he left Titus in Crete (1:5) after his release from prison. Titus proved faithful to Paul to the end, having visited him during his second imprisonment in Rome (2 Tim. 4:10). Tradition says he lived out his life in Crete.

Crete was an island in the Mediterranean about one hundred and fifty-six miles long and thirty miles wide at the widest place. A reputation for immorality and untruthfulness characterized its inhabitants (1:12-13). The church may have started from the witness of the Cretans who were in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:11). It appears Paul did not start the church, since his stay there was brief on his first journey to Rome (Acts 27:7-13). Paul had his most extensive ministry there with Titus after his release from prison (1:5).

Though Paul had ministered in Crete, the work was unfinished, so he left Titus there to give the church leadership by appointing elders and instructing in proper doctrine and conduct. In his absence, Paul felt the need to give Titus the authorization and instructions needed to lead the church. Also, the immoral atmosphere of the island evidently threatened to influence the church, so Paul is moved to write to them in order to prevent damage by encouraging proper conduct based on sound doctrine. Furthermore, a threat from false teachers, some Jewish (1:10), had to be stopped because it was leading people astray (1:11). Paul takes the opportunity of Zenas and Apollos' trip through Crete to pen his instructions and encouragement to his associate.

Paul's first purpose is to provide Titus with apostolic authorization to finish the work of the church. This would be needed to deal with the opposition there (1:11; 2:15) and to carry out the instructions about his work in the church. A second purpose is to instruct Titus concerning his actual work in the church. He gives him instructions about choosing elders (1:6- 9) and about teaching sound doctrine and proper Christian conduct (2:1-10; 3:1-3). There may be a coincidental purpose of informing Titus of his winter plans (3:12) and commending Zenas and Apollos (3:13).

Paul clarifies his authority as an apostle in the introduction of the letter (1:1-4). This adds apostolic weight to his instructions to Titus and gives him the authorization to carry out the directives. Paul's first instructions concern Titus' task of appointing elders (1:5-16). He reminds Titus of this duty (1:5) and proceeds to list the qualifications of the elders (1:6-9). The high qualifications will both prevent and refute unsound doctrine and improper conduct in their midst. The seriousness of this task and the need for elders is emphasized by the threat of false teachers in Crete (1:10-16). Paul describes these teachers (1:10-12) and the consequent duty of Titus and the elders to oppose them (1:13-14).

Paul also instructs Titus about his duty to various groups of people in the church (2:1- 15). Titus is to instruct each different age group in sound doctrine and proper behavior while being an example himself (2:1-8). He must likewise instruct servants so that their good works will vindicate true doctrine (2:9-10). This doctrine is the basis for good behavior, so Paul explains the grace of God in salvation as a motivation for godly living (2:11-14). It teaches to deny sin and live righteously in view of the Lord's return. Paul closes this section with an appeal to Titus to be bold and authoritative in teaching, exhorting and rebuking (2:15).

The final section contains some instructions about the relationship of church members to the world (3:1-11). Their conduct toward government and fellow citizens should reflect good works and humility (3:1-2). Again, Paul appeals to the grace of God as a motivation for proper conduct (3:3-8). God saved us by the gracious appearing of Jesus Christ, the manifestation of His mercy through Him and the regenerating work of His Spirit (3:3-6). By God's grace believers are justified and made heirs of eternal life (3:7), thus they should live lives of good works consistent with this doctrine (3:8). By such an emphasis on good works, Paul is fortifying the defense of sound doctrine against the attacks of the false teachers. Nevertheless, when false teachers persist, their teachings should be avoided and those who are divisive should be rejected (3:9-11).

Paul concludes the letter with information about a visit from a companion and a request for Titus to join him in Nicopolis for the winter (3:12). There is a commendation of Zenas and Apollos (3:13) and a final exhortation about the importance of good works, which has proved to be a main theme of the letter (3:14). Paul closes with a greeting and benediction (3:15).

With Paul's written instructions in hand, Titus will be equipped to finish the work of organizing and instructing the church. He will also be able to authoritatively engage and refute the false teachers. But as Paul argues, much can be accomplished preventively by diligence in good works.

1. The Introduction 1:1-4

   1. The writer 1:1-3
   1. The nature of his office 1:1
   2. The basis of his office 1:2-3
   2. The reader 1:4a
   3. The greeting 1:4b
2. Paul's Instructions Concerning Elders 1:5-16

   1. The appointment of elders in Cretan churches 1:5-9

      1. The duties of Titus in Crete 1:5
      2. The qualifications of elders 1:6-9
      1. The good reputation of elders 1:6
      2. The personal qualifications of elders 1:7-8
      3. The doctrinal steadfastness of elders 1:9
   2. The need for elders in view of false teachers 1:10-16

      1. The description of the false teachers 1:10-12

         1. The description of their evil character 1:10
         2. The description of their evil activity 1:11
         3. The substantiation of their evil character 1:12
      2. The duty of opposing the false teachers 1:13-14

         1. They must be rebuked. 1:13
         2. Their teaching must be ignored. 1:14
      3. The condemnation of the false teachers 1:15-16

         1. Their minds are defiled. 1:15
         2. Their behavior denies their profession. 1:16
3. Paul's Instructions Concerning Various Groups in the Church 2:1-15

   1. The instructions for proper conduct in the groups 2:1-10

      1. The duty of Titus to instruct the groups 2:1
      2. The instructions according to age group 2:2-8

         1. The instructions concerning older men 2:2
         2. The instructions concerning older women 2:3
         3. The instructions concerning younger women 2:4-5
         4. The instructions concerning younger men 2:6-8
         1. The instruction to be sober-minded 2:6
         2. The instruction for Titus to be an example 2:7-8
      3. The instruction for servants 2:9-10
   2. The grace of God as motivation for godly behavior 2:11-14

      1. The appearance of the grace of God to all men 2:11
      2. The effect of the grace of God on us 2:12-14
      1. It teaches us to live godly lives. 2:12
      2. It gives us a hope of the Lord's coming. 2:13
      3. It redeemed us through the work of Christ. 2:14
   3. The exhortation to Titus to carry out these instructions 2:15
4. Paul's Instructions Concerning Church Members in the World 3:1-11

   1. The conduct of church members towards the world 3:1-2

      1. Their conduct toward the government 3:1
      2. Their conduct toward other citizens 3:2
   2. The grace of God as motivation for proper conduct 3:3-8

      1. The motive of our lives before God's grace 3:3
      2. The motive of our present salvation in God's grace 3:4-7
      1. God's Son as the source of salvation 3:4
      2. God's mercy as the basis of salvation 3:5a
      3. God's Spirit as the means of salvation 3:5b-6
      4. God's inheritance as the result of salvation 3:7
      3. The motive of consistency in doctrine and conduct 3:8
   3. The proper response to false teachers 3:9-11

      1. Their teaching should be avoided. 3:9
      2. A divisive man should be rejected. 3:10-11
5. The Conclusion 3:12-15

   1. Paul's personal messages 3:12-14
   1. Concerning Titus' visit 3:12
   2. Concerning Zenas and Apollos 3:13
   3. Concerning the importance of good works 3:14
   2. Paul's greetings 3:15a
   3. Paul's benediction 3:15b