Introduction to the Book of Titus

Introduction

A Pastoral Epistle

The book of Titus is considered one of three pastoral epistles written by the apostle Paul. The other two are 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. What are pastoral epistles? These three epistles were addressed to two of Paul’s fellow workers, people that Paul had taught and felt comfortable enough to place them in positions of church leadership. They address a number of issues facing the early churches as well as provide spiritual guidance and encouragement to these two men. The designation as being ‘pastoral’ epistles first appeared in the eighteenth century.^[1] Sadly, due to that classification these epistles are often overlooked as not being relevant to non-pastors. Each of these epistles do contain insight on church leadership, such as what are the qualifications for church leaders, but they also contain invaluable insights on Christian theology and Christian living that every believer can benefit from.

Titus the Person

Paul referred to Titus several times in his epistles (see 2 Corinthians 2:13; 7:6, 13, 14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; Galatians 2:1, 3; 2 Timothy 4:10). He was considered a fellow worker and handled a number of difficult assignments often representing Paul (see 2 Corinthians 7:13-15; 8:6). He was a Greek man, not a Jew, who remained uncircumcised (see Galatians 2:3) demonstrating that Gentiles could become believers without identifying in any way with Judaism. Paul also referred to him as a beloved brother and partner (see 2 Corinthians 8:23). He accompanied Paul on several occasions and was well aware of the Judaizers that prompted much of Paul’s grief.

Judaizers

In the early church Judaizers were people who combined God’s grace with some form of human effort, such as the need for circumcision. While many were insistent that the entire law of Moses and other Jewish traditions be followed, there were some that embraced only partial compliance. Their teaching emphasized that God’s grace through what Jesus did on the cross only partially covered one’s salvation and that there was still a need for a person to do their part. This teaching discounts what Jesus did on the cross, as He paid the full price for our redemption. Paul had several encounters with these people and it was the central theme in his epistle to the people in Galatia.

Instructions for All Believers

The last two chapters of this epistle encapsulates what Paul calls ‘hygianō’ teaching (Greek for sound teaching) something that every believer can learn from. These instructions given to Titus to promote, are considered by some to be the most comprehensive and condensed set of instructions for Christian living than any of his other epistles. In chapter three he first breaks down his insight based on various age groups and slaves, followed by a general overview. Then in chapter three he addresses how to live under the authority others and among those who are not believers. While it is true that Christian living should not be guided by a ‘checklist’ that we ‘check off’ on a regular basis, lists like what Paul presents in this epistle should be regularly reviewed as a reminder, as this world is full of distractions and we can easily be pulled away from serving our Lord Jesus. See the Appendix for an outline of the Christian Living instructions listed in this epistle.

[1] Knight, G. W. (1992). The Pastoral Epistles: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 3). W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.

Navigation

Outline

I. Chapter One (Titus 1:1-16)

A. Greeting (Titus 1:1-4)

B. Ministry in Crete (Titus 1:5-16)

II. Chapter Two (Titus 2:1-15)

A. Promote a Conduct Consistent with Sound Teaching (Titus 2:1-15)

1. Older Men (Titus 2:1-2)

2. Older and Young Women (Titus 2:3-5)

3. Young Men (Titus 2:6-8)

4. Slaves (Titus 2:9-10)

5. Everyone (Titus 2:11-15)

III. Chapter Three (Titus 3:1-15)

A. Conduct Among Others (Titus 3:1-11)

B. Final Instructions and Closing (Titus 3:12-15)