A Letter of Paul to:
TITUS
Titus, a letter written by Paul in probably 62-63 AD, while in prison. This letter was regarded as genuine by CLEMENT OF ROME who quotes from it in his Epistle to the Corinthians, 2. Other early church scholars who accept this letter are: IRENÆUS [Against Heresies, 3.3.4] he refers to it as Paul's; THEOPHILUS OF ANTIOCH [To Autolychus, 3.14], and CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA [Miscellanies, 1, p. 299]; as well as TERTULLIAN [The Prescription against Heretics, 6].
There is NO SIGNATURE on this letter, as Paul did say he would do....
From Jamieson: This Epistle seems to have been written from Corinth [BIRKS], subsequently to his first imprisonment, when Paul was on his way to Nicopolis ( Titus 3:12 passing the winter, shortly before his martyrdom, A.D. 67. BIRKS thinks, from the similarity of the Epistle to Titus and First Timothy, that both were written from the same place, Corinth, and at dates not widely apart; First Timothy shortly after coming to Corinth, before he had planned a journey to Epirus, the Epistle to Titus afterwards. The journey to Crete and Ephesus for the bearers of his letters would be easy from Corinth, and he could himself thence easily pass into Epirus. He had shortly before visited Crete, wherein a Church existed (though without due organization), the first foundation of which he may have partly laid at his former visit Acts 27:7 his first imprisonment at Rome. That he returned to the East after his first imprisonment appears most probable from Philippians 2:24 ; Philemon 1:22 However, there may have been seeds of Christianity sown in Crete, even before his first visit, by the Cretans who heard Peter's preaching on Pentecost Acts 2:11
NOTICES OF TITUS.--It is strange that he is never mentioned by this name in Acts, and there seems none of those mentioned in that book who exactly answers to him. He was a Greek, and therefore a Gentile ( Galatians 2:1 Galatians 2:3 apostle on the deputation sent from the Church of Antioch to Jerusalem, to consult the apostles respecting the circumcision of Gentile converts ( Acts 15:2 circumcised. He was in company with Paul at Ephesus, whence he was sent to Corinth to commence the collection for the Jerusalem saints, and to ascertain the effect of the First Epistle on the Corinthians ( 2 Corinthians 7:6-9 ; 8:6 ; 12:18 next proceeded to Macedon, where he joined Paul, who had been already eagerly expecting him at Troas ( 2 Corinthians 2:12 2 Corinthians 2:13 2 Corinthians 7:6 collection for the poor saints in Judea, and became the bearer of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians ( 2 Corinthians 8:16 2 Corinthians 8:17 2 Corinthians 8:23 him "my partner and fellow helper concerning you." His being located in Crete ( Titus 1:5 shortly before the second, about A.D. 67, ten years subsequent to the last notice of him in Second Corinthians ( 2 Corinthians 12:18 A.D. 57. He probably met Paul, as the apostle desired, at Nicopolis; for his subsequent journey into Dalmatia, thence (or else from Rome, whither he may have accompanied Paul) would be more likely, than from the distant Crete ( 2 Timothy 4:10 In the unsettled state of things then, Titus' episcopal commission in Crete was to be but temporary, Paul requiring the presence of Titus with himself, whenever Artemas or Tychicus should arrive in Crete and set him free from his duties there.
Tradition represents him to have died peaceably in Crete, as archbishop of Gortyna, at an advanced age.
Scoefield writes: Titus has much in common with First Timothy. Both Epistles are concerned with the due order of the churches. The distinction is that in First Timothy sound doctrine is more prominent 1Tim 1:3-10 in Titus the divine order for the local churches Ti 1:5. The permanent use of these Epistles lies in this twofold application, on the one hand to churches grown careless as to the truth of God, on the other, to churches careless as to the order of God's house. The importance of this order is made solemnly emphatic in that the tests by which true elders and deacons may be known are repeated 1Tim 3:1-7 Ti 1:6-9.
There are two divisions:I. The qualifications and functions of elders, 1.1-16.
II. The pastoral work of the true elder, 2.1-3, 15.
Titus 1:
GREETINGS:
1 From Paul, a slave of God (Theos) and an apostle of Jesus Christ write to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—
In the New Testament, the word for the Godhead is Theos, which is the Greek word for a generic God, much like Elohim is in the Hebrew. In the Greek Septuagint, Elohim is always translated with the Greek word Theos. However, in the New Testament, Theos can mean only the FATHER God in the Godhead, so Theos can be looked at as both plural and singular in form, and there is ample evidence that the Greeks did use the same word for a god and gods, unlike Elohim which is never a singular deity. The singular form is El.
servant of God--not found elsewhere in the same connection. In Romans 1:1 it is "servant of Jesus Christ" ( Galatians 1:10 , Philippians 1:1 ; compare Acts 16:17 , Revelation 1:1 , 15:3 ). In Romans 1:1 , there follows, "called to be an apostle," which corresponds to the general designation of the office first, "servant of GOD," here, followed by the special description, "apostle of Jesus Christ." The full expression of his apostolic office answers, in both Epistles, to the design, and is a comprehensive index to the contents. The peculiar form here would never have proceeded from a forger. (Jamieson)
2 which is based on the hope for eternal life. God, who does not lie, promised this before the world began
eternal life: The Greek word for life here is 'zoe', and not psyche (same as nephesh in Hebrew). This is a good area of study because the Greek definition of these words seem out of context. The Greek term implies NO beginning and NO end, yet we who want to have eternal life did have a beginning, only God did not. Notice, that we do only have HOPE in eternal life... We don't have it.
3 and at the right time was revealed it in His message. This was entrusted to me, and I proclaim it by order of our Savior God (Theos).
Savior: From Greek sōtēr, always rendered savior. The name was given by the ancients to deities, esp. tutelary deities, to princes, kings, and in general to men who had conferred signal benefits upon their country, and in more degenerate days by the way of flattery to personages of influence.(Wigram) The word soter was a common Greek epithet for the gods (e.g., Zeus, Apollo, and Hermes), active personalities in world affairs (e.g., Epicurus) and rulers (e.g., Ptolemy Philopator, and later Roman Emporers).
4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and our Savior Christ Jesus.
5 For this reason I left you behind in Crete, so that you could put in order the things that still need doing and to appoint elders in each town as I have instructed you to.
6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and not have the reputation of being wild or disobedient.
Blameless: The concept “blameless” can be described by the phrase “without a blemish” (Strongs #299). This doesn't mean we are sinless or perfect (only God is), it means that God holds us without blemish, an acceptable sacrifice for the LORD. Once we are baptized and have the blood of Christ atoneing for our sins, we are blameless to God.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not a drunkard given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,
bishop: the superintendent, elder, or overseer of a Christian church- not to be confused with a catholic position.
8 be hospitable and love what is good. He must be self-controlled, upright, holy, and self-controlled,
9 holding firmly to the word as he was taught that he may be able, by sound doctrine, to both encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
10 For there are many rebellious people, full of vanity and deception, especially those of the Jews [circumcision],
the circumcision; or "of the Jews", as the Ethiopic version renders it; that is, not the unbelieving Jews, but such as professed Christianity, judaizing Christians, who joined Moses and Christ and blended the law and Gospel together; who taught that circumcision, and the observance of other ceremonies of the law, were necessary to justification and salvation; and hereby did a great deal of mischief among the churches. This reading shows that Paul is not writing about merits of circumcision, but the false faith of Jews, who were trying to put Christians under corrupt Jewish law.
11 who must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they should not to teach—and doing so for the sake of dishonest gain.
12 One of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, "The people of Crete are all liars; they are cruel animals and lazy gluttons."
Epimenides of Phæstus, or Gnossus, in Crete, about 600. He was sent for to purify Athens from its pollution occasioned by Cylon. He was regarded as a diviner and prophet. The words here are taken probably from his treatise "concerning oracles." Paul also quotes from two other heathen writers, ARATUS ( Acts 17:28 ) and MENANDER ( 1 Corinthians 15:33 ), but he does not honor them so far as even to mention their names. (Jamieson)
13 This is true. So rebuke them as sternly as necessary to make them strong in the faith.
14 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned their backs on the truth.
15 Everything is pure to those whose who have pure hearts. However, nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are defiled.
16 They claim that they know God, but their actions deny it. They are hateful and disobedient, not fit to do anything good.
Titus 2:
Continuation of Chapter 1:
Continuation of Chapter 1:
1 But as for you, speak up for the kind of living that reflects the right doctrine (teaching of the Gospel).
There were no chapters in the original, and they were arbitrarily placed here in the 1500's!
2 Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled; to be sound in their faith, love, and patience;
3 In the same way instruct the older women to behave as women should who live a holy life. They must not be slanderers or heavy drinkers. They must teach what is good,
to be sober--Greek, "self-restrained," "discreet"; the same Greek as in Titus 2:2 , "temperate." (But ALFORD therefore translates, "That they school (admonish in their duty) the young women to be lovers of their husbands," &c. (the foundation of all domestic happiness). It was judicious that Titus, a young man, should admonish the young women, not directly, but through the older women.(Jamieson)
5 to be self-controlled and pure, and to be good housewives who submit themselves to their husbands, so that no one will speak evil of the message that comes from God.
7 In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
8 using sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about you.
10 or steal from them. Instead, they must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to bring credit to the teaching about our Savior God in things.
12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
13 as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God (Theos) and Savior Jesus Christ will appear.
14 He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to Him alone and are eager to do good.
15 Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.
Titus 3:
1 Remind everyone to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, and to be ready to be ready for every good work,
3 For we were once foolish, disobedient, and wrong. We were slaves to lusts and pleasures of every kind. We spent our days in malice and envy; others hated us and we hated them.
5 He saved us. Not because of our good deeds that we never did, but because of His own mercy that He saved us, through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us.
7 so that by His grace we might be put right with God (Theos) and come into possession of the eternal life we hope for.
8 This is a true saying. I want you to insist on them so that everyone who trusts in God will be careful to do good works all the time. which are good and useful for everyone.
9 But avoid stupid disputes, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless.
10 Give at two warnings to anyone who cause divisions {in the church}, and then have nothing more to do with them.
12 I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis as quickly as you can, for I have decided to stay there for the winter.
13 Do your best to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos to get started on their trip, and see to it that they lack nothing.
14 Our people must learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me send you greetings. Give our greetings to our friends in the faith. God's grace be with you all.
{No Signature}
{No Signature}
Paul usually signs his letters...
