Titus remains intensely practical because the shepherds and sheep of today face the same problems as those in first century Crete.
Titus is one of the so-called “Pastoral Epistles,” along with 1 & 2 Timothy. It was written around the same time as 1 Timothy (AD 63-65) and shares certain common ideas with it, including the qualifications for elders and an emphasis on behavior. Timothy emphasizes behavior in the house of God, whereas Titus emphasizes good behavior in a more general sense.
The man
Titus was a Gentile (Gal. 2:3), not part Jewish like Timothy. Titus accompanied Paul and Barnabas to the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 and was used as a test case: should Gentile converts be circumcised and placed under Mosaic Law? Paul and Barnabas resisted this legalistic tendency and the decision was reached not to place this burden on Gentile converts. Titus was a trouble-shooter for the apostle Paul, sent to difficult places to resolve difficulties in the young assemblies. It is a mark of the confidence Paul had in this man. Some of the tasks he was assigned were very difficult. He is mentioned frequently in 2 Corinthians, where he is to receive a collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem from a church that has been greatly damaged by division, carnality, and spiritual pride—not an easy task for anyone.
The mandate
Crete was not an easy assignment either. Paul describing the Cretian character in the words of one of their own as “always liars, evil beasts and slow bellies [or lazy gluttons]” (Titus 1:12-13). His tasks were simple: oversee the recognition of elders for the churches and set in order things that are wanting (1:5). Godly leadership and godly order are essential not to the being of an assembly but to the well-being of an assembly. This was the task assigned to Titus. Paul’s letter no doubt helped him, providing both credibility for Titus and guidance for the task.
The main problems
Titus is a superb choice for the task he is given because Crete, like many other places in the New Testament, was plagued by Judaizers (1:10). Titus’s experience at Jerusalem would have left the issues very clear-cut in his own mind. As well as dealing with the false teachers, his teaching was to promote “truth which is according to godliness”—absolutely essential when you are dealing with former evil beasts.
There are several things in the epistle designed to promote godly behavior amongst the saints. In chapter 1:6-9, there is the appointment of elders that would have the authority to silence the false teachers. In chapter 2:11-13, there is the grace of God, rightly understood and appreciated, which instructs us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Chapter 3:1 reminds us that the civil authorities are there to help promote good behavior and keep us as law-abiding citizens. And finally, the very gospel itself brings significant changes to our lifestyle (3:3-7). A man in Christ is a new creature.
The major themes
The key words of the epistle are: soberness, soundness, and good works. The elders, older men, older women, young women, and young men are all to be marked by sobriety. Everyone who has tasted the grace of God is to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Dealing with eternal issues is no joke. A certain seriousness should mark the child of God, in contrast to the foolishness and frivolous conduct of the unsaved world.
Sound doctrine ought to produce those that are sound in the faith and are known for sound speech. Sound is a word that means healthy or hygienic, as opposed to diseased and corrupted. What is our speech like? Serious and health-giving or frivolous and corrupting?
Finally, true salvation is not by good works, but it will produce a life of good works. Perhaps the church has, in her reaction to works-based religion, neglected the serious emphasis that the New Testament gives. Re-read Ephesians 2:8-9, but don’t stop there as we usually do; go on to verse 10 and see the true biblical emphasis on good works. Such living leaves an impression on the world and paves the way for the gospel of grace!
The message for today’s assemblies
Titus is immensely relevant today. It is sad that foolishness and comedy are such a part of our assemblies, especially children’s work and camp work where soberness seems to have been completely forgotten. Although we ought not to be known as glum people, our message of Heaven or Hell demands a serious demeanor. Are our favorite preachers those who make us laugh the most or those that cause us to get alone with God and examine our hearts? Do our elders have the courage and the moral authority to silence false teachers publicly if necessary? And finally, what part does good works have in our mind set in serving God?
Pause to consider what part good works has in our mind set in serving God.