The Epistle of Paul to Titus

Who Was Titus?

Titus is mentioned many times in the New Testament. He was one of Paul’s Greek converts. He was trusted and faithful and was called to serve with Paul on several missionary journeys. After Paul established the Church on the island of Crete (probably after his first imprisonment in Rome), he placed Titus in charge of the Church there and departed. As bishop, Titus was charged to set in order what was lacking there (see Titus 1:5).

Crete map

Achaia

Syria

Phoenicia

Egypt

Cyprus

Ephesus

Athens

Antioch

Tyre

Sidon

Caesarea

Jerusalem

Crete

Mediterranean Sea

What Is This Book About?

Paul placed Titus in charge of the Church members on the island of Crete. He described them by quoting the Greek poet Epimenides: “The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies” (Titus 1:12). Paul knew, however, that Jesus Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity” (Titus 2:14). Christ made it possible for everyone, even people with a bad reputation like the Cretans, to be blessed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote to help Titus with the challenges of organizing the Church and helping the Cretan Saints live righteously. He reminded Titus about the qualities of righteous leadership and encouraged him to set a proper example as a Church leader.

• Titus 1-3: “Sound in the Faith”