Character Profile: Titus

• Paul instrumental in his salvation (Titus 1:5)
• Mentioned by Paul as seemingly known by the Galatians (Gal 2:1-3)
• Went with Paul to Jerusalem (Gal 2:1-3) likely on the matter of circumcision in Acts 15 perhaps as
• Titus, an uncircumcized Greek who wasn’t compelled by his adversaries to get circumcized. (Gal 2:3);
• Attesting to his strong character Paul even states that Titus walked in the same spirit and step as himself (2 Cor 12:18)
• He was to meet Paul at Troas (2 Cor 2:12)
• Made a beginning of a work in Corinth (perhaps in relation to the gift offering) and he was subsequently urged to complete in the Corinthians this gracious work (2 Cor 8:6)
• Was sent to Corinth by Paul (2 Cor 8:16-22, 2 Cor 12:17; 2 Cor 12:18)
• Was received with trembling and love by the Corinthians (2 Cor 7:15)
• His love of the Corinthians increased from this experience (2 Cor 7:15)
• Met up with Him in Macedonia and proved to be a great comfort (2 Cor 7:5-6)
• Comforted the workers, himself and Paul (2 Cor 7:7) by seeing the earnest desire of the Corinthians towards Paul
• Found his spirit refreshed by the Corinthians (2 Cor 7:14)
• Paul calls him his partner and fellow worker among the Corinthians (2 Cor 8:23)
• Left to do a work in Crete (Titus 1:5)
• Was to rejoin Paul in Nicopolis (Titus 3:12)
• Perhaps went to Rome, but eventually seems to have left Paul and went to Dalmatia—the reason is not explained (2 Tim 4:10)

Paul’s purpose on writing the letter:

1) To encourage Titus to complete the work he was commanded to do. Unlike the work at Corinth, Titus may be growing weary of the Cretians and the Judaizers.

a. So that Titus can establish elders in the church

i. Men of Sound doctrine
ii. So that the church is sound
iii. Portraying a pattern of good works

1. being gentle

b. To stop the mouths of the Vain Talkers and Judaizers

i. So that the leaders are sound
ii. So that the church is orderly
iii. And focused on good works and the glorious appearing instead of worldly lusts and useless discussions

1. and not argumentative

2) To have Titus come to him at Nicopolis upon the arrival of Artemas or Tychicus

3) To have Titus send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos to Paul in Nicopolis

The Divisions of the Letter:

(1:1-4)Introduction

Definition of Paul’s source of apostleship

By God, through the Savior

To Titus, son in this same faith

(1:5) Purpose of Titus’ work (perhaps answering a question)

Left in Crete

To put in order what was left unordered

Ordain elders (1:6-16)

(1:6-9) Characteristics of elders

blameless

steward of God

not self-willed

not soon to angry

not given to wine

no striker

not given to filthy lucre

lover of hospitality

lover of good men

sober

just

holy

temperate

holding fast the faithful word

taught in the faithful word

ability by sound doctrine to convince gainsayers

not giving heed to fables or men’s commandments

action in tune with their words

(1:10-14) In direct contrast to

those who are unruly

who are vain talkers

deceivers

Judaizers

Subverting whole houses

Teachers of what they ought not to teach

Teaching for filthy lucre

Ill reputation (as a liar, evil beast and slow belly)

Ill testimony due to their ill reputation

Giving heed to Jewish fables

Giving heed to commandments of men

Turning from the truth

(1: 15 – 2:1) Sound testimony

to those who are unbelievers, nothing is pure

they make a profession of knowing God but not in works

Titus, as an establisher of leaders, must stick to the good

Speak Sound doctrine (2:1-3:11)

(2:2-7) Sound doctrine in behavior

aged men to be sober, sound in faith, in patience

aged women, sound in holy behavior, teaching good things

young women to be taught to be sober and sound in action

young men to be exhorted to be sober minded

sincere in every action, showing incorruptness

(2:7-10) Sound doctrine in speech

not condemned because backed by sound action

puts to shame those who are contrary

servants under masters to please in all things, not arguing

showing good loyalty and adorning doctrine of God in all

(2:11-14) In relation to Christ

God’s grace which brings salvation appeared to all men

Taught that:

· Denying ungodliness

· Denying worldly lusts

· A person should live soberly

· A person should live righteously

· A person should live godly

· Not only in spirit, but in action…in this world

· Looking forward to the blessed hope, the appearing

· Of the Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ gave himself in action to:

· redeem from iniquity

· purify unto himself a peculiar people

· a people who are zealous of good works

(2:15) With authority

speak these things

exhort these things

rebuke in light of all this

let no man despise you in this work

(3:1-2) Sound in subjection to others

to principalities and powers

to obey magistrates

to be ready to every good work

speaking evil of no one

not being a brawler

being gentle and meek to all men

(3:3-7) Sound in understanding of self

we were foolish

we were disobedient

we were deceived

we served divers lusts and pleasures

we lived in malice and envy

we were hateful and hated one another

but, the kindness of God appeared

and in mercy God saved us

Saved by the washing of regeneration

Saved by the renewing of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Spirit shed on us through Jesus Christ

By grace, justified, and made an heir

(3:8 - 11) Continually Sound

Believers in God must be careful to maintain good works

This is good and profitable to men

Avoid foolish questions which hamper

· Questions on genealogies

· Contentions and strivings about the law

· These are unprofitable and vain—empty look

Avoid heretics which also hamper

· Admonish twice then reject

· Heretics thus admonished are subverted, sinning

· And condemning themselves

(3:12-3:15) Closing

Come to Nicopolis to meet up with Paul (3:12)

To send Zemas the lawyer and Apollos quickly (3:13)

Exhort those of our group to maintain good works (3:14)

· So that they are not unfruitful

All that are with Paul say hello

Say hello to all those in the faith

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