Jet Tour Through Titus Series

TITUS - Work

INTRODUCTION: Titus, the 12th Epistle written by Paul, is one of his shortest. It is a personal Letter to a dear friend and co-laborer. Like 1 Timothy, it was written between Paul’s two Roman imprisonments, as he traveled on his 4th Missionary Journey. Paul obviously visited Crete on his way to Ephesus, and upon his departure requested Titus to remain and strengthen the Churches in every city on the island. There is no Biblical record of how the Gospel first reached Crete. We do know that Cretans were among the crowd that heard the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:11), and in all likelihood returned home to share their newfound faith. Paul’s only other visit to the Island was as a prisoner being transported to Rome for trial (Acts 27:7). The Gospel had obviously spread throughout the island, but there was a great need for someone to “set in order” the things that were wanting. Titus was called on for the task.

I. The Author of the Book - The Apostle Paul (1:1)

A. Paul (1:1) - Though his name appears only once, 1st person pronouns are used 7 times.

B. The Letter identifies Paul as:

1. A servant of God (1:1);

2. An apostle of Jesus Christ (1:1);

3. Knowledgeable of Cretan society (1:12-13);

4. Anxiously awaiting the return of Christ (2:13);

II. The Recipient of the Book - Titus

A. While Titus is only mentioned by name 1 time in this Letter, he is referred to 9 times by 2nd person pronouns. He is mentioned by name elsewhere in Paul’s writings 12 times; most of those in 2 Corinthians.

B. We know from Paul’s writings that Titus was:

1. a convert of Paul (Tit 1:4);

2. a companion of Paul at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15; Gal 2:1-3);

3. a comfort to Paul (2 Cor 7:6);

4. a confidant of Paul (2 Cor 7:5-7, 13-14; 8:6, 16-23; 2 Tim 4:10);

C. We can infer from Paul’s writings that Titus was:

1. probably from Antioch, Syria, where Barnabas and Saul began their missionary work;

2. of stronger character than Timothy, not so shy and withdrawn;

3. in better physical health than Timothy.

D. Paul referred to Titus as:

1. his son in the faith (Tit 1:4);

2. his brother in the faith (2 Cor 2:13);

3. his partner & fellow helper in the faith (2 Cor 8:23);

III. The Date & Place of Writing

A. Date: Probably in the year 62 or 63 AD. It was probably written about the same time as 1 Timothy, after Paul’s release from his first Roman imprisonment (Phil 1:19,25-26; 2:24).

B. Place: The place of the writing seems to have been from Macedonia or Ephesus.

IV. The Purpose of the Book

A. To urge Titus to set in order the affairs of the Churches on Crete (1:5).

B. To instruct Titus concerning the character of men to be ordained to lead the Churches on Crete (1:5-9).

C. To challenge Titus to stand firm against the unchristian character of the Cretans (1:11-16).

D. To urge Titus to teach sound doctrine to the Churches on Crete (2:1).

E. To establish for Titus the personal qualities to be built into the lives of the Cretan Believers (2:2-10; 3:1-3).

V. The Keys to the Book

A. The key thought = Order in the Church

B. The key phrase = "…set in order." (1:5).

C. The key verses = 1:5; 2:1; 3:1

D. Key Words:

1. Good - 11 times

2. Good works - 6 times

3. Faith - 5 times

4. Sound - 5 times

VI. The Outline to the Book

A. Great leaders of the Church - Ch. 1

B. Good laymen in the Church - Ch. 2

C. Godly living by the Church - Ch. 3