H The churches on Crete were just as susceptible to false teachers as any other church, so Paul directed Titus to establish a group of faithful honourable, was with Paul and Barnabas at Antioch, and accompanied them to the council at Jerusalem ( Galatians 2:1-3 ; Acts 15:2 ), although his name nowhere occurs in the Acts of the Apostles. It is unknown when Titus joined Paul in his mission activity. Assuming this information is correct, and given the fact that many early Christians were martyred (John was the only one of the apostles to die of old age), its possible that Titus died by martyrdom. The brief reign of Titus was noteworthy mainly for two disasters by which it was visited. Was up to 30 miles wide. The three pastoral epistles may be favorably compared. If it is the visit of Acts 15 (preferable identification in the light of Pauline chronology), Titus contact with Paul was at least before the second missionary journey. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! His legacy also includes a military record marked by the betrayal of his peers and capitulation to the Romans. This verse (1:12) marks the final of two occasions where Paul quotes from a non-biblical source (see Acts 17:28 for the other). Titus, accompanied by two Christian brothers, was the bearer of 2 Corinthians ( 2Co 8:23) and was given the responsibility for making final arrangements for . Having described how the church should act, Paul gives the grace of God as the reason for them to behave this way. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Paul had assigned Titus to strengthen a previously established church work on the Isle of Crete. His circumcision was either not insisted on at Jerusalem, or, if demanded, was firmly resisted. The other man is Timothy, and the second letter to the Corinthians is addressed as from Paul and Timothy to the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 1:1). Although the specific fruit has not been named, all fruits, including bananas, symbolize prosperity. As a commander in the Jewish revolt, Josephus attempted to persuade his companions to open the gates of Yodfat for the Romans, and when the city fell, he reneged on the group . By expelling the hated informers, and doing away with trials and executions for treason, he gained the favor of the Senate, and thus that body did not oppose his actions. The offering for the Judaean churches was still pending in Corinth and from Macedonia Paul sent Titus to Corinth to complete this expression of fellowship with the other churches (2 Cor 8:6, 16). Answer In the New Testament, a bishop is a person who functions as a teaching leader among a local group of Christians. An eyewitness account of this event may be found in two letters written by Pliny to his friend Tacitus, the historian (Pliny, Epistulae, VI.16.20). Like someone above pointed out, the word "teaching" should mean teaching generally, not an academic . The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. Paul wrote his letter to Titus from Nicopolis in AD 63, after the apostle's release from his first Roman imprisonment. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. Some suggest that this visit is to be identified with the famine-relief visit in Acts 11 and 12 (e.g., Bruce); others, with the Jerusalem Council visit in Acts 15 (e.g., Ridderbos). Paul wrote his letter to Titus from Nicopolis in AD 63, after the apostles release from his first Roman imprisonment. 2:1, 3; 2 Tim 4:10; for the 9 times in 2 Cor., see Background and Setting ). May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. Titus, like Timothy ( 2 Tim. All rights reserved. Advice to the people in the pews and the pastor in the pulpit, 3. "Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and fellow-worker to you-ward" (2Corinthians 8:23). The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. women, young men, and slavesas well as general instructions to all believers about their conduct. Slaves are exhorted to be trustworthy and obedient. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. But he answered them, You see all these, do you not? Recently on our podcast, Charlotte Clay, our director of Marketing and Communications, and Dr. Jeff Kloha, our chief curatorial officer, interviewed Dr. Steven Fine, director of the Center for Israel Studies at Yeshiva University, an expert in the history of Judaism and the lead curator for The Samaritans: A Biblical People, an exhibition featured at Museum of the Bible from September 16, 2022 . 8:16-23); he is the recipient of this letter. . To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. The island of Crete, located in the Mediterranean Sea: Was 156 miles long. In this letter, Paul reminds Titus . Now therefore thus says the Lord, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die. So Elijah went. TopicalBible Timothy accompanied Paul on most of his second journey travels after he left Lystra. In fact Titus was a representative or test case. Family is just as important as ministry.When Paul lists an elders qualifications, he highlights that they need to be not just good with content but also good husbands whose children have inherited their faith (Titus 1:6). They are to teach what is good. However, Paul wasnt above making points in a risqu way if the situation called for it. Did Titus take advantage of you? E ; Titus Justus for Justus, A.V. So little is known about him that no one can positively state where he made his home, but most scholars feel it was in Philippi. And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. To be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. In many respects Titus appears in the NT as an ideal pastor. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. Since Titus was an uncircumcised Gentile (Galatians 2:3), his presence as Pauls disciple cut to the heart of this discussion. (Gal 2:3) who was an intimate associate of Paul and an effective pastor (2 Cor 8:23; 12:18). Then the Lord said to Jacob, Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you. So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field where his flock was and said to them, I see that your father does not regard me with favor as he did before. When describing heretics, Paul references a quote about Cretans being liars, crazy animals, and lazy gluttons (Titus 1:12-13) to show how foolish these heretics are. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. Such were Paul's plans; whether they were carried out is unknown. Verse 7. 1. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. And so train the young women to love their husbands and children. Lastly, the name of Titus was the watchword of the Cretans when they were invaded by the Venetians. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. He says that elders must show people who oppose sound teaching where they are wrong (Titus 1:9), describes the point of rebuking them as to make them strong in the faith (Titus 1:13), to give people creating disturbances two chances (Titus 2:10). Proud member For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. J Paul, author of Titus and at least 12 other New Testament books, church planter, evangelist, missionary, and perhaps the greatest of all the apostles, 2. I use all as my study material. 4:10, at which time Paul sends him from southern Greece to Dalmatia (Yugoslavia). In Crete, he is to complete what St. Paul had been obliged to leave unfinished, ch. Attempts to read or insert the name Titus into the Acts of the Apostles are not convincing. The state of the Corinthian church had been causing much anxiety to Paul, so much so that when he had come to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to him of the Lord, he found no rest in his spirit, because he found not Titus, his brother; so he left Troas, and went thence into Macedonia, in order to meet Titus the sooner, so as to ascertain from him how matters stood in Corinth. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. In 2020, he won First Prize for Best Feature Story in a regional contest by the Colorado Press Association Network. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. Paul exhorted Titus to speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine (Titus 2:1), a clear direction that this should be the young pastors primary role. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. . I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Titus joy and devoted concern was an inspiration to Paul in his reconciliation with the Corinthians (7:13-15). In the first place we learn that he was originally converted through St. Pauls instrumentality. The Bible records, after Timothy was ordained to serve by Paul and church brethren (1Timothy 4:14, 2Timothy 1:6), he ministered in at least five New Testament churches (1Thessalonians 3:1 - 2, 1Corinthians 4:17, Philippians 2:19 - 22, Acts 17:14 and 1Timothy 1:3). In either case it would be a question why they went to these particular countries, with which, so far as we know, Paul, up to this time, had never had anything to do. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity. 2 Timothy 4, which Paul wrote shortly before he died as his final message to Timothy, mentions that Titus had gone to the Roman province of Dalmatia (2 Timothy 4:10). But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. As already noted, the book of Titus has much to say concerning the believers works, mentioning the subject on six occasions: 15. Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been . He has contributed over 1,200 articles to various publications, including interviews for Christian Communicator and book reviews for The Evangelical Church Library Association. New International Version (NIV). V But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. Taking the passages in the epistles in the chronological order of the events referred to, we turn first to ( Galatians 2:1 Galatians 2:3 ) We conceive the journey mentioned here to be identical with that (recorded in Acts 15) in which Paul and Barnabas went from Antioch to Jerusalem to the conference which was to decide the question of the necessity of circumcision to the Gentiles. And while the form of a churchs worship is vital to reaching its community for Christ, without a firm base of sound doctrine, the church will lay its foundation in shifting and sinking sand. I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go. Then they said, The God of the Hebrews has met with us. He also describes Titus as my true child in a common faith (1:4). Titus carried 2 Corinthians to the Corinthian church (2 Cor. 1 Timothy 6:11-16 (NASB) 11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue . If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. However, his letter from Paul gives us some valuable insights, both about the early church and about following Christ today. In Macedonia accordingly the apostle met Titus, who brought good news regarding the Corinthians. Titus was also again entrusted with the work of overseeing the weekly collection in the Corinthian church (2Corinthians 8:10,24). Bibliography Information Orr, James, M.A., D.D. Paul highlights how some foolish people at the Cretan church fool others with useless talk (Titus 1:10) about circumcision, spiritual genealogies, and following Jewish laws that Christians dont have to follow. And night will be no more. Nothing is more significant than a solid foundation in Christ. But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Our materials for the biography of this companion of St. Paul must be drawn entirely from the notices of him in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, the Galatians, and to Titus himself, combined with the Second Epistle to Timothy. In some Bibles a subscription to the epistle may show that Paul wrote from Nicopolis in Macedonia. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Titus, like Timothy, was one of Pauls preacher boys.. Save 15% on BibleGateway+ for a limited time! 2. The Cretans were relatives of the Philistines. There he met Titus and with great relief heard the good news that the worst of the trouble was over at Corinth ( 2Co 7:6-7,13-14 ). 2. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. <> He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. Our spouses and children are our first ministry and being a good Christian in public will not make up for neglecting that. I also receive Insight [for Today] daily. The same sources describeSalona as where some of the first martyrs were killed and highlight the fact that Dalmatia would later be the birthplace of Diocletian, a Roman emperor known for persecuting Christianity. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee (1:5). This book offers encouragement to a (possible) discouraged pastor (Titus). He was also a young Christian missionary and pastor, and a disciple of the apostle Paul. For Sheol does not thank you; death does not praise you; those who go down to the pit do not hope for your faithfulness. He was then dispatched to Corinth, Greece, where he successfully reconciled the Christian community there with Paul, its founder. He is last mentioned in 2 Tim. K Gods grace is the motivation for all good deeds. (Timothy is similarly described in 1 Tim 1:2.) He appears to have been a Gentile, and to have been chiefly engaged in ministering to Gentiles; for Paul sternly refused to have him circumcised, inasmuch as in his case the cause of gospel liberty was at stake. How to designate church leaders; how to deal with church legalists, 2. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. Upon leaving Timothy in Ephesus to minister there, Paul accompanied Titus to the island of Crete, where he intended Titus to lead and organize the island's churches in their early years of existence. To overview the duties of leaders and laity in a local church. Paul reflects very favorably upon Titus genuine devotion and pastoral concern (2 Cor 8:16, 17). This is an interesting point, since Timothy was half-Greek, and not circumcised either. He goes with them to Jerusalem. Paul substantiates his devotion to the Corinthians by arguing that he was of the same mind and attitude as Titus (12:18). Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword. But the king of Egypt said to them, Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? Not only will people be saved from their sins, but Gods grace will also motivate them to live out that saving faith with renewed and purified lives. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. Titus was a Roman emperor, famous for completing the Colosseum and soothing the pain of natural disasters. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Next he is to control and bridle, ver. Start for FREE. These scattered allusions to the character of Titus indicate his close relationship to Paul and his stellar qualifications as a pastor. In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began. indicates that the letter was written from Philippi and delivered by () Titus and Luke. Three summaries of the incarnation dot the pages of Titus, providing a framework within which the Christian can view the work of God in the world and in individual lives (Titus 1:14; 2:1114; 3:47). For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. Such were Paul's plans; whether they were carried out is unknown. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Bibliography Oxford Classical Dictionary. There are three terms used interchangeably in the New Testament to refer the highest office in a church: elder, overseer, and pastor (which means "shepherd") all refer to the same office. Crete soon after Peters sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:11), Paul and Titus likely did a good deal of evangelism on the island in the weeks before Paul commissioned Titus to a leadership position there. Q The futility of heresy (Titus 1:10-16, 3:9-11). All rights reserved. There is now a long interval in the history of Titus, for nothing further is recorded of him till we come to the Pastoral Epistles. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. The first notice of Titus is in Acts 15:2, where we read that after the conclusion of Paul's 1st missionary journey, when he had returned to Antioch, a discussion arose in the church there, in regard to the question whether it was necessary that Gentile Christians should be circumcised and should keep the Jewish Law. The all-too-common phenomenon of pastors kids not following their parents faith and its becoming clear that their parents were emotionally absent proves this in a very sad way. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Title. If by this means, beginnings of church organizations had been made . in Spain by Paul himself, in Gaul by Crescens, in Dalmatia by Titus, then, in reality, the missionary map had been very much changed since Paul's first defense" (Zahn, Introduction to the New Testament. Something happens that causes their love for Jesus to go cool, turning away or falling back. F For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. This late testimony does fit with the givens of 2 Corinthians. L Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Church leaders may put on a good face at work, but their behavior at home and how their children respond to them speaks volumes. And God separated the light from the darkness. Destruction Of Jerusalem. This relentless enemy of Christians (Acts 8:3; 22:5, 19; 26:11; Gal. W The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. The women should keep silent in the churches. From Crete, Paul proceeded onward but he left Titus to "set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city" (Titus 1:5) . T C View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Titus, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. After Paul's release from prison in Rome, Timothy and Paul traveled to visit friends in the churches they had founded. If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. stream Whether Titus accompanied Paul during all these journeys cannot be ascertained. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. 1. Who? The absence of the name from the Acts of the Apostles complicates precise integration into Luke's account of Paul's missionary activity. Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? 12. God bless Chuck, God bless Insight For Living. The modern capital, Candia , appears to claim the honor of being his burial-place. ch. According to Paul, elders must live blamelessly, to be good husbands with children who are also Christians, and to be both generous and hospitable. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. Titus was a young Christian pastor, a missionary and companion, and a disciple of Paul the Apostle. The presence of a letter addressed to Titus in the NT has, among other things, been a great inspiration to ministers of the Gospel throughout the history of the Church. Proud member And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Paul had assigned Titus to strengthen a previously established church work on the Isle of Crete. Titus was therefore a troubleshooter, peacemaker, administrator, and missionary. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. He is not mentioned in the Acts at all. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.. 2 Corinthians 8:18 The matter in dispute was decided as recorded in Acts 15:13-29. Get the answers your looking for and save with code SPRINGSTUDY15. In other words, since God poured out His grace on all humanity, He cleanses His people from their sin and purifies believers for Himself. 3. 3. Vesuvius erupted and completely destroyed the two towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, covering the former with a shower of hot ashes and pumice, the latter with a river of lava. Emperor of Rome (a.d. 79-81). After leaving Galatia., ( Acts 18:23 ) and spending a long time at Ephesus, ( Acts 19:1 ; 20:1 ) the apostle proceeded to Macedonia by way of Troas. And to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect. As a young man Titus served as a tribune of the soldiers in Germany and Britain, and later accompanied his father, Vespasian, to Pal. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.