Titus 1

¹ Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

² In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

³ But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

⁴ To Titus, [mine] own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

⁵ 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:

⁶ If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

⁷ For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

⁸ But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

⁹ Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

¹⁰ For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

¹¹ Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

¹² One of themselves, [even] a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

¹³ This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

¹⁴ Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

¹⁵ Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

¹⁶ They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Overview of Titus Chapter 1

Titus Chapter 1 is a letter from the Apostle Paul to Titus, a young church leader. The chapter sets the stage for the organization and leadership of the church in Crete, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine, good leadership, and the need for moral integrity among church leaders. Paul provides guidance on appointing elders and addresses the challenges posed by false teachings.

Key Themes

• Authority of Paul: Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ, establishing his authority to instruct and guide Titus.
• Qualifications for Elders: The chapter outlines specific characteristics and qualifications that church leaders must possess.
• Opposition to False Teaching: Paul warns against false teachers and the impact of their teachings on the church community.
• Importance of Sound Doctrine: The emphasis on adhering to sound teaching is crucial for the health of the church.

Detailed Analysis

1. Paul’s Introduction and Purpose (Verses 1-4)

Paul begins the letter by introducing himself and stating his purpose for writing. He emphasizes his role as an apostle and the importance of faith and knowledge of the truth.

1. Authority and Identity: Paul’s identity as an apostle is crucial for establishing his authority and the legitimacy of his instructions.
2. Faith and Knowledge: The connection between faith and knowledge highlights the need for believers to understand their faith deeply.
3. Purpose of the Letter: Paul’s goal is to encourage Titus to set things in order in the church and appoint qualified leaders.

2. Qualifications for Elders (Verses 5-9)

In these verses, Paul provides a detailed list of qualifications for elders, emphasizing moral integrity, family management, and adherence to sound doctrine.

1. Moral Character: Elders must be blameless, faithful to their spouses, and have well-behaved children.
2. Temperance and Self-Control: They should not be given to drunkenness or violence, showcasing the need for self-control.
3. Hospitality: Elders are called to be hospitable, indicating a welcoming and nurturing spirit.
4. Knowledge of Scripture: They must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, enabling them to encourage others and refute false teachings.

3. The Need to Address False Teachers (Verses 10-16)

Paul addresses the presence of false teachers in Crete and the need for strong leadership to counteract their influence.

1. Identification of False Teachers: Paul describes them as rebellious and deceptive, emphasizing their negative impact on the church.
2. Consequences of False Teaching: The teachings of these individuals are harmful and lead to division and confusion within the church.
3. Call for Action: Paul urges Titus to rebuke these teachers sharply to protect the integrity of the church and maintain sound doctrine.

Conclusion

Titus Chapter 1 serves as a foundational text for understanding church leadership and the importance of sound doctrine. Paul’s instructions to Titus highlight the qualities necessary for effective leadership and the urgent need to confront false teachings. The chapter underscores the significance of moral integrity and the responsibility of church leaders to guide their communities in truth and righteousness.