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. I am a pastor in Kenya. As already noted, the book of Titus has much to say concerning the believers works, mentioning the subject on six occasions: 15. 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. Upon his return to Rome he celebrated a triumph with his father, and from this time was made a virtual partner in the government, clearly designated for the succession. Start for FREE. 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. T But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 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. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. At this time he was working in Crete. 12. Publication date: Feb 24, 2023. 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. Sometimes it is difficult for believers today to see the point of getting all worked up about the person and nature of Christ or the doctrine of the Trinity. 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 entrusted by the command of God our Savior; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Our spouses and children are our first ministry and being a good Christian in public will not make up for neglecting that. In simple but sublime terms this epistle explains just how grace and works fit together. Though it is not certain, some scholars believe that he and Titus were brothers, based on II Corinthians 8:18. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. Did we not act in the same spirit? Christians were once slaves to their sins, but God saved them, and they have been taught to turn away from godless living (Titus 2:12). The three letters, First and Second Timothy and Titus, form a distinct group within the Pauline corpus. Bible verses related to Titus from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance. of Paul advised Timothy on these practical matters in a way that . Thence.Clearly from the synagogue, where he had been preaching to the Jews, not from Aquila's house, as Alford and others. J Church leaders may put on a good face at work, but their behavior at home and how their children respond to them speaks volumes. His name does not occur in the Acts; and, elsewhere in the New Testament, it is found only in 2 Corinthians, Galatians, 2 Timothy and Titus. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. The last notice of him is in 2Timothy 4:10 , where we find him with Paul at Rome during his second imprisonment. At the time of the writing of 1 Timothy Titus had departed to Dalmatia, apparently from Rome (2 Tim 4:10). All three passages involve the manifestation, or appearance, of God in Christ, rooting the Christian faith in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. All rights reserved. The subscription to 2 Corinthians in Codex Mosquensis (K9th or 10th cent.) But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true. Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. . And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. The absence of the name from the Acts of the Apostles complicates precise integration into Luke's account of Paul's missionary activity. This book offers encouragement to a (possible) discouraged pastor (Titus). [4N a2_<>~ Attempts to read or insert the name Titus into the Acts of the Apostles are not convincing. In fact Titus was a representative or test case. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. H ( Titus 1:5 ) We see Titus remaining in the island when St. Paul left it and receiving there a letter written to him by the apostle. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. In the interval between the two, he and Titus were together in Crete. They place their trust not in whether they will be treated well in this life, but in the eternal promise of salvation. Paul clearly held Titus in a position of great respect as a friend and fellow worker for the gospel, praising Titus for his affection, his earnestness, and his bringing comfort to others. Following Paul's release from his first Roman imprisonment ( Ac 28 ), he and Titus worked briefly in Crete ( 1:5 ), after which he commissioned Titus to remain there as his representative and complete some needed work ( 1:5; 2:15; 3:12-13 ). But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. What is Titus in the Bible? Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. While the gospel had no doubt spread to As Paul calls him "my true child after a common faith" (Titus 1:4), it is probable that he was one of the apostle's converts. % The latter was mentioned in a number of Pauline epistles. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. 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). Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. He sends him back from Macedonia to Corinth, in company with two other trustworthy Christians, bearing the Second Epistle, and with an earnest request, ibid. In 2020, he won First Prize for Best Feature Story in a regional contest by the Colorado Press Association Network. ( Titus 1:4 ) Next we learn the various particulars of the responsible duties which he had to discharge. 5 0 obj In this letter, Paul reminds Titus . I Zenas and Apollos are in Crete, or expected there; for Titus is to send them on their journey, and to supply them with whatever they need for it. He seems to have accompanied Paul during the third missionary trip. It can be safely assumed that all these references refer to the same individual. Therefore we are comforted. He has contributed over 1,200 articles to various publications, including interviews for Christian Communicator and book reviews for The Evangelical Church Library Association. 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). Paul not only calls these people foolish, but he also warns Titus that they are worthless for doing anything good (Titus 1:15). Save 15% on BibleGateway+ for a limited time! The man was Titus and the message was to stay there. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. 1. Who? The apostle held him in great respect and fondness, referring to him as: Mine own son after the common faith (1:4). Older women are encouraged to avoid slander or excessive drinking and must encourage younger women to be good wives and mothers. Paul reports that on his visit to Jerusalem after fourteen years (2:1) Titus accompanied him and Barnabas. He did not require his disciples to be circumcised, but if the situation called for working among Jews and it made things easier, he would concede to it. His circumcision was either not insisted on at Jerusalem, or, if demanded, was firmly resisted. The most prominent cities in the early Roman period were Gortyn (the administrative capital, known for its celebrated "Gortyn Code," a set of classical codified laws), Knossos (a Roman colony most likely established by Augustus famous for its Bronze Age palace), and the less-explored Eleutherna, Hierapytna, and Kydonia. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. and Codex Angelicus (L9th cent.) 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. However, Paul wasnt above making points in a risqu way if the situation called for it. This relentless enemy of Christians (Acts 8:3; 22:5, 19; 26:11; Gal. 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. Geocoding 2 Corinthians 8:16 ), as is shewn by his taking the chief placehe seems even to have held a position of greater prominence than 'the brother whose praise is in the Gospel throughout all the Churches' (ch. 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. One of the Pastoral Epistles is addressed to Titus. Z, This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you. 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. M 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 However, Paul made clear that a church that teaches and preaches sound doctrine will see results in the lives of its people. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. Still, Paul chose to circumcise Timothy to honor the Jews in an area that the two of them were ministering in (Acts 16:1-5). After this his name is not mentioned till after Paul's first imprisonment, when we find him engaged in the organization of the church in Crete, where the apostle had left him for this purpose ( Titus 1:5 ). The "certain other of them" includes Titus, for in Galatians 2:3 it is recorded that Titus was then with Paul. The reign of Titus was looked upon as a time of ideal happiness, and his untimely death in the year 81 caused universal sorrow. The island of Crete, located in the Mediterranean Sea: Was 156 miles long. Crete: a large island south of Greece where Paul had assigned Titus as pastor of the local church there, 2. E See 1Corinthians 16:1,2 compared with 2Corinthians 8:6: "We exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.". 1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and which now at his appointed season he has brought to . 4. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. . S Titus generously aided the victims of this disaster, and did a great deal to repair the damage to the city. at the time of the Jewish revolt. In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. 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). Titus was one of Paul's very dear and trusted friends; and the fact that he was chosen by the apostle to act as his delegate to Corinth, to transact difficult and delicate work in the church there, and that he did this oftener than once, and did it thoroughly and successfully, shows that Titus was not merely a good but a most capable man, tactful and resourceful and skillful in the handling of men and of affairs. Something happens that causes their love for Jesus to go cool, turning away or falling back. He was probably a convert of Paul (Titus 1:4). In August of 79, Mt. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. This can come from distractions, disappointments, or even discouragements that we are all prone to. Both Timothy and Titus served as Pauls messengers and traveling companions, and they both went on to lead churches. He also describes Titus as my true child in a common faith (1:4). For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. Paul suggests (Titus 1:5) that Titus pastoral qualifications led to this assignment. Its important to affirm the damage that heresy creates, but without writing people off as unsalvageable too quickly. Photo credit: Getty Images/Seven Stock Studio. And when he came to David, he fell to the ground and paid homage. Whether Titus ever ministered to Jewish believers is not stated, and both he and Titus worked at churches in Gentile areas (Timothy in Ephesus, Titus in Crete, and Corinth and Dalmatia). Lastly, the name of Titus was the watchword of the Cretans when they were invaded by the Venetians. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia. (Gal 2:3) who was an intimate associate of Paul and an effective pastor (2 Cor 8:23; 12:18). Paul gave instructions to Titus about the roles of specific groups of peopleolder men, older women, young This includes sections on appropriate conduct in worship gatherings, the qualifications of elders and deacons, and the proper order of church discipline. Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. 2 Corinthians 7 establishes that Titus was sent to the Corinthian church after Paul had sent them a stern letter (2 Corinthians 7:8-10) and to encourage them to embrace the ministry of giving (2 Corinthians 8:6). When they got to Ephesus, Paul recognized some men in the church were teaching error about Jesus saying that Jesus could not have been a man and God at the same time. Does the Bible Condemn Using Tarot Cards? You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. He is also to look for the arrival in Crete of Artemas and Tychicus, ch. All are pastoral letters. Does God Really Work All Things Together for Good? All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Second passage: But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (3:4-7). What are you doing, son of my womb? 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.. of (Timothy is similarly described in 1 Tim 1:2.) When and where? Titus is informed that Artemas or Tychicus will be sent to Crete so that he will be free to leave the island and to rejoin the apostle at Nicopolis, where he has determined to winter. Paul describes one of these people, Demas, as having deserted him in favor of the world ( 2 Timothy 4:10) but doesn't say that about Titus or Crescens. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. Titus was apparently received well, and Paul tried to meet with him at Troas for a report (2 Corinthians 2:13) but had to meet him at Macedonia instead (2 Corinthians 7:6). Titus is informed that Artemas or Tychicus will be sent to Crete so that he will be free to leave the island and to rejoin the apostle at Nicopolis, where he has determined to winter. P They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. He restores my soul. In other words, since God poured out His grace on all humanity, He cleanses His people from their sin and purifies believers for Himself. In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. . "Paul regarded as his own the work done from centers where he labored, by helpers associated with him, considering the churches thus organized as under his jurisdiction. D In essence these verses provide for us the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, HOW, and WHY in regard to Gods eternal plan: 14. Advice to the people in the pews and the pastor in the pulpit, 3. His inward affection was largely drawn out to them, and "he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him" (2Corinthians 7:15). 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 . 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). 3. Did we not take the same steps? Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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 . Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. According to Titus 1:5, Paul had left Titus at Crete to appoint elders for the church there. In Macedonia Titus brings to Paul a comforting report about the Corinthians which gives him much joy and peace of mind (2 Cor 7:6-14). It is unknown when Titus joined Paul in his mission activity. G. Connor Salter is a writer and editor, with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing from Taylor University. He is last mentioned in 2 Tim. N Titus seems to have established a good rapport with the Corinthians and Paul exuberantly expresses his gratitude for the happy turn of events. This epistle marks the last of but two instances where the great theological word regeneration is used in the New Testament. Titus was a Gentile Christian (Galatians 2:3), possibly a convert of Paul (Titus 1:4). They are to teach what is good. One of these epistles is called the . This includes the Epistle to Titus. 1, 2 Timothy are more personal; Titus is more official. Titus is mentioned 13 rimes in the writings of Paul. 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. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. The Corinthian correspondence indicates that Paul had a number of frustrating experiences with the church at Corinth. Titus is a short book that packs a punch. Other scholars, while conceding a degree of validity to the positions mentioned above, suggest that the . He uses Titus as an example of how the Holy Spirit changes men's hearts, not legalistic requirements. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. Verse 7. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. C At the time of this visit the issue of circumcision had become crucial, and Paul cites the fact that Titus was not compelled to be circumcised as vindication of his position. Paul asked Titus to meet him at Nicopolis (see map, p. 2487) when a replacement arrived (see 3:12 and note). Although there were promising opportunities for mission work in Troas, Pauls concern about Corinth and Titus led him to proceed to Macedonia (obviously there was a pre-arranged travel routeeither by sea or landto obviate the possibility of by-passing one another). II, 11). 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. He is not mentioned in the Acts. Apparently Paul and Titus agreed to meet in Troas. 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. The brief reign of Titus was noteworthy mainly for two disasters by which it was visited. "He that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted us by the coming of Titus . while he told us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced yet more" (2Corinthians 7:6,7). At Corinth Titus seems also to have assisted in organizing the weekly collections for the poor saints in Jerusalem. In this Epistle his name occurs 8 times. Paul repeatedly mentions in his letters that circumcision is not necessary under the new covenant, and even tells Titus to silence Christians who try to promote it (Titus 1:10-14). Slaves are exhorted to be trustworthy and obedient. He is very emphatically spoken of as a Gentile by which is most probably meant that both his parents were Gentiles. He soon went to Dalmatia (now Croatia). Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. Paul had assigned Titus to strengthen a previously established church work on the Isle of Crete. After the parsimonious policy of Vespasian he spent lavishly, and was always remembered with affection in later years. 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). Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Although he is not mentioned in the book of Acts, he could be one of the "other believers" of Acts 15:2. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. ; the house of a certain man for a certain man's house, A.V. From the references in the Pauline epistles it appears that Titus was an uncircumcised Gr. Paul's action therefore in regard to Titus was justified. There is still room to turn around. Some believe he may have been the brother of Luke. Titus was later left on the island of Crete to help organize the Church there, and later met back with the Apostle Paul in Nicopolis. Why and to whom? Even the women in the church may have had problems with alcohol (see 2:3). <> It was an island of 100 cities, consist-ing of mountains, but also very fertile valleys. God bless Chuck, God bless Insight For Living. The Greek term episkapos has also been translated as "episcopal," "elder," " overseer ," or "pastor." All refer to the same office and are therefore synonyms. Get the answers your looking for and save with code SPRINGSTUDY15. For by grace you have been saved through faith. Titus first appears in the sacred account when he accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem (Gal. Ultimately, this council determined that Christians did not need to be circumcised, but laid out some basic moral rules that Christians had to follow (Acts 15:22-30). Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. In 1 and 2 Timothy Paul stresses doctrine. It is found in Mt. Paul's action therefore in regard to Titus was justified. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants.
