BACKGROUND NOTES ON PAUL'S LETTER TO TITUS

Author
The Apostle Paul, after he was released from his (first) Roman imprisonment described at the end of Acts. (See notes on 2 Timothy for objections to Pauline authorship.)
 
Why was it written?
It is not known how or when the gospel came to Crete, but it could be through somebody who was in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, and became a believer (Acts 2:11). Some false teaching, combining elements from Jewish speculation and Greek philosophy, had upset the church, and paul left Titus to deal with it. Apparently the false teachings and the character of the Cretans posed a huge challenge to Titus. Paul writes to encourage Titus and remind him of his responsibilities.
 
How and when was it written?
After Paul's release from his first imprisonment described in Acts 28, Paul started travelling again. He ministered in Crete for a while, and left Titus there to continue the work. From an unknown location Paul writes to Titus, probably in AD 63.
 
First audience and destination:
The letter is addressed to Titus, one of Paul's early converts who soon became one of Paul's apostolic representatives. After his release from the first imprisonment Paul assigned Titus to assist the church on Crete, and later sent him to Dalmatia (2 Tim 4:10). Apparently life was not easy in Crete because of the laziness and lying of the people (1:12), so Paul writes to encourage Titus in his ministry.
 
Literary style:
¤ Contains the elements of a first-century epistle, except the introductory thanksgiving.
¤ Shares distinctive vocabulary and style elements with 1 and 2 Timothy.
 
Special themes:
¤ Sound doctrine, as the antidote for false teaching.
¤ Gives qualifications for elders. (The Greek word "elder", refers to the character qualities, whereas the word "overseer" – "bishop" in some translations – refers to the ministry responsibilities of leaders.)
¤ Deals with appropriate relationships in the church.
 
Special features:
¤ Teaching on church organization.
¤ Advice to various social groups within the congregation.
¤ Reminder to focus on sound doctrine.
¤ Contains one of the five "Faithful Sayings" mentioned in the Pastoral Epistles (3:5-7).
 
General structure:
This letter is organized by major themes, providing guidance on church organization, Christian conduct, and sound teaching.
¤ Instructions on church leadership (Chapter 1)
» Greeting and purpose of the letter (1:1-4): Paul opens with a greeting to Titus and a statement of purpose.
» Qualifications for elders (1:5-9): Paul provides Titus with guidelines for appointing elders and their required qualities.
» Warning against false teachers (1:10-16): Paul warns about false teachers in Crete, encouraging Titus to rebuke them and to protect the church from their influence.
¤ Guidelines for Christian living (Chapter 2)
» Instructions for various groups (2:1-10): Paul gives specific guidance for older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and slaves, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine.
» The grace of God as the basis for godly living (2:11-15): Paul explains how God's grace teaches believers to live upright and godly lives as they await Christ's return.
¤ Instructions on good works and final exhortations (Chapter 3)
» Call to good citizenship and good works (3:1-8): Paul instructs believers to be obedient to authorities, avoid quarreling, and to be committed to doing good.
» Warning against divisive people (3:9-11): Paul warns Titus to avoid foolish controversies and to deal firmly with divisive individuals.
» Final instructions and greetings (3:12-15): Paul gives personal instructions and sends greetings, concluding with a blessing of grace.
 
 

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