Introduction to Titus

Titus 1:1-4

Like I and II Timothy, Titus is written to help a young man understand what he needs to do as a minister of the Gospel. There are many similarities, but each has a particular purpose. II Timothy focuses on how to prepare for the ministry, by study of the Word of God and spiritual development. I Timothy deals with the practical aspects of how to behave in the church, as relating to one another, and setting examples for our students. It is focused on the goals for all churches to strive toward.

Titus stresses the idea that in different areas, we may need to adjust our methods to produce the same results. Differences in culture and history tend to cause different priorities and attitudes, some of which are counter to the Gospel of Christ. Bringing people to where Christ wants them will require dealing with such difference. As a result, lessons, messages, or programs prepared for one area may not be particularly relevant in another.

In a basket ball game, playing against a small fast team is different than playing against a team whose shortest player is 6’10”. The strategy has to be adapted to the situation. The basics of shooting’ passing and dribbling do not change, but how they are applied does. Building a church, the message does not change, nor does the goal, but sometimes it is necessary to change our strategy to produce the desired results. Titus focuses in this concept of changing strategy to fit the situation without changing the doctrine.

Paul starts by introducing himself, and stating the basis of his qualifications. His basis is the same hope as that of everyone else. It is dependent on God’s truthfulness, and depends on accepting his statements and acknowledging his truth. God’s plan was established before the creation of the world, although many details were not revealed fully to man until the time of Christ. It is the responsibility of Paul, and every minister to spread that message.

“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; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.” (Titus 1:1-4)

The book is written to Titus, one of Paul’s converts. He was a gentile, who had been associated with Paul since at least Acts 15 according to Galatians 2:23, and possibly earlier. His salvation, his faith is the same faith as everyone else’s. His salvation, his forgiveness, and his peace and confidence are all from God.