Epistle of Titus

Titus was one of Paul's converts, left on the island of Crete to organise the church there (1:4-5). On the day of Pentecost, there were Cretans who witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Ac 2:11).  No doubt, the seed of faith had already been implanted in these visitors who brought back the good news of Jesus Christ to their homeland, making it easy for Paul and Titus to minister to the community there.  Titus was tasked by Paul to appoint elders in every town.   This letter brought instructions as to how to go about selecting elders who were to be defenders of sound doctrine, exemplified by godly behaviour and good deeds.

The qualifications of elders are spelt out (1:7-9) which more or less parallels that found in 1 Tim 3:1-7.  Then there's an exhortation regarding how (younger and older) men and women ought to behave (2:2-8); and how bondslaves are to be subjected to their masters (2:9).  The duties and responsibilities of citizens to the governmental authorities were also urged (3:1).  In contrast to the Christian virtues espoused by Paul, the Cretans were noted for being liars, lazy gluttons and evil beasts (1:12-13).  Indeed, those who are defiled and unbelieving, their minds and consciences will continue to be corrupted and defiled (1:15). 

For the believers, God's grace has brought salvation to us.  It instructs us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives (2:11-12). In this way, we can look forward to the blessed hope of our faith - the second coming of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (2:13).  In the meantime, we are to devote ourselves in doing what is good, providing for daily necessities and not to live unproductive lives (3:8,14). 

In a world that is constantly bombarded by the deceitfulness of evil and riches that is being purveyed through the different mass media, Christians are to guard themselves against the lusts of the flesh and eye and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:15-17).  The way out of this evil influence is to deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily and follow Christ (Lk 9:23).  We have to crucify the flesh life in us on a daily basis even as it rears its ugly head each time.  We also need to ask God for daily cleansing the renewal in our lives (3:5).