
Titus 1
Titus 1 provides instructions from Paul to Titus regarding the organization of church leadership and addressing false teachings within the church on the island of Crete. Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the qualifications of church leaders to combat the influence of deceivers among the believers.
Titus 1:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,
2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,
3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;
4 To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
The openening verses present Paul introducing himself as a servant and apostle of God, emphasizing his mission to further faith, godliness, and the hope of eternal life promised by God, who cannot lie, before time began. Paul highlights that this promise is revealed through preaching, entrusted to him by God's command. He addresses Titus as a true son in the faith, wishing him grace, mercy, and peace from both God the Father and Jesus Christ our Savior. The passage reflects the harmony between the Father and the Son in the plan of salvation, with God as the source and Jesus as the means. It also underscores the reliability of God's promises and the call for believers to live godly lives in anticipation of eternal life. The emphasis on godliness and truth aligns with a lifestyle rooted in faith and obedience to God's Word.
Titus 1:5-9 (NKJV)
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—
6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,
8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,
9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
Paul outlines Paul's instructions to Titus to appoint elders in every city who meet specific qualifications. Elders must be blameless, faithful in their family life, and have children who are not rebellious. As stewards of God, they should exhibit self-control, humility, and a love for what is good, avoiding traits like arrogance, a quick temper, or greed. The phrase "not given to wine" emphasizes that leaders must not be addicted to or controlled by alcohol, ensuring a clear mind and sound judgment. It is very likely this can be interpreted to allow moderate drinking in certain circumstances, such as for medicinal purposes or health reasons, as in the case where Paul advised Timothy to "use a little wine for your stomach's sake" (1 Timothy 5:23). However, the broader principle of self-control and avoiding anything that could impair their witness or influence remains central. Elders must also hold firmly to sound doctrine, teaching and encouraging others while correcting those who contradict the truth. This passage reflects the high moral and spiritual standards required for church leaders, highlighting the need for Christ-like character and influence.
Titus 1:10-16 (NKJV)
10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.
15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and conscience are defiled.
16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
Paul addresses the need for strong leadership to deal with false teachers and cultural challenges within the church. Paul warns of insubordinate individuals, especially those of the circumcision group, who spread deceptive teachings for personal gain, upsetting entire households. He emphasizes the need for sharp rebuke to correct them and promote sound faith. Paul cites a "prophet of their own" (Epimenides) who described Cretans as "liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons," using their own cultural acknowledgment to highlight the seriousness of the issue. This reinforces the importance of transformation through sound doctrine. Paul contrasts the pure, who live with a clear conscience, with those defiled and unbelieving, whose minds and consciences are corrupt. Though these individuals claim to know God, their actions deny Him. This passage underscores the need for leaders to uphold truth, correct falsehood, and promote lives that reflect genuine faith and godliness.