Titus 1
Titus 1 is Paul's instruction to Titus about the qualifications for church leaders and the importance of maintaining sound doctrine. Paul emphasizes the need for elders to live exemplary lives, as well as the necessity of opposing false teachings that were prevalent in Crete. This chapter focuses on the responsibilities of leaders to teach truth and live out their faith with integrity.
Titus 1:1 (NKJV)
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,
Paul introduces himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his submission to God’s will and his mission to spread the truth that leads to godliness. His message is directed at those who are chosen by God (the elect), whose faith is based on the truth that leads to righteous living. Paul highlights that faith and godliness are inseparable, showing that knowing the truth must result in a life reflecting God's character.
Titus 1:2 (NKJV)
In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,
Paul underscores the promise of eternal life, rooted in the unwavering character of God, who cannot lie. This promise was made even before the world began, affirming its eternal nature and reliability. The hope of eternal life is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation based on God's trustworthy word. Believers' faith rests in this eternal hope, which drives their pursuit of godliness.
Titus 1:3 (NKJV)
But has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;
God's plan for salvation, promised before time, was revealed at the proper time through preaching. Paul was entrusted with the message of salvation by God's command, underscoring the importance of preaching as the means through which God manifests His word to the world. This shows Paul’s sense of responsibility and divine commission to share the gospel.
Titus 1:4 (NKJV)
To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
Paul addresses Titus as his "true son," signifying a close spiritual relationship and shared faith. This greeting highlights the bond between them in their commitment to spreading the gospel. Paul prays for grace, mercy, and peace from both God the Father and Jesus Christ, reminding Titus of the divine blessings available to him as he fulfills his calling.
Titus 1:5 (NKJV)
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—
Paul had left Titus in Crete to establish order and appoint elders in every city. The role of the elders was crucial for the growth and stability of the churches. Paul’s directive to Titus to appoint elders reflects the importance of leadership in the church, ensuring that mature and qualified individuals are in place to guide and teach the believers.
Titus 1:6 (NKJV)
If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
Paul sets the qualifications for elders, beginning with moral and family integrity. Elders must be above reproach, faithful to their spouses, and must manage their households well, with children who are obedient and respectable. This reflects the principle that one’s ability to lead in the church is linked to their personal and family life.
Titus 1:7 (NKJV)
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,
As stewards of God, bishops must live lives that reflect the responsibility of their position. Paul lists the negative traits that should not characterize church leaders: arrogance, hot temper, addiction, violence, or greed. These traits are incompatible with the calling to lead God’s people, and a bishop must demonstrate self-control and humility.
Titus 1:8 (NKJV)
But hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,
Paul continues by describing the positive characteristics of a bishop. Leaders must be hospitable, love what is good, have a clear and sober mind, be just, holy, and possess self-control. These qualities ensure that the elder is not only capable of leading others but also reflects Christ in their conduct, embodying the virtues that they teach.
Titus 1:9 (NKJV)
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.
An elder must firmly hold to the true message of the gospel, remaining steadfast in sound teaching. This enables him to encourage others with the truth and to correct those who oppose or distort the message. A leader's commitment to sound doctrine is essential for maintaining the integrity of the church's teachings and guiding believers in truth.
Titus 1:10-11 (NKJV)
For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
Paul warns of rebellious individuals, particularly from the Jewish community ("the circumcision"), who are leading others astray with false teaching for personal gain. These false teachers disrupt families and communities, using deception and empty talk. Paul emphasizes the need to confront and silence such individuals to protect the church from harm.
Titus 1:12 (NKJV)
One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."
Paul references a well-known Cretan poet, Epimenides, who criticized the character of his own people. This cultural stereotype highlights the difficult environment in which Titus was ministering. The church needed strong leaders who could stand against the prevailing moral decay and lead by example.
Titus 1:13 (NKJV)
This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
Paul affirms the truth of the cultural observation and instructs Titus to rebuke the Cretans strongly. The goal of such rebuke is not punitive but restorative, aimed at bringing people back to sound faith. The harsh environment in Crete required firm leadership to ensure that believers remained faithful to the gospel.
Titus 1:14 (NKJV)
Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.
Paul urges Titus and the church to avoid being influenced by Jewish myths and man-made commands that distort the truth. These false teachings only lead people away from the gospel, and believers must stay grounded in sound doctrine rather than human traditions or superstitions.
Titus 1:15 (NKJV)
To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.
Paul contrasts the pure and the impure, emphasizing that those who are pure in heart see things through the lens of purity. However, for those corrupted by sin and unbelief, nothing seems pure because their minds and consciences are tainted. This speaks to the transformative power of faith, which changes a person’s perspective and moral compass.
Titus 1:16 (NKJV)
They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
Paul concludes by highlighting the hypocrisy of false teachers who claim to know God but live in a way that denies Him. Their actions reveal their true character, showing them to be disobedient and unfit for good works. Genuine faith must be reflected in one’s conduct, and those who fail to live accordingly are not true followers of God.