Elder Devotional: Titus 1:12-14 (ESV)

I. The Character concerning Cretans (12-13a).

12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13a This testimony is true.

Paul makes reference to one of the Cretans who was considered a prophet of their own. Donald Guthrie gives us the background of the quote that the Apostle Paul is making reference to: “The apostle supports his argument by appealing to a venerated Cretan critic of the Cretan character. The lines quoted are from Epimenides, a sixth-century philosopher whom many of his countrymen had raised to mythical honours. Many ancient writers (e.g. Aristotle and Cicero) mention him as a prophet and the apostle therefore cites him by this well-known description.” (The Pastoral Epistles: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale)

The most damaging statement to the character of the Cretans is not what Epimenides wrote in the 6th century BC. Instead the most damaging statement about the character of the Cretans is when the Apostle Paul affirms it as true in the first line of verse 13.

Paul is writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the character description is true of the Cretans.

Always liars- This simply denotes the idea that they have a reputation of lying continuously.

Evil beasts- This means that they live like animals when it came to their morals and actions.

Lazy gluttons- This denotes that they focused more on filling their stomachs than on doing productive work.

How does this fit with the modern day aspect of stereotypical behavior? Is it ever valid?

II. The Counsel concerning Cretans (13b-14).

13b Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.

Due to the character of the Cretans in the church, Paul instructs Titus to “rebuke them sharply” for the purpose of them being “sound in the faith.” Apparently these Cretans were professing believers who were not being convicted by their actions in life. Titus is to rebuke them in a severe manner for their spiritual growth in the Christian faith.

There also appears to be false teaching that is involved with their spiritual condition. Some were devoting themselves to Jewish myths and commands not consistent with the truth of the gospel.

Both of these (myths and commands) are probably associated with false teachings from Judaism (I Timothy 1:4; Colossians 2:22). Jewish legalism was certainly a problem in the early church but so was Jewish mysticism. Human beings always seek to perform through good works or asceticism to make religion experimentally performance based. Such actions are personally affirming to the religious gratification of the individual self.

Has this changed? How can a Christian fall into this trap?