Titus 1

Titus the Trouble-shooter

Intro: Time for a change from doom and gloom prophets – move to NT – elders asked me to do Pastoral epistles, never did Titus because it repeated a lot of material of  1st Timothy and then break in preaching, when I returned I went on to the Minor Prophets. So, I thought I'd do what I was asked and finish off the Pastoral Epistles and look a the book of Titus. Read Titus 1:1-5

Cretans – people with a reputation (read Titus 1:12). Titus was left with the job of sorting out the church in Crete – not an easy task. But this wasn't the first difficult job that Titus had been assigned. So who was Titus? What do we know about him? [OHP]

Titus – who was he?

In Jerusalem  [Gal 2:1-3] - we find out our early church history from the NT – but its record is far from complete: hear a bit about Peter and his work, a little of Stephen and Philip and a lot about Paul. You can get the impression that Paul converted the world single-handed! But it wasn't so. Many laboured in the Gospel – the majority we know nothing of and some only get the briefest mention. There were thousands sold out for Jesus, their lives transformed, who were instrumental in spreading the Gospel, but they get no recognition. I think it is fitting – all the glory goes to Jesus who was doing the work – they were just unprofitable servants. They will receive their reward in glory – an encouragement to us who faithfully serve the Lord in a backwater, playing what seems to be a small and insignificant role. The church is founded on such labours.

Our main record of early church history is, of course, the book of Acts – and Titus is not mentioned at all – some say due to the possibility that he was Luke's brother. But we can piece together something of Titus and his work. [Time-line] The church was founded around 33AD when Jesus died, rose, ascended and the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. [OHP] Paul was saved a couple of years later in 35AD Gal 2 says that Paul went to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus was with him:([1] Ga 2:1-3 Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.) This was his second visit to Jerusalem (cf. Gal 1:14-19), a private visit in 46AD, not the public one at the church council of Acts 15 in 49AD. Titus was a Gentile, a Greek, probably led to the Lord by Paul while he was in Tarsus ( [2] Tit 1:4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith:). Paul brought him back with him to Jerusalem, an example of what the Lord was doing in bringing Gentiles to Himself -they could see that he was a genuine believer, despite not being circumcised. On this visit to Jerusalem some Jewish Christians insisted that Titus be circumcised, but Paul, doubtless aware of the precedent this would set, refused to comply.  He provided a test case, since he was a Gentile, but he was apparently not compelled to be circumcised. It was a touchy subject, a difficult situation and Titus was in the middle of it. So Titus was an early convert and he became a fellow worker and assistant to Paul in his missionary work. Paul could say "Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you" (2 Cor 8:23).

Further travels [2 Cor 2:12; 7:5-7] - Titus probably accompanied Paul on his subsequent journeys, but no definite information of his work is available until the time of the Corinthian crisis. On his third missionary journey Paul spent three years in Ephesus, [map] during this time Paul wrote 1st Corinthians possibly Titus was the bearer of this letter -Titus was his envoy to Corinth to deal with difficulties that had arisen there. From Ephesus Paul went to Troas, Titus was supposed to meet him there but they did not meet up: (2cor 2:12 Now when I came to Troas for the Gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia.) So Paul went on to Macedonia and Titus met up with him from there having come from Corinth and dealt with matters there: ([3] 2 Co 7:5-7 For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced even more). Paul then went on to Corinth before going back to Israel. The work Titus had done having prepared the way for him to come back amicably to them, take the collection Titus had organised and return with it to Jerusalem.

Assignment Corinth [2 Cor 7:13-15; 8:1-6, 16-24; 12:16] -  So while Paul was in Ephesus Titus was resuming work he began at Corinth, namely the collection for Jewish Christians in Jerusalem - Perhaps not wishing to detract from the crucial role of Titus in the collection, Paul refers to two unnamed companions  (2Cor 8:1-6 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favour of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. 2 Co 8:16-24 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord. We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches; and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our readiness, taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; for we have regard for what is honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ. Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.). Some in Corinth spurned Paul and his teaching as elementary – they rebelled against his apostolic authority – there was sin in the church – things were not well between Paul and the Corinthians. There was a problem with immorality in the church, division into factions and a scorning of Paul – this led Paul to write a harsh letter (since lost to us) to them and it was probably Titus who delivered to the Corinthians this letter, the so-called ‘severe’ or ‘tearful letter’ (cf. 2 Cor. 2:3-9). Personal attacks against Paul threatened the loss of his leadership in Corinth, but Paul, wishing to avoid ‘another painful visit’ (2 Cor. 2:1), placed his fate in the hands of Titus. It was a  delicate task, smoothing over of the tense situation which had arisen between Paul and the Corinthians, a task which clearly demanded a man of great tact and force of character. Titus appears to have been a stronger personality than Timothy (cf. 1 Cor 16:10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am.;  [4] 2 Co 7:15 how you received him with fear and trembling.) He evidently possessed ability as an administrator.  Titus had the delicate task of addressing sin and yet restoring relationship with Paul. Paul would travel from Ephesus to Macedonia; Titus would report to him the situation in Corinth as soon as possible. The failure of Titus to meet him at Troas troubled Paul greatly, but a reunion in Macedonia greatly relieved the apostle and as a result 2 Cor. was written ([5] 2 Cor 7:13-15For this reason we have been comforted. And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth. His affection abounds all the more toward you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.) Taking advantage of the improved situation, Paul sent Titus back to Corinth bearing second Corinthians.  Later in the same Letter, Paul expresses his confidence that Titus will take no advantage of the Corinthians — that, like Paul, he has their best interests at heart ( [6] 2 Co 12:16 Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I? I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?). Titus seems to have possessed a particular affection and serious concern for the Corinthians. Titus effected a reconciliation between Paul and the Corinthian church when the latter seemed lost to the apostle and Paul's following visit to them was amicable because Titus had smoothed out the situation.

Assignment Crete [Tit 1:5,12; 2:1, 15; 3:1,8,10] – Paul visited Crete and left Titus there, this was not the visit of  Acts 27 because Paul was a prisoner on a ship headed for Rome  where he continued a prisoner for two years. So it is probable that after his release Paul sailed from Rome into Asia and took Crete by the way [map], and that there he left Titus “to set in order the things that were wanting.” - he  was left there to consolidate the work. From there Paul went to Ephesus, where he left Timothy, and from Ephesus to Macedonia, where he wrote First Timothy, and from there to Nicopolis, from which place he wrote to Titus, about A.D. 66 or 67. The letter urges the use of authority in establishing a worthy ministry, in overcoming opposition, and in the teaching of sound doctrine.([7] Tit 1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, Tit 1:12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true; Tit 2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine,Tit 2:15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.; Tit 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, Tit 3:8 concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds,Tit 3:10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning). So Titus had the job of establishing order in the church in Crete.

Assignment Dalmatia [2 Tim 4:9,10] -

Titus was summoned to rejoin Paul at Nicopolis when relieved by either Artemas or Tychicus ([8] Tit 3:12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there), and may possibly have been further commissioned at Nicopolis for an evangelistic mission to Dalmatia on which he was engaged at the time when Paul wrote 2 Tim. ([9] 2 Ti 4:9-10 Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.) . Later tradition, however, assumed his return to Crete and described him as bishop there until his old age (Eusebius, Timothy, so it is recorded, was the first to receive the episcopate of the parish in Ephesus, Titus of the churches in Crete). [OHP]

Summary: He is described by the apostle Paul as his 'partner and fellow worker' ([10] 2 Co 8:23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you;), who would not think of taking advantage of those entrusted to his care ([11] 2 Co 12:18 I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?). Titus was one in Spirit and purpose with Paul. Titus was one of Paul's companions in whom he placed a considerable amount of trust. He was entrusted with finishing off what Paul had started, his trouble-shooter in difficult situations. So Titus was a mature believer, he had Paul's confidence and had a wealth of experience dealing with delicate and difficult situations. He wasn't the naive and weak youngster that Timothy was. He was firm, carried authority and yet had a heart for Christian brothers, even those who had a long way to go in the process of sanctification – he was earnest for them and their progress in Christian character. Just the man for dealing with the difficult situation of Crete.

Situation in Crete: In his letter to Titus Paul first, reminds him of the kind of character that church leaders should have, especially in view of the bad character of many Cretans. Next, Titus is advised how to teach the various groups in the church, the older men, the older women (who are, in turn, to teach the younger women), the young men, and the slaves. Finally, the writer gives Titus advice regarding Christian conduct, especially the need to be peaceful and friendly, and to avoid hatred, argument, and division in the church. What was the situation in Crete? What was the character to believers there? They were rebels, lazy and indulgent (Tit 1:12 Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.,Tit 1:6 not accused of dissipation or rebellion., Tit 1:10 For there are many rebellious men, Tit1:16 being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.; Tit 2:9 Urge bondslaves to be subject.... to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,  Tit 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, Tit 3:3 we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another) -references to legalistic religious causing division (Tit 1:10 empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,Tit 1:14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.; Tit 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law). So there was an urgent need to exercise authority (Tit 1:11 must be silenced Tit 1:13 reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, Tit 2:15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Tit 3:10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,)and establish discipline and order (need for church order - Tit 1:5ff). Self control and teaching are mentioned over and over again. Through teaching, discipline and sober living were to be established. There was a need for their Christianity to be lived out in practise – emphasis on good deeds. That was Crete – what about the church today? Is there still indulgence? Laziness? Rebellion? Legalism and religious spirit? Is there still a lack of self-control? Is there a need for the church to exercise authority? A need for teaching? Titus addresses issues very relevant to our situation today.

•need for teaching (Titus 1:9, 11; 2:1, 2, 3, 4, , 7, 9, 10, 12, 15; 3:8, 14)

•need for self control (Titus 1:8; 2:2, 5, 6, 12)