October 26, 2008

Titus 1:1-16

*Why did Paul write to Titus?

Paul wrote this letter between his first and second imprisonments in Rome (before he wrote 2 Timothy) to guide Titus in working with the churches on the island of Crete. Paul had visited Crete with Titus and had left him there to minister (Tit. 1:5). There was a strong pagan influence on this small island, because Crete may have been a training center for Roman soldiers. Therefore, the church in Crete needed strong Christian leadership.

*Who was Titus?

Titus, a Greek, was one of Paul's most trusted and dependable co-workers. Paul sent Titus to Corinth on several special missions to help the church in its troubles (2 Cor. 7-8). Paul and Titus also traveled together to Jerusalem and Crete. Paul left Titus in Crete to lead the new churches spring up on the island. Titus is last mentioned by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul's last recorded letter. Titus had leadership ability, so Paul gave him leadership responsibility, urging him to use his abilities well.

v12) Why would Paul say such terrible things about the people of Crete?

Paul was quoting a line from a poem by Epimenides, a poet and philosopher who had lived in Crete 600 years earlier. Some Cretans had a bad reputation and were known for lying. Paul used this familiar phrase to make the point that Titus' ministry and leadership were very much needed.

(The One Year Bible Companion)