Titus 1:4

Son after the common faith] i.e. his pupil in the faith which they shared together. Titus is not mentioned in Acts, but from St. Paul's Epistles we gather the following details: he was a Greek (Galatians 2:3); neither at his conversion nor (probably) later was he circumcised (ib.); he went on missionary journeys with and for St. Paul (Galatians 2:1; 2 Corinthians 7:6; 2 Corinthians 7:13; 2 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 8:16). We know nothing raore till we find him here.

5. Though in a personal letter, these words are so explicit that, should the Cretans resist Titus' authority, he might read to them what the great master himself had said. We are wont to say, 'If you have trouble, show this letter.' St. Paul, perhaps, implied this here.

Left I thee in Crete] This cannot be identified with the only visit of St. Paul to Crete elsewhere recorded (Acts 27:7.). The visit when he left Titus there was after the Roman imprisonment: see Intro. There were many Jews in Crete, and there were Cretans in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:11), but we do not know how Christianity was planted in the island. Elders] Gk. 'presbyters.' Rectors, or pastors, we should say today.