THE EPISTLE TO TITUS
Introduction
Titus, to whom this Epistle is addressed, was a Greek convert of the apostle (Titus 1:4; Galatians 2:3). We have little knowledge of him. From the Epistle to the Galatians we know that he accompanied Paul and Barnabas in their journey to Jerusalem to attend the council in which the question of the relation of believing Gentiles to the law was decided (Acts 15:1). From the Second Epistle to the Corinthians we learn that Paul sent him to Corinth to gather the collection (2 Corinthians 8:1) and that he discharged the duty in a zealous way. “But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you” (2 Corinthians 8:16). Paul also stated in the Second Corinthian Epistle that he had no rest when he did not find Titus (2 Corinthians 2:13), but when he came Paul was greatly comforted. “Nevertheless God, who comforteth those who are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Corinthians 7:6). The Epistle shows that he was in the island of Crete. Paul visited this island in company with Titus, leaving him there. Titus probably did not stay long in Crete, for Paul asked that he should meet him at Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). This is all that can be said on the person of Titus.
The contents of this Epistle are of the same nature as the Epistles to Timothy, though the departure from the faith so prominent in the Epistles to Timothy is less prominent in this Epistle. That the truth must be after, or according to, godliness is especially emphasized; the truth must be manifested in a godly walk.
The Division of the Epistle to Titus
The Epistle contains practical instructions. We make three divisions.
I. INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS (1)
II. THINGS WHICH BECOME SOUND DOCTRINE (2)
III. IN RELATION TO THE WORLD AND FALSE TEACHERS (3)