Paul (as Sender & Example)
Category: Endurance in apostolic mission
Could avoid: Rest after years of hardship.
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth.” (Titus 1:1)
Cross-Refs: Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:25.
Chose: Continue mentoring and strengthening the church.
“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished.” (Titus 1:5)
Cross-Refs: Acts 14:21–23; 2 Timothy 2:2.
Endured: False teachers, exhausting travel, imprisonment.
“…for there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception.” (Titus 1:10)
Cross-Refs: Acts 20:29–30; 2 Corinthians 11:26–28.
Why: To safeguard the truth of the gospel.
“…so that by his teaching he may encourage others and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9)
Cross-Refs: 1 Timothy 6:3–4; Jude 3.
Result: Healthy churches established in sound doctrine.
“…so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” (Titus 2:10)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15.
Titus (Faithful Leader in Crete)
Category: Endurance in leadership & correction
Could avoid: Leave Crete, avoid hard work of reform.
“The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished.” (Titus 1:5)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 8:16–17; Galatians 2:1–3.
Chose: Appoint elders and confront false teachers.
“Appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” (Titus 1:5)
Cross-Refs: Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1–7.
Endured: Cultural corruption, laziness, opposition.
“Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” (Titus 1:12)
Cross-Refs: 1 Peter 5:2–3; 2 Corinthians 7:6.
Why: To lead the church into sound faith and holy living.
“…so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:8)
Cross-Refs: 1 Peter 2:12; Philippians 1:27.
Result: A model of good works and faithfulness.
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” (Titus 2:7)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 5:16; 1 Timothy 4:12.
The Elders & Church Leaders
Category: Endurance in integrity & service
Could avoid: Seek selfish gain, live corruptly.
“Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.” (Titus 1:7)
Cross-Refs: 1 Timothy 3:2–3; 1 Peter 5:2.
Chose: Live upright, holy, and disciplined lives.
“Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” (Titus 1:8)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 4:8; 2 Timothy 2:21.
Endured: Testing of character, false accusations.
“He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught.” (Titus 1:9)
Cross-Refs: 2 Thessalonians 2:15; Revelation 2:25.
Why: To encourage and correct others with sound doctrine.
“…so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” (Titus 1:9)
Cross-Refs: 2 Timothy 4:2; Jude 20–21.
Result: Strengthened church, attractive witness to outsiders.
“…so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” (Titus 2:10)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 5:16; Colossians 4:5–6.
The Church (as a Whole)
Category: Endurance in good works & godliness
Could avoid: Live ungodly lives like surrounding culture.
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions.” (Titus 2:11–12)
Cross-Refs: Romans 6:12–13; 1 Peter 4:3.
Chose: Live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.
“…while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 3:20; 2 Peter 3:13.
Endured: Cultural pressures, slander, false teaching.
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.” (Titus 3:1)
Cross-Refs: Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13–15.
Why: Because Christ redeemed them to be His people.
“Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:14)
Cross-Refs: Exodus 19:5–6; Ephesians 2:10.
Result: Fruitful lives that bring glory to God.
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” (Titus 3:14)
Cross-Refs: James 2:17; Matthew 5:16.