56. Titus (Bible Summary)

Introduction and Salutation: Paul introduces himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, sent to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth. He acknowledges the hope of eternal life promised by God, who does not lie. Paul greets Titus, his true son in the faith, and prays for grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ our Savior.

Purpose for Titus’ Mission: Paul explains that he left Titus in Crete to set in order what was lacking and to appoint elders in every town, according to the instructions Paul had given him.

Moral and Spiritual Qualifications: Elders must be blameless, the husband of one wife, and their children should be believers. They should not be arrogant, quick-tempered, drunkards, violent, or greedy for gain. Instead, they must be hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
Holding Firm to the Word: Elders must hold firmly to the trustworthy message of God’s Word so that they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Characteristics of False Teachers (1:10–16): Paul warns Titus that there are many rebellious people, especially those who belong to the circumcision group, who are disrupting entire households by teaching things they should not. Paul instructs Titus to rebuke these false teachers sharply, as they are corrupt and only interested in their own gain. Their teaching is inconsistent with sound doctrine, and they deny the truth through their actions.

Instructions for Older Men and Women (2:1–5): Older men are to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. Older women are to teach what is good and train younger women to love their husbands, love their children, be self-controlled, pure, and busy at home, and be kind.
Instructions for Young Men (2:6–8): Young men are to be self-controlled and set an example for others in good deeds, integrity, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.
Instructions for Slaves (2:9–10): Slaves are to be submissive to their masters, in everything trying to please them, not stealing, but showing good faith so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in every way.

Grace and Salvation: Paul explains that the grace of God has appeared, offering salvation to all people. This grace teaches believers to reject ungodliness and worldly passions, living self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age while waiting for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.
Christ’s Sacrifice: Jesus Christ gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people eager to do what is good.

Exhortation and Teaching: Titus is instructed to speak these things, encourage and rebuke with all authority, and let no one despise him. He is to boldly teach these principles to the Cretan believers.

Submission to Authorities: Paul instructs Titus to remind believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, ready to do what is good, and to slander no one, be peaceable, and considerate, showing true humility toward all people.

Living in Kindness and Mercy: Paul reminds them that they too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by passions, and living in malice and envy, but God’s kindness and love saved them. It is by God’s mercy that they were saved, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on them generously through Jesus Christ, so that, justified by grace, they might become heirs of eternal life.
Good Works: These things are trustworthy, and believers are to insist on them, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.

Avoiding Foolish Controversies: Paul urges believers to avoid foolish debates, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, as these are unprofitable and useless. A person who stirs up division after being warned should be avoided, as such a person is warped and sinful, self-condemned.

Personal and Practical Requests: Paul plans to send either Artemas or Tychicus to Titus and asks Titus to come to him as soon as possible. He also requests that Zenas the lawyer and Apollos be helped on their way, ensuring they lack nothing.

Closing Exhortation: Paul encourages believers to engage in good works and to help others, particularly in meeting their material needs, so that they may not be unproductive.

Greetings: Paul sends greetings from all those with him. He concludes by wishing Titus peace, love, and faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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