Paul's Letter to Titus
When Paul left Antioch to discuss "his " gospel with the Jerusalem leaders, he took Titus (a Greek believer) with him. Presumably Titus, who is not referred to in the book of Acts, worked with Paul at Ephesus during the third missionary journey. From there the apostle sent him to Corinth to help that church with its work. Following Paul's release from his first imprisonment, he and Titus worked briefly in Crete, after which he commissioned Titus to remain there as his representative and complete some needed work.
Paul wrote to Titus from Corinth to give him personal authorization and guidance in meeting opposition, instructions about faith and conduct, and warnings about false teachers. He also informed Titus of his future plans for him.
I. Concerning Elders (1:1-9)
II. Concerning False Teachers (1:10-16)
III. Concerning Various Groups (2:1-15)
IV. Concerning Believers in General (3:1-8)
V. Concerning Response to Spiritual Error (3:9-15)
In chapter 1, Paul gives qualifications about how to choose leaders in the church, “the overseer must be above reproach”. He also warned to be aware of the rebellious men and deceivers who “turn away from truth”,
there were many to be aware of (vs. 10).
In chapters 2-3, Paul teaches how believer may live healthy inside and outside of the church. He told them to live Godly lives and to be prepared for the coming Savior Jesus Christ. Paul describes how Jesus rescues us from sin in chapter 2 verses 11-13, when a person first places their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation they are saved from the penalty of sin; this is justification, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing
salvation to all men”. While the believer is worshiping and serving God on earth they are saved from the binding power of sin; this is sanctification, “Instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age”. When a believer’s life comes to an end they go to be with Jesus Christ, to live with Him for eternity and they are safe and protected from the presence of sin; this is Glorification, “Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus”.
continue to Philemon...
