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  • Writer's pictureRowan Collins

Meaning of Titus 1:1-4

Updated: Oct 2, 2023

Paul's letter to Titus comes towards the end of his ministry, and is one of three pastoral letters. The underlying theme of the letter focuses on the conduct of believers and the organisation of the church.


He first introduces himself and declares the authority by which he writes. It is not his message alone, rather it's a message from God Himself, delivered through Paul. He states plainly the objective of his letter:


Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth

Titus 1:1a ESV


From the above it becomes clear that Paul's introduction is not written solely for the benefit of Titus. Paul and Titus already knew each other, having spent time together in the gospel mission. This is echoed by what he writes in verse 4 about their close relationship and verse 5 that he 'left Titus in Crete.'


Therefore we can reasonably conclude this letter was both a reminder and some kind of evidence, a proof of the authority by which Titus was commissioned.


Pay close attention to the character and attributes of God, and in particular the phrase 'God never lies.' There's no reason to believe that anyone suggested that God lies. However, verse 12 suggests that the Cretans are prolific liars. Hence why Paul writes that it is truth that accords with godliness.


Lastly, not that anyone believes it to be true, but for the avoidance of doubt, Paul is not referring to Titus as his 'true' biological child. Paul's ministry was to the gentiles and Titus was a gentile. In that manner, Paul became a father to Titus, but also demonstrating his great fondness of Titus here and elsewhere in the bible too.

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