Titus

WRITER, The Apostle Paul.

FACTS CONCERNING TITUS.

  • He was a gentile # Ga 2:3
  • A beloved friend and helper of Paul # 2Co 2:13 7:6,13 8:23
  • A messenger of the church at Corinth # 2Co 8:16-18
  • He was thoroughly trustworthy and unselfish # 2Co 12:18
  • A companion of Paul and Barnabas on a journey to Jerusalem # Ga 2:1
  • He was left in Crete by Paul to superintend the churches # Tit 1:5
  • He was in Rome with Paul during the latter’s imprisonment # 2Ti 4:10
  • He seems to have been a more sturdy man than Timothy and probably more mature.

MAIN THEME. Counsels and Exhortations relating to Ministerial Duties and Doctrines, with special emphasis laid upon the maintenance of good works.

KEY VERSES
# Tit 1:5 3:8

EMPHATIC THOUGHT. The emphasis upon good works is seen in, # Tit 1:16 2:7,14 3:1,8,14

This is a sufficient answer to those who claim that there is a conflict of doctrine between Paul’s epistles and that of James. The character of the Cretians was such that Paul thought it necessary to advise their minister to insist upon consistent Christian living. Nevertheless this epistle does not teach salvation by works # Tit 3:5

SYNOPSIS

PART I. Chiefly Instructions concerning Church Organization and Discipline.

Ch. 1.
(1) The salutation and reference to the glorious hope of the gospel # Tit 1:1-4
(2) The purpose of the assignment of Titus to Crete # Tit 1:5

(3) Church order and discipline
(a) The character and qualifications of elders and bishops # Tit 1:6-9
(b) The duty of suppressing mercenary teachers # Tit 1:10,11

(c) The evil character of the Cretians demanding stern treatment and steadfast adherence        to the truth # Tit 1:12-14

(d) Inward defilement and hypocrisy condemned # Tit 1:15,16

PART II. Sound Doctrine and Good Works.
Ch. 2.
(1) Apostolic Instructions adapted for various classes.
(a) Respecting the spirit and behaviour of aged men and women # Tit 2:2,3
(b) Teachings adapted to young men and women # Tit 2:4-6
(c) Exhortation to Titus concerning his personal example # Tit 2:7,8
(d) The duties of servants # Tit 2:9,10

(2) The Universal Opportunity of salvation demands
(a) Self-denial and godliness in this world # Tit 2:11,12
(b) The looking for the fulfillment of the blessed hope of Christ’s coming # Tit 2:13
(c) The sacrifice of Christ constrains his people to holy living # Tit 2:14

(3) The importance of Enforcing these truths # Tit 2:15

PART III. Chiefly Additional Instructions respecting the Maintenance of the Doctrine of Good Works, and the Divine Method of Salvation.

Ch. 3.
(1) Social obligations and duties # Tit 3:1,2

(2) The gracious method of salvation.
(a) The universality of sin # Tit 3:3
(b) Good works not the basis of salvation, but cleansing grace through Christ # Tit 3:4-7

(3) The importance of good works should be constantly taught  # Tit 3:8

(4) The treatment of foolish questions and heresy # Tit 3:9-11

(5) Closing words and benediction # Tit 3:12-15

CHOICE SELECTIONS.

  • The blessed hope # Tit 2:11-14
  • Saved by grace # Tit 3:4-7