Introduction to Titus

Authorship: Paul

Date: AD 63–65

Written after Paul’s release from 1st Roman imprisonment, before his 2nd imprisonment under Nero.

Place of writing: Unknown

Although the place of writing is unknown, Paul appears to be on his way to Nicopolis: “When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there” (Tit 3:12).

Addressee: Titus

Purpose

1. “Put in order what was left unfinished” (NIV 2011); “complete unfinished reforms” (LSJ), mainly by appointing elders to combat false teaching and inculcate sound doctrine.
2. False teachers in Crete:
   1. They belong to “the circumcision party” (1:10; cp. Acts 11:2; Gal 2:12)
   2. They are interested in Jewish myths (1:14) and purity laws (1:15)
   3. They profess to know God, but in fact they deny him with their deeds (1:16)
   4. They apparently deny salvation by grace (3:4-7)
   5. They engage in foolish controversies over genealogies and the Mosaic Law (3:9)

Outline of Titus

1. 1:1-4: Letter Opening
2. 1:5–3:11: Letter Body
   1. 1:5-16: Elders: Qualifications of and Need for
   2. 2:1-10: Instructions to Different Groups in the Church
   3. 2:11–3:8: The Gospel: The Foundation for Godliness in this Present Age
   4. 3:9-11: Instructions on Dealing with Divisive People
3. 3:12-15: Letter Closing

Key Contributions

1. Wonderful summary of the gospel (3:4-7).
2. The grace of God trains us to live godly lives (2:11-12; 3:3-8).
3. “Good works” (5x)
   1. They put our opponents to shame, having nothing evil to say about us (2:7-8).
   2. They adorn the doctrine of God our Savior (2:10).
   3. Christ redeemed us to purify for himself a people zealous for good works (2:14).
   4. Three exhortations to be devoted to good works (3:1, 8, 14).
   5. Good works are profitable, in contrast with unprofitable debates (3:8-9).
   6. Good works keep us from being unfruitful (3:14).
4. Direct affirmation of the deity of Christ: “Our great God-and-Savior Jesus Christ” (2:13).