"He that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted us by the coming of Titus . while he told us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced yet more" (2Corinthians 7:6,7). 1. Titus would seem on the occasion of the council to have been specially a representative of the church of the uncircumcision. He is not mentioned in the Acts at all. He sends him back from Macedonia to Corinth, in company with two other trustworthy Christians, bearing the Second Epistle, and with an earnest request, ibid. He is last mentioned in 2 Tim. In many ways he was a contrast to his father. The epistle contains some exhortations to Titus, although none of these reflects negatively on his character or ability. The subscription to 2 Corinthians in Codex Mosquensis (K9th or 10th cent.) ( Titus 3:12 ) and then is to hasten to join St. Paul at Nicopolis, where the apostle purposes to pass the winter. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He leads me beside still waters. Your browser does not support JavaScript. In this hope he was disappointed, but in Macedonia Titus joined him. Titus, Pauls faithful Gentile associate, ministering in Crete and recipient of the Epistle to Titus, 1. I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go. Then they said, The God of the Hebrews has met with us. I use all as my study material. ( Titus 1:4 ) Next we learn the various particulars of the responsible duties which he had to discharge. Titus, like Timothy ( 2 Tim. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? Does God Really Work All Things Together for Good? If it is the visit of Acts 15 (preferable identification in the light of Pauline chronology), Titus contact with Paul was at least before the second missionary journey. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. Also he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. In either case it would be a question why they went to these particular countries, with which, so far as we know, Paul, up to this time, had never had anything to do. He was probably a convert of Paul (Titus 1:4). Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope. Please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword. But the king of Egypt said to them, Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? 3. In 2 Timothy 4:10, written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he mentions Titus as one of several people who have left him. Geocoding Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Like someone above pointed out, the word "teaching" should mean teaching generally, not an academic . Paul clearly held Titus in a position of great respect as a friend and fellow worker for the gospel, praising Titus for his affection, his earnestness, and his bringing comfort to others. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Lastly, the name of Titus was the watchword of the Cretans when they were invaded by the Venetians. There is also one more "rule" mentioned by the Apostle Paul with regard to teaching. Although the data regarding Titus in the NT is scanty, nevertheless much can be learned from his pastoral activities and the letter addressed to him as a model and manual for a pastor. Does the Bible Condemn Using Tarot Cards? Such were Paul's plans; whether they were carried out is unknown. Other scholars, while conceding a degree of validity to the positions mentioned above, suggest that the . Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Asthe letter goes on, it transitions through several subjects: Character requirements for being an elder (Titus 1:1-9). K The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. After various attempts to deal with these problems by correspondence and a personal visit, Paul sent Titus to attempt a reconciliation and resolution of the difficulties. Paul highlights how some foolish people at the Cretan church fool others with useless talk (Titus 1:10) about circumcision, spiritual genealogies, and following Jewish laws that Christians dont have to follow. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary - Titus, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Titus. Titus accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey, during which the apostle sent him to Corinth at least once (2 Corinthians 2:1213; 7:57, 1315; 8:6, 1624). There is now a long interval in the history of Titus, for nothing further is recorded of him till we come to the Pastoral Epistles. This can come from distractions, disappointments, or even discouragements that we are all prone to. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.. Titus was therefore a troubleshooter, peacemaker, administrator, and missionary. So little is known about him that no one can positively state where he made his home, but most scholars feel it was in Philippi. And so train the young women to love their husbands and children. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. These apparently occurred during Pauls sojourn of over two years in Ephesus during the third missionary journey (Acts 19), although there is not the slightest allusion to these problems in the Acts account. If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. Proud member Publisher: OpenBible.info. According to Paul, elders must live blamelessly, to be good husbands with children who are also Christians, and to be both generous and hospitable. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Bible verses related to Titus from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance. Family is just as important as ministry.When Paul lists an elders qualifications, he highlights that they need to be not just good with content but also good husbands whose children have inherited their faith (Titus 1:6). You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. The title in the Greek NT literally reads "To Titus.". With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. All rights reserved. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 2. To overview the duties of leaders and laity in a local church. From Rome he was sent into Dalmatia, no doubt on some important missionary errand. Labs Many churches today focus more on the form of their worshipmusic styles, lighting, and building designsthan they do on the content of the faith they mean to proclaim. David said to him, Where do you come from? And he said to him, I have escaped from the camp of Israel. And David said to him, How did it go? For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 2:3, 12-13; 7:5-6, 13-14; 8:16-17, 23; 12:14, 18). In 1 and 2 Timothy Paul stresses doctrine. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. <> This throws light upon the statement in 2Timothy 4:10, that Titus at that time had gone to Dalmatia, and a certain Crescens to Gaul. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, Now in the days of Ahasuerus, the Ahasuerus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over 127 provinces, in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the citadel, in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. He soon went to Dalmatia (now Croatia). The reign of Titus was looked upon as a time of ideal happiness, and his untimely death in the year 81 caused universal sorrow. This includes the Epistle to Titus. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee (1:5). Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. The origin of the church there is unknown, but may have been started by the same returning Cretans who were present at Pentecost (see Acts 2:11). The other man is Timothy, and the second letter to the Corinthians is addressed as from Paul and Timothy to the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 1:1). 35 Bible Verses about Destruction Of Jerusalem. The probability is that Titus, who had long been associated with Paul (Galatians 2:3), who, as his commissioner, had executed difficult offices in Corinth (2Corinthians 7-9), and who, not very long before 2 Timothy was written, had completed some missionary work in Crete that had been begun by others, had gone as a missionary and as Paul's representative and helper to Dalmatia. Make doctrine a priority in your own life, as well as encouraging it in your churches. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. ( Titus 1:5 ) We see Titus remaining in the island when St. Paul left it and receiving there a letter written to him by the apostle. 11, the restless and mischievous Judaizers. So, Pauls choice to circumcise Timothy would suggest that he had a pragmatic side. Paul had assigned Titus to strengthen a previously established church work on the Isle of Crete. Sometimes saying something shocking is whats needed to get the point across. 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. 1. But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. In Macedonia accordingly the apostle met Titus, who brought good news regarding the Corinthians. Which appears to be a theme of the Bible: Gen 2:8-9; Titus 1:2-3; Rv 22:2. His earnestness is mentioned as a challenge to the Corinthians. And God said, Let there be light, and there was light. @o5/?)wPyfs9m 7o_~wO}q4d. Titus was one of Paul's very dear and trusted friends; and the fact that he was chosen by the apostle to act as his delegate to Corinth, to transact difficult and delicate work in the church there, and that he did this oftener than once, and did it thoroughly and successfully, shows that Titus was not merely a good but a most capable man, tactful and resourceful and skillful in the handling of men and of affairs. When Titus did not appear, Paul traveled on to Macedonia. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.. This testimony is true. Crete soon after Peters sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:11), Paul and Titus likely did a good deal of evangelism on the island in the weeks before Paul commissioned Titus to a leadership position there. Following Paul's release from his first Roman imprisonment ( Ac 28 ), he and Titus worked briefly in Crete ( 1:5 ), after which he commissioned Titus to remain there as his representative and complete some needed work ( 1:5; 2:15; 3:12-13 ). Titus was apparently received well, and Paul tried to meet with him at Troas for a report (2 Corinthians 2:13) but had to meet him at Macedonia instead (2 Corinthians 7:6). T Titus was the only Gentile individual to receive a New Testament epistle. After that he must be released for a little while. While the gospel had no doubt spread to Emperor of Rome (a.d. 79-81). This island, southeast of Greece, was about 150 miles long and 35 miles wide, thus making it the largest of the Mediterranean islands. Titus records the final of four instances, in the pastoral epistles where we read the little phrase, this is a faithful saying. These are: Referring to Jesus saving ministry (1 Tim. These scattered allusions to the character of Titus indicate his close relationship to Paul and his stellar qualifications as a pastor. Titus 1:5 - For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 2 Corinthians 7:6 - Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast . However, Paul also understood that when a body of believers embraces sound doctrine, the result is changed and purified lives that produce good deeds (mentioned in Titus 2:7, 14; 3:8, 14). He does something similar in Galatians 5 when he talks about problems created by circumcisers and says, I wish the people who are bothering you would castrate themselves (Galatians 5:12). Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. Did we not act in the same spirit? As already noted, the book of Titus has much to say concerning the believers works, mentioning the subject on six occasions: 15. When and where? For Titus 2:1-10, see 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2 above.) Salem Media Group. ti'-tus (Titos (2Corinthians 2:13; 7:6,13; 8:6,16,23; 12:18; Galatians 1:2:1,3; 2Timothy 4:10; Titus 1:4)): A Greek Christian, one of Paul's intimate friends, his companion in some of his apostolic journeys, and one of his assistants in Christian work. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul mentions that Titus must appoint elders in each town, which means there were multiple Christian groups (what we would think of as house churches), although they might collectively be referred to as the church in Crete. Assuming this information is correct, and given the fact that many early Christians were martyred (John was the only one of the apostles to die of old age), its possible that Titus died by martyrdom. TopicalBible Did Titus take advantage of you? Sometimes it is difficult for believers today to see the point of getting all worked up about the person and nature of Christ or the doctrine of the Trinity. I pray that I could absorb all that, live it and teach it. 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, which accords with godliness. An oracle that his mother taught him: What are you doing, my son? C Tough Grace in Difficult Places: A Study of the Book of Titus, Tough Grace in Difficult Places: A Study of the Book of Titus Bible Companion, Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus. In any case, nothing is recorded concerning Titus mission work until the third missionary journey shortly after Pauls lengthy stay at Ephesus (Acts 19:1, 17, 26, 35). Paul reflects very favorably upon Titus genuine devotion and pastoral concern (2 Cor 8:16, 17). Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Likewise, no good explanation has been given to account for the absence of Titus from the Acts of the Apostles. The decision was in favor of the free promulgation of the gospel, as preached by Paul, and unrestricted by Jewish ordinances. His circumcision was either not insisted on at Jerusalem, or, if demanded, was firmly resisted. 9. 2 Corinthians 7 establishes that Titus was sent to the Corinthian church after Paul had sent them a stern letter (2 Corinthians 7:8-10) and to encourage them to embrace the ministry of giving (2 Corinthians 8:6). Here he expected to meet Titus, ( 2Corinthians 2:13 ) who had been sent on a mission to Corinth. This late testimony does fit with the givens of 2 Corinthians. Titus may be the person who delivered the 2 Corinthians letter to the Corinthian church after he wrote it. Paul had assigned Titus to strengthen a previously established church work on the Isle of Crete. In Crete, he is to complete what St. Paul had been obliged to leave unfinished, ch. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! They place their trust not in whether they will be treated well in this life, but in the eternal promise of salvation. Paul advised Timothy on these practical matters in a way that . And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. He rejoined the apostle when he was in Macedonia, and cheered him with the tidings he brought from Corinth ( 7:6-15 ). First passage: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (2:11-14). They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. This grace of God instructs us to live upright and godly lives in this present age (2:113:8). By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. His name does not occur in the Acts; and, elsewhere in the New Testament, it is found only in 2 Corinthians, Galatians, 2 Timothy and Titus. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. At the time of this visit the issue of circumcision had become crucial, and Paul cites the fact that Titus was not compelled to be circumcised as vindication of his position. Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Here we see Titus in close association with Paul and Barnabas at Antioch. An eyewitness account of this event may be found in two letters written by Pliny to his friend Tacitus, the historian (Pliny, Epistulae, VI.16.20). When they got to Ephesus, Paul recognized some men in the church were teaching error about Jesus saying that Jesus could not have been a man and God at the same time. Titus generously aided the victims of this disaster, and did a great deal to repair the damage to the city. 4:10, at which time Paul sends him from southern Greece to Dalmatia (Yugoslavia). women, young men, and slavesas well as general instructions to all believers about their conduct. This is essentially an ethnic joke, an example of Paul using slightly off-color humor. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. From this letter we gather the following biographical details. I am speaking the truth in ChristI am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. The Bible mentions Titus in several of the Pauline epistles. In the year 80 there was a plague and disastrous fire at Rome. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. He was also a young Christian missionary and pastor, and a disciple of the apostle Paul. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. He is later sent by Paul to Corinth to straighten out certain disorders in the church there and to initiate an offering for the poor saints at Jerusalem (2 Cor. Titus is mentioned 13 rimes in the writings of Paul. My spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. If this is the visit of Acts 11 and 12, Titus was then a companion of Paul before the first missionary journey. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. This testimony came from one of their own poets and prophets. Jewish history. The matter in dispute was decided as recorded in Acts 15:13-29. "Paul regarded as his own the work done from centers where he labored, by helpers associated with him, considering the churches thus organized as under his jurisdiction. Paul wasn't messing around when he wrote this letter to Titus, a Greek follower of Jesus who helped Paul navigate tight situations (see Galatians 2:1-3 and 2 Corinthians 7-8). Older women are encouraged to avoid slander or excessive drinking and must encourage younger women to be good wives and mothers. Paul now wrote to the Corinthians again--our Second Epistle to the Corinthians--and dispatched it to its destination by the hand of Titus, into whose heart `God had put the same earnest care for them' (2Corinthians 8:16-18). He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. It appears that Titus was dealing with a difficult and somewhat unruly congregation in Crete. Paul wrote his letter to Titus from Nicopolis in AD 63, after the apostles release from his first Roman imprisonment. To be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Why and to whom? But this at least is certain, that Titus did rejoin Paul, if not at Nicopolis, then at some other spot; and he was with him in Rome on the occasion of his 2nd imprisonment there, for he is mentioned once again (2Timothy 4:10) as having gone to Dalmatia, evidently on an evangelistic errand, as the apostle was in the habit of sending his trusted friends to do such work, when he himself was no longer able to do this, owing to his imprisonment. 7. Paul's letter to Titus is the final Pastoral Epistle and has many similarities to 1 and 2 Timothy. In essence these verses provide for us the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, HOW, and WHY in regard to Gods eternal plan: 14. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. Titus contains two of the most concise summaries in the entire New Testament regarding the relationship of gospel truth to practical living.