Island of Crete and Surrounding Area:
Overview of Paul’s Epistle to Titus:
- Paul authored the letter to Titus around AD 65 while he was on his fourth missionary journey. This was not recorded in Acts but took place chronologically after Acts 28.
- Paul saw the need for leadership in the churches he planted in the cities on the island of Crete. He sent His beloved coworker, Titus, to fulfill this role. This was critical because of false teachers were beginning to have a detrimental influence on the churches of Crete.
- Prominent cities of Crete were Gortyn (capital), Knossos (Roman colony known for its Bronze Age palace), Eleutherna, Hierapytna, and Kydonia, among others. Held to a significant Greek influence.
- Crete has over 3,200 sq miles of land area, mostly mountainous regions with limited Roman roads, making travel difficult.
- Crete was home to many cults… cult of Agustus, cult of the deified Claudius, cult of Asclepius (god of healing), Greek deities, the Egyptian cult of Isis and Serapis, among others.
- Titus was a Gentile by birth, and was with Paul in Jerusalem during the circumcision controversy (Acts 15:1, 2; Gal 2:3-4, 5).
Outline of the Epistle to Titus:
► Introduction –
▪︎ Chosen – Titus 1:1
▪︎ In hope – Titus 1:2
▪︎ Entrusted to you – Titus 1:3-4
► Church Organization –
▪︎ Qualification of leadership –
• Orderly – Titus 1:5
• Above reproach – Titus 1:6-7
• Not self-willed – Titus 1:7-9
• No addictions – Titus 1:8
• Strong in the word – Titus 1:9
▪︎ False teacher warning –
• Rebellious deceivers – Titus 1:10
• Upsetting families – Titus 1:11
• Lazy gluttons – Titus 1:12-13
• Legalism and myths – Titus 1:14
• Condemned – Titus 1:15-16
► Christian Conduct –
▪︎ Older men – Titus 2:1-2
▪︎ Older women –
• Reverent – Titus 2:3
• Encouraging – Titus 2:4
• Sensible, pure – Titus 2:5
▪︎ Younger men –
• Good examples – Titus 2:6-7
• Sound doctrine – Titus 2:7-8
▪︎ Servants –
• Submissive – Titus 2:9
• Righteous – Titus 2:10
▪︎ Christians in general –
• Be full of grace – Titus 2:11
• Godly, hopeful – Titus 2:12-13
• People for God – Titus 2:14
• Subject to rulers – Titus 3:1
• Peacable – Titus 3:2-3
• Redeemed – Titus 3:4-5
• Empowered – Titus 3:5-6
• Evangelistic – Titus 3:7-8
• Avoiding heresy – Titus 3:9-10
• Engaging the world with
good deeds – Titus 3:8
► Conclusion –
• Help brothers – Titus 3:12-13
• Live empowered by grace from
the Holy Spirit – Titus 3:14-15