Titus – Book Survey – Answers

Research Questions
Read through the text of the book several times to answer the following.   Also use publicly available information to validate your answers. To return… back.

1. Who is the author and what was his situation?

▪︎ The Apostle Paul is traditionally recognized as the author of the Epistle to Titus.
▪︎ The authenticity of Pauline authorship is supported by early church tradition and internal evidence within the text.

2. What was the timing of the book?

▪︎ The letter is believed to have been written around A.D. 63-65.
▪︎ It was written during Paul’s travels after his first Roman imprisonment.

3. Originally, what was the intended audience and what was their situation?

▪︎ It is addressed to Titus, a trusted companion and fellow worker in the early Christian church.
▪︎ Titus was a Greek convert and a close associate of Paul.
▪︎ He played a significant role in the early church, serving as a mediator and leader.
▪︎ Paul left Titus in Crete to organize the church and appoint elders – Titus 1:5. 

4. What was the author’s motivation for writing this book?

▪︎ The Epistle to Titus is one of the three Pastoral Epistles in the New Testament.
▪︎ The letter provides pastoral guidance on church leadership, sound doctrine, and Christian living.

5. List of verses include the word “Titus”.

• Acts 18:7 – Titius Justice not the same person as Titus.
• 2Cor 2:12-13 – Paul had no rest for his soul, not finding Titus.
• 2Cor 7:6 – Titus came and Paul was comforted.
• 2Cor 7:13 – Paul rejoiced over the coming of Titus, refreshed by his presence.
• 2Cor 7:14 – Paul truthfully boasted about the Corinthians to Titus.
• 2Cor 8:6 – As Titus started earlier to teach the Corinthians, so Paul encouraged him to continue that training.
• 2Cor 8:16 – God put an earnestness in Titus’ heart for the Corinthians.
• 2Cor 8:23 – Titus was a partner to Paul, a fellow worker with God and a messenger to the churches.
• 2Cor 12:18 – Titus was sent in the same Spirit and steps as Paul with highest integrity.
• Gal 2:1 – Paul must have witnessed to Titus and won him to Christ during the 14 years before Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem.
• Gal 2:3 – Titus was a Greek, converted to Christ but was not circumcised.
• 2Tim 4:10 – Titus was sent to minister in Dalmatia. He was part of the cohort with Paul and Timothy.
• Titus 1:4 – Titus was lead to the Lord by Paul (my true child in common faith). Titus was loved and praised by Paul.

Interesting Words for Future Study
Read through the book and quickly note interesting thoughts, cross references or topics.

1. Overall Purpose
▪︎ The primary purpose of the Epistle to Titus is to provide instructions for establishing church order and promoting sound doctrine.
▪︎ Intruduction –
   (full text – Titus_1:1-4
      1Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,
      4To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
)

2. Church Organization
▪︎ Paul emphasizes the qualifications for elders, highlighting the importance of character and doctrinal integrity. He starts with qualifications for an elder
► Elder’s personal qualifications –
   (full text – Titus_1:5-9
      5For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
)
► Stand against false teachers –
   (full text – Titus_1:10-16
      10For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. sp;12One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.
)
► Church Hierarchy –
   (full text – Titus_2:1-10
      1But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
      3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
      6Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
      9Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.
)

3. Sound Doctrine

▪︎ Grace – Titus 2:11
▪︎ Godliness – Titus 2:12
▪︎ Hope, Glory – Titus 2:13
▪︎ Redemption, Zeal- Titus 2:14
▪︎ Exortation – Titus 2:15

4. Godly Living

▪︎ Obedient – Titus 3:1
▪︎ Peaceable, Gentle – Titus 3:2
▪︎ Changed Life – Titus 3:3
▪︎ Saved by grace – Titus 3:4
▪︎ Not by works – Titus 3:5
▪︎ Spirit filled – Titus 3:5-6
▪︎ Heirs in hope – Titus 3:7
▪︎ Good deeds – Titus 3:8
▪︎ Avoid controversy – Titus 3:9
▪︎ Reject factions- Titus 3:10-11

5. Personal Exortations

▪︎ Winter needs for me
▪︎ Support coming missionaries
▪︎ Meet urgent needs
▪︎ Greet everyone
▪︎ Grace to you

Initial Outline and Theme
Read through the book and quickly note interesting thoughts, cross references or topics.

1. Overall Purpose
▪︎ The primary purpose of the Epistle to Titus is to provide instructions for establishing church order and promoting sound doctrine.
▪︎ Intruduction –
   (full text – Titus_1:1-4
      1Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,
      4To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
)

2. Church Organization
▪︎ Paul emphasizes the qualifications for elders, highlighting the importance of character and doctrinal integrity. He starts with qualifications for an elder
► Elder’s personal qualifications –
   (full text – Titus_1:5-9
      5For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
)
► Stand against false teachers –
   (full text – Titus_1:10-16
      10For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. sp;12One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.
)
► Church Hierarchy –
   (full text – Titus_2:1-10
      1But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
      3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
      6Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
      9Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.
)

3. Sound Doctrine

▪︎ Grace – Titus 2:11
▪︎ Godliness – Titus 2:12
▪︎ Hope, Glory – Titus 2:13
▪︎ Redemption, Zeal- Titus 2:14
▪︎ Exortation – Titus 2:15

4. Godly Living

▪︎ Obedient – Titus 3:1
▪︎ Peaceable, Gentle – Titus 3:2
▪︎ Changed Life – Titus 3:3
▪︎ Saved by grace – Titus 3:4
▪︎ Not by works – Titus 3:5
▪︎ Spirit filled – Titus 3:5-6
▪︎ Heirs in hope – Titus 3:7
▪︎ Good deeds – Titus 3:8
▪︎ Avoid controversy – Titus 3:9
▪︎ Reject factions- Titus 3:10-11

5. Personal Exortations

▪︎ Winter needs for me
▪︎ Support coming missionaries
▪︎ Meet urgent needs
▪︎ Greet everyone
▪︎ Grace to you

Interesting Words for Further Study
List words that may be important to author’s intent, meaning, thoughts or topics. These may be related or recurring words.

Important Words:
▪︎ Partner (2Cor 8:23) describing Paul and Titus’ relationship, was this koinonia? Yes. Partner and fellow-worker in the gospel; messengers, glorifying Christ.
▪︎ holding fast, refute – Titus 1:9;
▪︎ rebellious, empty – Titus 1:10;
▪︎ deceivers – Titus 1:10; especially those of the circumcision.
▪︎ temperate, dignified – Titus 2:2;
▪︎ dishonored – Titus 2:5;
▪︎ sensible, purity – Titus 2:6-7;
▪︎ adorn – Titus 2:10; fragrance and relates to the recipient’s senses… thru godly behavior.
▪︎ fitting for sound doctrine – Titus 1:9, 2:1, 7;
▪︎ unfruitful – 2Peter 1:5-8; Christ Character and His qualities increasing.
▪︎ xxx – Titus 2:10;
▪︎ xxx – Titus 2:10;
▪︎ xxx – Titus 2:10;
Recurring Words:
▪︎ deeds – Titus 2:7, 3:8, 14; Two levels… Personal and Corporate.
▪︎ dissipation, sober minded, sensible – Titus 1:6, 8, 2:2, 6, 12

Cross References
Biblical references that relate to the book… Internal to the book, external, or topically relevant.
▪︎ Elders, Overseerers – 1Tim 3:1;
   (full text – 1Tim_3:1-7
      1It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
)
▪︎ Deacons – 1Tim 3:8, 13;
   (full text – 1Tim_3:8-13
      8Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
)
▪︎ False Teachers – 1Tim 4:1
   (full text – 1Tim_4:1-11
      1But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
      6In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. 7But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
      11Prescribe and teach these things.
)
▪︎ Heb 1:1-2 KJV; ► Titus 1:2-3;
▪︎ Matt 7:22-23; ► Titus 1:16;
▪︎ 2Cor 2:15 ► Titus 2:10;
▪︎ 1Peter 2:9-10 ► Titus 2:14;
▪︎ Eph 2:12 ► Titus 3:3;
▪︎ 1Peter 1:4 ► Titus 3:7;

Discussion Questions
Try your hand at writing several discussion questions for the group. Think of questions you would like to answer or that might stimulate other’s growth.

1. Why does’t Titus mention deacons?

▪︎ I think Titus was sent to smaller or newer churches where a single prominent pastor would be able to manage most things.
▪︎ Paul does bring in other older men collectively to lead and shepherd the flock. This allows the body to function but guards against promoting a man before he is ready.

2. Was Titius Justice and Titus (recipient of Paul’s letter) the same person?

▪︎ No, completely different people.
▪︎

3. Was Koine Greek commonly used in Israel during the time of Christ?

▪︎ Yes, used in trade and business.
▪︎ Aramaic used in everyday language.

4.

▪︎
▪︎

5.

▪︎
▪︎
▪︎
▪︎

6.

▪︎
▪︎

7.

▪︎
▪︎