Research Questions
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.
Initial Survey of the Book
1. Overall Purpose
▪︎ Intruduction –
(full text – Titus_1:1-4
4To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
2. Church Organization
► Elder’s personal qualifications –
(full text – Titus_1:5-9
► Stand against false teachers –
(full text – Titus_1:10-16
► Church Hierarchy –
(full text – Titus_2:1-10
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
▪︎ 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;
▪︎ temperate, dignified – Titus 2:2;
▪︎ dishonored – Titus 2:5;
▪︎ sensible, purity – Titus 2:6-7;
▪︎ adorn – Titus 2:10;
Cross References
(full text – 1Tim_3:1-7
▪︎ Deacons – 1Tim 3:8, 13;
(full text – 1Tim_3:8-13
▪︎ False Teachers – 1Tim 4:1
(full text – 1Tim_4:1-11
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
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.
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3. Was Koine Greek commonly used in Israel during the time of Christ?
▪︎ Yes, used in trade and business.
▪︎ Aramaic used in everyday language.
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