Titus

Oct 18, 2024

Paul’s Letter to Titus

Background

  • Titus: A Greek follower of Jesus, a trusted co-worker of Paul.
  • Task: Assigned by Paul to restore order to house churches in Crete.
  • Cretan Culture: Notorious for treachery, greed, violence, and corruption.
  • Crete: Strategic location with many harbors, ideal for spreading churches.

Purpose of the Letter

  • Address issues of corrupt leaders in the Cretan churches.
  • Provide instructions to Titus for setting the churches straight.

Structure of the Letter

  1. Introduction: Hope of eternal life through Jesus.
  2. Instructions for Titus:
    • Appoint new leaders (elders) known for integrity and devotion.
    • Confront corrupt leaders (Jewish Cretans enforcing circumcision).
  3. Guidance for Households:
    • New kind of household devoted to Jesus.
    • Teach integrity, self-control, and faithfulness.
  4. Vision for the Community:
    • Christians as model citizens.
    • Live by a different value system driven by God’s grace.
  5. Conclusion: Greetings and mention of sending backup for Titus.

Key Themes

  • Contrast with Zeus: God revealed through Jesus is faithful and truthful, unlike Zeus.
  • Leadership: Elders to replace corrupt leaders, must teach true Christian doctrine.
  • Cretan Culture: Highlighted by a quote from Epimenides about Cretans’ deceitful nature.
  • Christian Households: Should be examples of integrity and stability.
  • Christian Slaves: Equal status in church communities but should respect masters.

Transformative Christian Living

  • Christians should participate in public life, showing integrity and devotion.
  • Live counterculturally, rejecting corruption but embracing good aspects of Cretan culture.
  • Demonstrate the redemptive power of the gospel in public life.

Paul’s Vision

  • Christians should be ideal citizens, generous and obedient to authorities.
  • The gospel’s transformative power is through the love of God and Jesus’ sacrifice.
  • Spirit-empowered faithfulness spreads God’s grace across Crete and beyond.

Conclusion

  • Paul emphasizes missionary strategy: transformation through wise participation in culture.
  • Call to reject corrupt aspects but also embrace good in Cretan society.
  • The ultimate goal is to show the beauty of God's saving message.