Titus - Introduction

Introduction to the book of Titus; who is Titus?

By Pastor Randy Johnson

1. Titus was a young preacher who was saved under Paul’s ministry.
1. Titus 1:4 “To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
2. Let us not forget Young Timothy was also a young convert under Paul’s ministry. 1 Timothy 1:2 “Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.”
2. He was a trusted companion and fellow laborer of Paul’s.

1. He was instrumental in planting churches in and throughout Macedonia and the Mediterranean world. 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 "But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. (17.) For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. (18.) And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; (19.) And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: (20.) Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: (21.) Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. (22.) And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. (23.) Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. (24.) Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf."
2. Titus was a wonderful addition to Paul’s ministry because he was “all Gentile” the churches were basically being converted by God from the all Jewish church in Jerusalem to Gentile. Titus was valuable to Paul and the Ministry in this area.
3. We know nothing of Titus conversion nor about his first meeting Paul but we do find him first with Paul and Barnabas in Jerusalem. Galatians 2:1-3 “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. (2.) And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. (3.) But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:” - The elders and other Apostles in the Jerusalem church (which was the first church and a Jewish church) accepted Titus without circumcision. This was a breakthrough and the start of the Gentiles becoming church members. Titus was one of the first.
4. We find Titus visiting the church at Corinth Paul visited the church in first Corinthians but the issues in the church were not fixed.

a. In second Corinthians Paul sent Titus to attempt to solve the issues, it appeared that some in the church had turned against Paul and Titus was to attempt to fix these issues. 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 "For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. (6.) Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; (7.) And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more."

b. It is at this time Titus delivered the second letter from Paul to the Corinthian church. Paul was in Ephesus at this time.

3. He rejoined Paul.
1. After Paul was first released from his arrest in Rome he went to the Island of Crete this is where we find Titus again. Paul left Crete and left Titus there basically to oversee the churches and to make sure they organized properly. 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. This was a most difficult work for several reasons.

a. These Cretian’s were very bad and unruly people.

b. The churches there were struggling.

c. The false teachers had invaded the churches.

d. Titus 1:10-12 “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11.) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (12.) One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.”

e. It appears that since Titus had so wonderfully helped with the Corinth church that he was suited to help on the Island of Crete.

3. This work was to be completed and Paul had requested Titus to join him in Nicopolis (an Island on the west coast of Greece) for the winter. Titus 3:12 “When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.”
4. It is believed that it was from Nicopolis when Paul was imprisoned again in Rome and eventually martyred.
5. It is believed that Titus was also after this winter retreat sent to Dalmatia (a Roman province now known as Yugoslavia)
6. Some believe that Titus may have returned to Crete and continued his work until his latter years, however this is not scriptural.