Titus
Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives1. 2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life2, which
God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. 3 And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.3
4 I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.
Titus’s Work in Crete
5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. 6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.4 7 An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.
8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.5 9 He must have a strong belief in
1
What character is required of one seeking to serve as a deacon and/or overseer in the church of God? This letter from Paul to Titus helps to answer that question.
2
God’s chosen can have confidence that they have eternal life. The relationship of a believer to his God is not meant to be one of questioning and insecurity, but one of sweet communion and steadfast hope.
3At
the opening of Titus, Paul introduces himself as the author of the letter, gives his credentials as an apostle, and defines his message, namely, the Gospel. This gives credibility to the rest of the letter and the information contained
1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives1. 2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life2, which
God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. 3 And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.3
4 I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.
Titus’s Work in Crete
5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. 6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.4 7 An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.
8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.5 9 He must have a strong belief in
1
What character is required of one seeking to serve as a deacon and/or overseer in the church of God? This letter from Paul to Titus helps to answer that question.
2
God’s chosen can have confidence that they have eternal life. The relationship of a believer to his God is not meant to be one of questioning and insecurity, but one of sweet communion and steadfast hope.
3At
the opening of Titus, Paul introduces himself as the author of the letter, gives his credentials as an apostle, and defines his message, namely, the Gospel. This gives credibility to the rest of the letter and the information contained