In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua]
was in the beginning with God.
TITUS
The book of Titus is the twelfth of Paul’s thirteen letters referred
to as the Pauline epistles. It is one of three Pastoral Epistles written
to Timothy and Titus. Paul had recently been released from his first
Roman imprisonment when he wrote this letter to Titus in about AD 63.
Titus was ministering in the Mediterranean island of Crete during this
time.
This letter to Titus is similar in context to the first letter
written to Timothy who was ministering in Ephesus. The challenge for
Titus was that the Cretans had the proven reputation of being liars,
evil beasts and lazy gluttons. Paul wanted Titus to maintain order in
the church by protecting and practicing sound doctrine. Paul instructed
Titus on how to ordain elders in the church based on their blameless
character. He warned Titus to beware of false teachers, especially those
of Judaic origin who contradict the truth. Titus was to instruct
believers in sound doctrine by emphasizing the good works of godly
character made possible by the grace of God through Jesus
Christ, the Messiah. They were to maintain their works as a reflection
of the cleansing regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s instructions to Titus are relevant to the church body of
believers today. Salvation does not come from works of righteousness.
Rather, we are saved by God’s mercy through the death and resurrection
of Christ. Our good works are a result of our
salvation through
faith in Christ; we are to be careful to maintain those good works. We
are to be fruitful in godliness while looking for the blessed hope and
glorious appearing of our God and Savior, Christ.
Titus 1: Ordaining elders; censuring false teachers
Titus 2: Teaching sound doctrine; redemption by Christ for good works
Titus 3: Salvation through Christ, not from good works; maintaining
good works