One of these epistles is called the . Sometimes shock-value is whats necessary. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Titus background is not explained, other than the fact he was Gentile and apparently never circumcised (Galatians 2:4). . In some Bibles a subscription to the epistle may show that Paul wrote from Nicopolis in Macedonia. Please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword. But the king of Egypt said to them, Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? TopicalBible The books of Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. Paul not only calls these people foolish, but he also warns Titus that they are worthless for doing anything good (Titus 1:15). Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. Even though Paul spends a lot of time describing just how foolish heretics are, he holds out hope that they can change. As already noted, the book of Titus has much to say concerning the believers works, mentioning the subject on six occasions: 15. We have no record of his death. In fact Titus was a representative or test case. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. Which appears to be a theme of the Bible: Gen 2:8-9; Titus 1:2-3; Rv 22:2. L T The subscription to 2 Corinthians in Codex Mosquensis (K9th or 10th cent.) In Macedonia accordingly the apostle met Titus, who brought good news regarding the Corinthians. They are to teach what is good. In fact Titus was a representative or test case. 4. If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, and though he is a witness, whether he has seen or come to know the matter, yet does not speak, he shall bear his iniquity; or if anyone touches an unclean thing, whether a carcass of an unclean wild animal or a carcass of unclean livestock or a carcass of unclean swarming things, and it is hidden from him and he has become unclean, and he realizes his guilt; or if he touches human uncleanness, of whatever sort the uncleanness may be with which one becomes unclean, and it is hidden from him, when he comes to know it, and realizes his guilt; or if anyone utters with his lips a rash oath to do evil or to do good, any sort of rash oath that people swear, and it is hidden from him, when he comes to know it, and he realizes his guilt in any of these; when he realizes his guilt in any of these and confesses the sin he has committed, Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, Jacob has taken all that was our father's, and from what was our father's he has gained all this wealth. And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before. Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? He was the darling of the populace, good looking, affable to everyone. All rights reserved. Titus joy and devoted concern was an inspiration to Paul in his reconciliation with the Corinthians (7:13-15). First Timothy presents the most explicit and complete instructions for church leadership and organization in the entire Bible. General Editor. 6. 2 Corinthians 8:18 Church leaders may put on a good face at work, but their behavior at home and how their children respond to them speaks volumes. In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Start for FREE. Find out more about his work here. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Now therefore thus says the Lord, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die. So Elijah went. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Slaves are exhorted to be trustworthy and obedient. The last notice of him is in 2Timothy 4:10 , where we find him with Paul at Rome during his second imprisonment. TITUS t ts (Titus Flavius Vespasianus). 1:4 He may have been from Antioch in Syria. This testimony is true. Proud member Photo credit: Getty Images/Seven Stock Studio. 13. Titus is instructed to come to Nicopolis on the W coast of Greece (Titus 3:12) to spend the winter there with Paul. And God saw that the light was good. M This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. One of the Pastoral Epistles is addressed to Titus. Titus was later left on the island of Crete to help organize the Church there, and later met back with the Apostle Paul in Nicopolis. 4. For Sheol does not thank you; death does not praise you; those who go down to the pit do not hope for your faithfulness. Timothy accompanied Paul on most of his second journey travels after he left Lystra. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary - Titus, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Titus. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. The probability is that Titus, who had long been associated with Paul (Galatians 2:3), who, as his commissioner, had executed difficult offices in Corinth (2Corinthians 7-9), and who, not very long before 2 Timothy was written, had completed some missionary work in Crete that had been begun by others, had gone as a missionary and as Paul's representative and helper to Dalmatia. And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. However, Titus effectiveness with the Corinthians might suggest some prior personal contact with them, although Luke is rather definite in recording Pauls companions in Greece, and Paul even stresses that he was alone for a time in Athens (1 Thess 3:1). To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. He says that elders must show people who oppose sound teaching where they are wrong (Titus 1:9), describes the point of rebuking them as to make them strong in the faith (Titus 1:13), to give people creating disturbances two chances (Titus 2:10). Since Titus was an uncircumcised Gentile (Galatians 2:3), his presence as Pauls disciple cut to the heart of this discussion. %PDF-1.3 Its certainly wrong to talk in a malicious way (1 Peter 2:1) and Paul warns elsewhere about avoiding filthy jokes (Ephesians 5:4). This epistle marks the last of but two instances where the great theological word regeneration is used in the New Testament. of They place their trust not in whether they will be treated well in this life, but in the eternal promise of salvation. Titus, Pauls faithful Gentile associate, ministering in Crete and recipient of the Epistle to Titus, 1. He sends him back from Macedonia to Corinth, in company with two other trustworthy Christians, bearing the Second Epistle, and with an earnest request, ibid. W Bible verses related to Titus from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance. See 1Corinthians 16:1,2 compared with 2Corinthians 8:6: "We exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.". He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He rejoined the apostle when he was in Macedonia, and cheered him with the tidings he brought from Corinth ( 7:6-15 ). The origin of Pauls relationship with Titus is shrouded in mystery, though we can gather that he may have been converted under the ministry of Paul, who called Titus my true child in a common faith (1:4). All rights reserved. When describing heretics, Paul references a quote about Cretans being liars, crazy animals, and lazy gluttons (Titus 1:12-13) to show how foolish these heretics are. An oracle that his mother taught him: What are you doing, my son? David said to him, Where do you come from? And he said to him, I have escaped from the camp of Israel. And David said to him, How did it go? Like someone above pointed out, the word "teaching" should mean teaching generally, not an academic . Your browser does not support JavaScript. Here we see Titus in close association with Paul and Barnabas at Antioch. 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 (1:5). He soon went to Dalmatia (now Croatia). It is unknown when Titus joined Paul in his mission activity. Listen to Chuck Swindolls overview of Titus in his audio message from the Classic series Gods Masterwork. However, Paul also understood that when a body of believers embraces sound doctrine, the result is changed and purified lives that produce good deeds (mentioned in Titus 2:7, 14; 3:8, 14). (For Titus 1:5-9, see 1 Timothy 3:1-13 above. So, Pauls choice to circumcise Timothy would suggest that he had a pragmatic side. This is an interesting point, since Timothy was half-Greek, and not circumcised either. After the departure of Titus from Corinth, difficulty had again arisen in the church there, and Titus seems to have been sent by Paul a second time to that city, as the apostle's messenger, carrying a letter from him--referred to in 2Corinthians 2:3; 7:8. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Some suggest that this visit is to be identified with the famine-relief visit in Acts 11 and 12 (e.g., Bruce); others, with the Jerusalem Council visit in Acts 15 (e.g., Ridderbos). Who Was Titus in the Bible and Why Should You Read His Book Now. He then meets Paul in Macedonia and is sent back to Corinth carrying the epistle of 2 Corinthians to pave the way for Pauls coming and to complete their offering (2 Cor. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. On three different occasion Paul sent Titus to Corinth. Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings. If it is the visit of Acts 15 (preferable identification in the light of Pauline chronology), Titus contact with Paul was at least before the second missionary journey. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. 1915. My spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. Also he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. honourable, was with Paul and Barnabas at Antioch, and accompanied them to the council at Jerusalem ( Galatians 2:1-3 ; Acts 15:2 ), although his name nowhere occurs in the Acts of the Apostles. At the time of this visit the issue of circumcision had become crucial, and Paul cites the fact that Titus was not compelled to be circumcised as vindication of his position. In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. Titus records the final of four instances, in the pastoral epistles where we read the little phrase, this is a faithful saying. These are: Referring to Jesus saving ministry (1 Tim. Proud member Young men are encouraged to live wisely (something that Titus, being a young man himself, must be careful to model to them). Thence.Clearly from the synagogue, where he had been preaching to the Jews, not from Aquila's house, as Alford and others. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. This is the last reference to Titus in the NT. He died of fever on September 13, a few years later. 3. The futility of heresy (Titus 1:10-16, 3:9-11). This late testimony does fit with the givens of 2 Corinthians. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. To overview the duties of leaders and laity in a local church. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. See Pastoral Epistles. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Titus Flavius Josephus is best remembered as an unparalleled chronicler of first-century C.E. 7. In Crete, he is to complete what St. Paul had been obliged to leave unfinished, ch. However, Paul made clear that a church that teaches and preaches sound doctrine will see results in the lives of its people. Bibliography Oxford Classical Dictionary. The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 19:28 where it refers to mother nature. By expelling the hated informers, and doing away with trials and executions for treason, he gained the favor of the Senate, and thus that body did not oppose his actions. As a young man Titus served as a tribune of the soldiers in Germany and Britain, and later accompanied his father, Vespasian, to Pal. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. According to the Bible, a person who reads and meditates over God's word is like a watered tree that will bear good fruit when the time is right. Publication date: Feb 24, 2023. He said to have been permanent bishop in the island, and to have died there at an advanced age. U What are you doing, son of my vows? Conduct for the congregants (Titus 2:1-10, 3:1-11). In Macedonia Titus brings to Paul a comforting report about the Corinthians which gives him much joy and peace of mind (2 Cor 7:6-14). There is now a long interval in the history of Titus, for nothing further is recorded of him till we come to the Pastoral Epistles. Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. Paul's action therefore in regard to Titus was justified. Titus was one of at least two younger men that Paul discipled and described as his son in the faith that we share (Titus 1:4). % and T.R. In this hope he was disappointed, but in Macedonia Titus joined him. J Its important to affirm the damage that heresy creates, but without writing people off as unsalvageable too quickly. 8:16-23); he is the recipient of this letter. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Next he is to control and bridle, ver. 2 Corinthians 8:16 ), as is shewn by his taking the chief placehe seems even to have held a position of greater prominence than 'the brother whose praise is in the Gospel throughout all the Churches' (ch. Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down. As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? And Jesus answered them, See that no one leads you astray. 2:3, 12-13; 7:5-6, 13-14; 8:16-17, 23; 12:14, 18). What happened to Titus after that is not known, although according tosome Catholic sources he founded a church there in the city of Salona and died in 65 A.D. Along with 1, 2 Timothy, these letters to Paul's sons in the faith are traditionally called . Salem Media Group. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Titus contains two of the most concise summaries in the entire New Testament regarding the relationship of gospel truth to practical living. ( 2Corinthians 8:6 ) Thus we are prepared for what the apostle now proceeds to do after his encouraging conversations with Titus regarding the Corinthian church. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. Does the Bible Condemn Using Tarot Cards? And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. This relentless enemy of Christians (Acts 8:3; 22:5, 19; 26:11; Gal. Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. E I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Paul suggests (Titus 1:5) that Titus pastoral qualifications led to this assignment. Still, Paul chose to circumcise Timothy to honor the Jews in an area that the two of them were ministering in (Acts 16:1-5). After that he must be released for a little while. 2 Corinthians 7 establishes that Titus was sent to the Corinthian church after Paul had sent them a stern letter (2 Corinthians 7:8-10) and to encourage them to embrace the ministry of giving (2 Corinthians 8:6). And on the third day, behold, a man came from Saul's camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. Title. Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. The same sources describeSalona as where some of the first martyrs were killed and highlight the fact that Dalmatia would later be the birthplace of Diocletian, a Roman emperor known for persecuting Christianity. Even the women in the church may have had problems with alcohol (see 2:3). B <> Paul had assigned Titus to strengthen a previously established church work on the Isle of Crete. women, young men, and slavesas well as general instructions to all believers about their conduct. Titus first appears in the sacred account when he accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem (Gal. The origin of the church there is unknown, but may have been started by the same returning Cretans who were present at Pentecost (see Acts 2:11). Though it is not certain, some scholars believe that he and Titus were brothers, based on II Corinthians 8:18. Cite this page: Editor: Stephen Smith. First passage: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (2:11-14). After leaving Galatia., ( Acts 18:23 ) and spending a long time at Ephesus, ( Acts 19:1 ; 20:1 ) the apostle proceeded to Macedonia by way of Troas. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 12. The churches on Crete were just as susceptible to false teachers as any other church, so Paul directed Titus to establish a group of faithful Did Titus take advantage of you? Titus was apparently received well, and Paul tried to meet with him at Troas for a report (2 Corinthians 2:13) but had to meet him at Macedonia instead (2 Corinthians 7:6). Although the data regarding Titus in the NT is scanty, nevertheless much can be learned from his pastoral activities and the letter addressed to him as a model and manual for a pastor.