Page 109 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Titus: A Call to Thought and Action

Background

Author and Date

Internal evidence shows that Paul is the author of the letter to Titus
(1:1). See the discussion on authorship of First Timothy about the
modern debate and counter arguments concerning the writer of the
Pastoral Epistles. As far as date goes, this letter may be dated in the mid-60s AD. Though the book does
not mention the actual location of Paul when writing, it appears that he might have been on a
missionary journey, since he mentions his desire to spend the winter in Nicopolis (Titus 3:12).

Recipient

The book names Titus as its recipient. Titus was Paul’s spiritual son and partner in ministry for a long
time. When the “Letter to Titus” reached him from Paul, he already had an assignment to oversee
churches at Crete. At one time he represented Paul to the Corinthian Church, and accompanied Paul to
meet some church leaders in Jerusalem (2 Cor 8:23; Gal 2:1–3; 2 Tim 4:10). In Paul’s team, Titus was one
of the Gentile partners, interestingly, he was not required to circumcise by the Jews.

Themes

An easy theme to pick up in the letter to Titus is that of a marriage between right belief and right action
(1:1). Some scholars propose that according to the culture at Crete, dishonesty was accepted because it
was a fact of life. So, it follows that a quick lesson be given to Titus about the balance of the two in order
to counteract the false teachers (1:10–12; 3:9–11). Paul further shows that church leaders should model
this (1:5–9).

In many passages of the letter to Titus, Paul makes it clear that the motivation to do good comes from a
right understanding of God and what He has done for us in Christ and through the Holy Spirit. That is,
God’s grace, as seen in the person and finished work of Jesus, saves us, changes us, and gives us hope
for eternity with Him (3:4–7). This leads us to do what is good, declaring by word and deed God’s grace
to others (2:11–14). 155

Occasion
It is very clear from the content, that Paul introduced Christianity in Crete when he and Titus visited the
island, after which he left Titus there to organize the converts. Paul then sent the letter with Zenas and
Apollos, who were on a journey that took them through Crete (3:13), to give Titus personal
authorization and guidance in meeting opposition (1:5; 2:1,7–8,15; 3:9), instructions about faith and
conduct, and warnings about false teachers. Paul also informed Titus of his future plans for him (3:12).

Purpose

At Crete, Titus faces some challenges to help the church stand against false teachers and put to practice
what they were being taught. Paul, wrote to give him guidance. Paul had left Titus in Crete to appoint
church leaders and to oppose false teachers (Titus 1:5, 10, 16). In this letter, Paul shows the connection

155 Barry, J. D., et al.

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