Titus 1:5

ἀπέλιπον : The force of ἀπολείπω here will be apparent if we compare 2Ti 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:20. It means to leave behind temporarily something or someone; καταλείπω is often used of a permanent leaving behind. St. Paul's language favours the supposition that the commission given to Titus was that of a temporary apostolic legate rather than of a permanent local president.

ἐπιδιορθώσῃ : It is possible that ἐπί has here its original force, so as to imply that St. Paul had begun the correction of deficiencies in the Cretan Church, and that Titus was to carry it still further. (So Bengel.) It seems to have been taken in this sense by A.V.m., which renders τὰ λείποντα things that are left undone. If we may judge from this letter, Christianity was at this time in a very disorganised state in Crete. Titus is to ordain presbyters, as the foundation of a ministry; whereas the task committed to Timothy at Ephesus was to continue the organisation of presbyters (episcopi) and deacons which was already in full working order. It is significant that καθίστημι is used of the institution of a new order of ministry in Acts 6:3. καί introduces the chief point in the ἐπιδιόρθωσις.

κατὰ πόλιν : in every city. See reff. The number of presbyters is not specified; the meaning is that the order of presbyters should be established all over the island.

σοι διεταξάμην : disposui tibi (Vulg.), appropriately used of a number of specific directions on one general subject. Compare Acts 24:23, where the verb is used in reference to three distinct instructions given to the centurion in reference to Paul.