- PAUL, A SERVANT OF GOD The Greeks had two words for slave. One was used for someone captured in battle and forced into slavery. The other described those born into slavery. Paul used the latter when he called himself a servant of God (Titus 1:1 a). James uses the same words in James 1:1. Jesus de... [ Continue Reading ]
CRETE AND TITUS' TASK This young preacher was left by Paul on the island of Crete (Titus 1:5). Crete is the largest and southernmost of the Greek islands. At 3,200 square miles, it is about half the size of New Jersey. It is 160 miles from east to west. From north to south, the island is from 6 to 3... [ Continue Reading ]
QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS Each man Titus appointed to serve as an elder was to be above reproach (Titus 1:6). Such included being the faithful husband of one wife. He could not be single or divorced and remarried for any cause other than fornication (Matthew 19:3-9). His children must have obeyed Go... [ Continue Reading ]
HOLDING FAST THE TRUTH Elders will cling to the truth, even in the face of strong opposition (Titus 1:9). They are ministers of the word, as the words "able to teach" would indicate (1 Timothy 3:2). Of course, Paul is speaking of wholesome, reliable words (1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy... [ Continue Reading ]
SILENCE THE FALSE TEACHERS Elders must be able to silence, as when wind instruments cease to play, such false teachings (Titus 1:11). To stop them, they may answer them or deny them the pulpit, or both. Whole families could be led astray by their deceptive teachings (compare 2 Timothy 2:18). Sadly,... [ Continue Reading ]