Week 50e--Titus

This letter is written by Paul to Titus, who had been mentioned several times in the letter 2 Corinthians; he is another one of Paul’s children in the faith.

Paul speaks of “God, who cannot lie” (1:2). Not only does not, but cannot. Because God is truth.

Titus is stationed is Crete, finishing what Paul had started, appointing overseers and deacons. Paul outlines similar qualifications to those we saw in 1 Timothy; respectable, not addicted to wine, in control of his household.

Of course, Titus is also dealing with those who have a false message that many people in Crete are following. These are commands of men, not commands of God. Paul says these false teachers “profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him...” (1:16).

Paul gives more advice on Christian living: How are men and women to behave? In a manner that glorifies Christ. Once more, not to gain salvation, but because our actions show our faith.

Titus is told that the believers in Crete still must follow the rules of the land. Paul again reminds Titus--and us--of the great work that God does, saving us, not because of our works, but because of His unending mercy. Paul says this over and over again, telling Titus to insist on these things, and then to insist that the believers do good works. This goes hand in hand with what James wrote, confirming once again that it is faith and God’s mercy that saves us, but it is our good works that demonstrate our faith to the world.

I’m not sure where Paul was exactly when he wrote this letter. He is on his way back to Rome, back to prison, and then to death. Still, he ends this letter telling Titus to greet all his friends in the faith, and with the common “Grace be with you all.”