Titus

Overview – January 2019 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Titus

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” —Titus 3:8 NKJV

Titus, meaning “nurse,” is directed to an individual. But unlike Timothy, its subject is not exactly that of godliness in maintaining the truth in the Church of God. Instead, this letter is about the truth producing godliness and order in the Church. Truth “accords with godliness” (1:1).

Titus had remained in Crete for the purpose of appointing elders in each city. Paul and Barnabas had done such work, as Acts 14:23 shows, and the apostle had delegated authority to Titus to do it (vv.5-9). He may also have delegated such authority to Timothy – though this is not stated – for he wrote to Timothy about the qualifications of an elder or overseer (1 Tim. 3). There is insistence here on godliness if one were to be appointed to such work.

Today there is no one who has authority to make such appointments. However, the saints should easily recognize men who have these qualifications and respect their experience and judgment, apart from any human appointment (1 Th. 5:12-13).

Let us notice the insistence too in this letter on godliness in the various relationships of the saints of God toward one another. Titus was exhorted to be an example to them all. Those who had believed God were to be earnestly encouraged to pay diligent attention to good works. This is not simply refraining from wrongdoing, but engaging in that which is positively beneficial for the sake of others. “Nursing” people along these lines is valuable work.

By Leslie M. Grant

This column is taken from the book: “The Bible, Its 66 Books In Brief.”
It is available for purchase from Believers Bookshelf USA and Believers Bookshelf Canada.