AUTHOR: The apostle Paul, according to [Titus 1:1].

THEME: Paul's epistle to Titus deals with instructions to Church leaders. According to the letter that bears his name, Titus was left on the island of Crete (southwest of Asia Minor in the Mediterranean Sea) after he and Paul had evangelized that island. Some time later, Paul wrote the letter to Titus, instructing him to put in order what had not yet been done, namely, the appointment of elders in the various Churches of the island [Titus 1:5]. In that letter, the apostle Paul informs of his plans to send Artemas or Tychicus to replace Titus shortly [Titus 3:12]. Paul begins with a longer-than-usual greeting and introduction, outlining the leadership progression: Paul's ministry [Titus 1:1-3], Titus' responsibilities [Titus 1:4-5], and the leaders who Titus would appoint and train [Titus 1:5]. The apostle then lists pastoral qualifications [Titus 1:6-9] and contrasts faithful elders with false leaders and teachers [Titus 1:10-16]. Then, Paul emphasizes the importance of good works in the life of the Christian, telling Titus how to relate to people of different age groups in the Church [Titus 2:2-6]. He exhorts Titus to be a good example of a mature believer, performing good works, teaching with courage and conviction, being ready to do all that is good, engaging in good works, and practicing good works in order to be productive. .

COMPILATION: Paul's epistle to Titus was written in approximately A.D. 64. and sent probably from Macedonia (perhaps Philippi), about the same time as the first letter to Timothy was written. It consists of 3 chapters and 46 verses.