Subject: study |
Bible Note: Titus The substance of this letter is behavior. This is a demonstration by example of what James says so much about in his letter, that faith will have works. This first chapter teaches how our behavior shows our character, and in so doing, shows how we are most likely to behave in the future. Behavior and character can be thought of as identical twins - they always look like each other. In the second chapter, good behavior incites good behavior. This is the nuts and bolts of the church edifying each other. In chapter three, behavior divides between the church and the world, and they must be divided! Faith without works is dead! Chapter One can be divided as follows: Verses 1 through 5 form Paul's introduction, his 'credentials', if you will (although Titus knew Paul well), and Paul's purpose for writing. Verses 6-9 speak of the characteristics of an elder or bishop. Verses 10-16 describe the ungodly, and show a godly response to them. 1 Paul, a servant of God, This describes Paul's view of his relationship with God. and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, Robertson's NT Word Pictures: According to the faith of God's elect (kata pistin eklektĂ´n theou). Here kata expresses the aim of Paul's apostleship and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began (before times eternal); Paul's apostleship is for the benefit of the faith of God's elect. His apostleship is to acknowledge the truth which comes from godliness. His apostleship is built upon the hope of eternal life. God, Who cannot lie (Nu 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie;) promised eternal life before the world began - to Whom??? This is literally "pro kronwn aiwnion" before times eternal, or of the ages. Many commentators and translations say this actually means "before dispensational times" i.e. "the giving of the Law." Both the Received Text and the Critical Text contain this wording. 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; When the times were right according to God, He manifested His Word through preaching. By commandment, God committed His word to Paul, to be preached. Hebrews tells us tha in these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son. Now, preaching about the Son is ordained. 4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. For all the times Paul opens his letters with 'grace and peace', when he writes to Timothy and to Titus (his 'pastoral letters') he adds mercy. James 3:1 "Many teachers become not, my brethren, having known that greater judgment we shall receive," - perhaps he is thinking of this? And so I will add to all of you who teach God's Word - Mercy! 5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: Paul had 'appointed' Titus a task. He is now writing to Titus basically to remind him of his instructions, and no doubt reinforcing all that he had told him. Consider Paul's letters, filled with instructions in great detail, and imagine being on an ocean journey with Paul, as he was planning on leaving you on this island to troubleshoot the various congregations, and appoint elders. I have every expectation there would have been night and day instruction. The terms bishop and elder are used interchangably in the New Testament. Here, Paul is essentially saying, "choose elders if any be blameless, because a bishop must be blameless". Bishop, episkopon, is simply, overseer. An elder, presbuteros, is one who is older. Paul's Credentials and Introduction Love in Christ, Mark |