Pauline Epistles · New Testament
The Book of Titus
Titus instructs Paul's co-worker on how to organize the church in Crete, establish qualified elders, and promote sound doctrine that produces godly living.
- Chapters
- 3
- Testament
- New
- Category
- Pauline Epistles
- Traditional Author
- Traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul
Overview
Paul writes to Titus, whom he left on the island of Crete to set in order what was lacking and to appoint elders in every city. The letter provides qualifications for elders, instructions for various groups within the church — older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and servants — and a summary of the gospel of grace. Paul teaches that the grace of God that brings salvation also teaches believers to deny ungodliness and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Key Themes
- Qualifications for church elders
- Sound doctrine that produces godly living
- The grace of God as the basis for salvation and holy conduct
- Good works as the fruit of faith
Key Verses
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age"
Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV)
"not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit"
Titus 3:5 (NKJV)
How It Applies Today
Titus teaches that the same grace that saves also transforms the way believers live, training them to reject ungodliness and pursue righteousness. The letter emphasizes that good works are not the basis of salvation but the natural result of it. Paul's instructions for church leadership set a standard of character and conduct that applies to every congregation.