Commentary on the Epistle to Titus: Dr. Mal Couch

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Background and Purpose of Titus

It is impossible to discern Paul’s exact itinerary with 100% certainty after he was let go from his first Roman incarceration. He names places that he has visited, but about a dozen routes fit the facts. “It is not a problem of conflicting data, but of insufficient data.”9 Some of the locations listed include Ephesus , the island of Crete , Nicopolis , Troas , Miletus , Corinth , and of course Rome . He also set foot in Spain somewhere along his travels.

Even though there is some overlap in Paul’s purposes for writing each letter, it is helpful to examine them one book at a time. The factors that motivated the apostle to pen 1 Timothy fall into two classes. His first concern was Timothy’s personal well-being. Functioning as Paul’s representative, Timothy was left in Ephesus to oversee the churches there . The presence of aggressive false teachers made his ministry all the more treacherous. Paul had confronted these would-be “teachers of the Law” but he was expecting more trouble from them .10 He was not able to return from Macedonia as quickly as he thought and therefore sent this letter to his associate to encourage him in the faith. He exhorted Timothy to rebuke them despite his youth . The letter itself would help Timothy because it would be tangible proof Paul had bestowed his apostolic authority on him.11 The great missionary even dispensed medical advice !

2 Timothy is as personal as 1 Timothy is pastoral. Very little in 2 Timothy has to do with church policies and politics. In all likelihood Timothy knew Paul was dead, or close to death, by the time he received this letter. It must have stirred his heart deeply, as it has many other Christian workers.12

Titus’ circumstances are nearly identical to those of Timothy. It seems Paul and Titus had traveled to Crete, a Mediterranean island south of Greece, sometime before the letter was written. When Paul departed to other fields of ministry, Titus stayed to “set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city, as I [Paul] directed you” . It was Titus’ task to finish the work of organizing the Cretan churches. There is no record as to how and when the church was begun. Perhaps some present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost went back and witnessed to their friends and family .

A handful of clues within the text gives the reader an idea as to the conditions on the island. The people did not take kindly to the apostle’s “substitute,” or at least to his teaching, as 2:15 suggests: “Let no one disregard you.” The imposters would expend much of their energy on minor matters, and not focus on the more significant aspects of the Law . The body of Christ was not being edified but was confused and upset . Titus was not to tolerate them but to muzzle them . He was therefore instructed to name godly elders, set an example of moral living , and make sure only sound doctrine was taught . It is the opinion of many that this is some of the most beautifully written theology to come from Paul’s hand.

This letter would bestow more authority on Titus, and impart some information to him such as Paul’s desire to meet him in Nicopolis in addition to the matters already noted. The apostle’s compassionate encouragement assisted Titus in carrying out his heavy responsibilities.