Who Was Titus in the Bible?
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Who was Titus in the Bible? Titus is a significant figure in the New Testament, particularly known for his close association with the Apostle Paul. His story and role in the early church offers profound insights into leadership, mentorship, and the integration of diverse cultural backgrounds within the faith.
Let’s explore who Titus was, his background, his involvement in the scriptures, particularly the letter to Titus, and the lessons we can learn from the letter bearing his name.
Be sure to download your free Titus Bible Study & Reflection Questions at the end of the post!
Who Was Titus in the Bible?
Background and Identity
Titus was a Gentile, likely of Greek descent. This is evident from Paul’s writings, specifically in Galatians 2:3, where Titus is mentioned as an uncircumcised Greek who accompanied Paul to Jerusalem.
“Yet not even Titus who was with me, a Greek, was forced to be circumcised.”
Galatians 2:3 TLV
This detail highlights the inclusive nature of the early community of faith, breaking down ethnic barriers and extending the gospel to non-Jews. Titus’s Gentile background made him an ideal figure in Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles, demonstrating the universality of the message of Yeshua (Jesus in Hebrew).
Titus in the Scriptures
Titus appears in several key places in the New Testament, each highlighting different aspects of his ministry and his relationship with Paul.
In Galatians 2:1-2, Titus is brought to Jerusalem, underscoring his role in the early community’s discussions on the inclusion of Gentile believers:
“Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus with me. 2 Because of a revelation, I went up and presented to them the Good News that I proclaim among the Gentiles. But I did so privately to those who seemed to be influential, to make sure I would not run—or had not run—in vain.”
TLV
Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians frequently mention Titus, depicting him as a trusted companion and effective problem-solver within the Corinthian church. Paul’s deep affection and confidence in Titus are demonstrated clearly in passages like 2 Corinthians 2:13, 7:6, and 8:6, where Titus is praised for his dedication and reliability.
“I had no rest in my spirit, because I didn’t find Titus my brother. So I said farewell to them, and I set out for Macedonia.”
2 Corinthians 2:13 TLV
However, the most detailed account of Titus’s role and responsibilities is found in the epistle that bears his name. This letter provides instructions and guidance for Titus, who had been left in Crete to organize the church and appoint elders. The letter highlights Titus’s leadership qualities, Paul’s trust in him, and his significant role in establishing order and doctrine within the community (this is going to be a recurring theme as it was highly important to Paul).
The Letter to Titus
The Epistle to Titus is known as one of Paul’s Pastoral Epistles, offering valuable insights into early church leadership and sound teaching. Paul’s instructions to Titus include appointing elders in every town, ensuring they meet specific moral and spiritual qualifications.
“The reason I left you in Crete was so that you would set in order the things that remain and appoint elders in every city as I directed you – 6 if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children of faith with no charge of wild living or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be blameless as God’s administrator—not arrogant, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain.
titus 1:5-7 TLV
The term Episkopos (ἐπίσκοπος), translated as “overseer” or “bishop,” refers to these community leaders. This term emphasizes the oversight and leadership responsibilities entrusted to these individuals.
Paul also instructs Titus to encourage older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and slaves (in 1st century Roman culture), to live godly lives, with each group receiving specific instructions on how to embody virtues aligned with the teachings of Yeshua (Titus 2:1-10).
The Greek term Didaskalia (διδασκαλία), meaning “teaching” or “doctrine,” drives home the importance of sound instruction in the community. Paul’s advice demonstrates the importance of ethical living as a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.
Another central theme in the letter is the connection between sound instruction and good works. Paul repeatedly stresses that believers should be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14) and ready to do whatever is good (Titus 3:1).
“Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,”
Titus 3:1 TLV
The Greek term Agathos (ἀγαθός), translated as “good,” frequently appears in Titus to describe good works and deeds, highlighting the ethical and moral expectations of believers. This integration of faith and practice reflects the holistic nature of the life of a Yeshua-follower, where beliefs and actions are inherently connected.
Lessons from Titus
Titus’s life and ministry offer several valuable lessons for contemporary followers of Jesus. First, his faithfulness and reliability in ministry are exemplary. Paul’s trust in Titus to handle delicate situations and to establish leadership illustrates Titus’s commitment and integrity.
As I stated earlier, his role as a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers also highlights the inclusive nature of the gospel and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers.
Also, the qualifications for elders outlined in Titus provide timeless principles for leadership within the church. The emphasis on being blameless, hospitable, self-controlled, and disciplined highlights the importance of character over charisma. Titus teaches us that true leadership in the community of Yeshua is marked by these qualities.
Paul’s encouragement to ensure sound teaching and to live out the faith through good works challenges believers to integrate their beliefs with their daily actions, highlighting that following Yeshua involves both right belief and right living.
The Titus 2 Ministry
The Titus 2 Ministry, inspired by the instructions in Titus chapter 2, focuses on mentoring and discipleship, particularly among women. This ministry encourages older women to mentor younger women in their faith and daily lives, promoting, again, godly behavior and sound doctrine. Paul’s encouragement in Titus 2:3-5 serves as a foundational text for this ministry.
The Titus 2 Ministry aims to build relationships where older women guide and support younger women, helping them to live out their faith in practical ways. This includes teaching biblical principles, offering encouragement, and modeling godly behavior. By fostering these mentoring relationships, the Titus 2 Ministry seeks to strengthen the faith and character of women within the faith community.
Key Teachings in Paul’s Letter to Titus
Paul’s letter to Titus is rich with guidance for establishing and maintaining order within the community of faith. Here are some key areas of focus and the teachings Paul passes on:
1. Qualifications for Elders (Titus 1:5-9): Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders in every town, ensuring they meet specific moral and spiritual qualifications. These include being blameless, faithful to their spouse, having faithful children, not being overbearing or quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, and not pursuing dishonest gain. Elders must be hospitable, lovers of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
2. Dealing with False Teachers (Titus 1:10-16): Paul warns Titus about rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception. He advises Titus to rebuke them sharply to restore them to sound faith. Paul emphasizes that such people claim to know God but by their actions deny Him, showing themselves unfit for any good work.
3. Teaching Sound Doctrine (Titus 2:1-10): Paul outlines specific instructions for various groups within the church:
- Older men are to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and endurance.
- Older women are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, and to teach what is good.
- Younger women are to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind, and submitting to their husbands (THAT should get some people riled up!).
- Younger men are to be self-controlled and to set an example by doing what is good.
- Slaves are to be subject to their masters in everything, showing that they can be fully trusted.
4. Living a Godly Life (Titus 2:11-14): Paul emphasizes that the grace of God teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. He reminds Titus that Yeshua gave Himself to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.
5. Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel (Titus 3:1-8): Paul instructs believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready to do whatever is good. They should slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle toward everyone. Paul stresses that believers were once foolish and disobedient but have been saved through the mercy of God, not because of righteous things they had done but because of His mercy.
6. Avoiding Divisive People (Titus 3:9-11): Paul advises Titus to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, and arguments and quarrels about the law because they are unprofitable and useless (advice we could use today!). He instructs Titus to warn a divisive person once and then a second time, after which they should have nothing to do with them, recognizing that such a person is “twisted and sinning.”
Lessons We Can Learn Today
1. Importance of Godly Leadership: Paul’s detailed qualifications for elders emphasize the importance of character and integrity in leadership. Today, this teaches us that leaders in the faith community should be chosen based on their godliness, wisdom, and ability to lead by example, rather than just their charisma or abilities.
2. Dealing with False Teachings: Paul’s instructions on handling false teachers remind us of the need for vigilance in maintaining doctrinal integrity. We should be discerning and ready to address teachings and behaviors that contradict the truth of the gospel. That does say the truth of the GOSPEL, not just because they have a different opinion than you do! These days some people do think their opinions are gospel truth! We have to remain teachable and discerning at the same time.
3. Role of Mentorship: Paul’s guidance on how older men and women should teach and mentor the younger generation highlights the value of discipleship and mentorship within the community. It encourages us to build relationships that foster spiritual growth and maturity.
4. Living a Godly Life: The exhortation to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives is timeless. It calls us to reflect the character of Yeshua in our daily lives, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s grace through our actions.
5. Doing Good Works: Paul’s emphasis on being ready to do good and to be peaceable and considerate teaches us the importance of good works as a testimony to our faith. Our actions should reflect our beliefs, showing love and kindness to all people.
6. Maintaining Unity: Paul’s advice to avoid foolish controversies and divisive people highlights the importance of unity within the church. We should always look to maintain peace and harmony, focusing on what builds up the community rather than what tears it down.
By applying these lessons from Paul’s letter to Titus, we can build a strong, vibrant, and faithful community of Jesus followers, committed to godly living, and the transformative power of good works.
My Final Thoughts on Titus
Titus’s life and ministry provide a profound example of faithful service, cross-cultural ministry, and the integration of doctrine and practice. The Epistle to Titus remains a foundational text for understanding leadership, sound teaching, and practical godliness within the church.
Titus’s example continues to inspire and challenge believers to live out their faith with integrity and dedication, bridging cultural divides and embodying the transformative power of the gospel message. Whether in pastoral leadership, mentoring, or everyday life as a believer, the lessons from Titus remain relevant and vital for the community today.
Be sure to download your free Titus Bible Study & Reflection Questions below!
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.