Titus
Titus, one of Paul's Pastoral Epistles, was written to Titus who was one of Paul's gentile converts. Paul had visited Crete on his voyage to Rome (Acts 27:7–21) and again following his first Roman imprisonment, at which time he apparently established several churches. He left Titus behind to oversee those churches (1:5). Though the Cretan believers came out of a very different culture than the Jews, Jewish legalizers were making serious efforts to influence them. Paul wrote this letter to help Titus with that and other church-related issues.[1]
1:1-16: Encouragement to be Faithful
Ø Titus was left in charge of a new church. What did Paul specifically want his to do?
Ø What criteria was Titus to use in selecting elders for the churches?
Ø Are these criteria still applicable for us today?
Ø Why was it important to find qualified men for these positions? Is that still the case today?
Ø According to Paul in this letter, if someone says he is a believer, how can we know for sure?
2:1-15: Teach These Things
Ø Define "sound doctrine".
Ø What is Titus to teach older men? Why is this important?
Ø What is he to teach older women? What is one important ministry for older women?
Ø What is he to teach the younger men? How is he to teach these younger men?
Ø What is Titus to teach slaves? Any application for us?
Ø What does the grace of God teach us?
3:1-15: Do What is Good
Ø What is Titus to remind the people to do?
Ø When the Scriptures speak of "ruler and authorities", it is speaking of a particular form of government. Does our republic form of government fall into that category? How do these verses apply to us?
Ø Notice the list of adjectives Paul uses to describe his former life. Is that something to which you can relate?
Ø What was it that changed Paul and caused him to leave that former life style? Was it anything he did?
Ø What does it mean that "we have become heirs having the hope of eternal life"? Does that apply to us?
Ø How did Paul instruct Titus to deal with divisive people? Is that still true today?
[1] Willmington, H. L. (1997). Willmington's Bible handbook (745). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.
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