FocusTruth that accords with godliness
Connection to the wholeThe opening presents Paul's service and the hope of eternal life before addressing Titus as a true son in the common faith.
interpretation Titus 1:2
KJVIn hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Read it in context
Greeting and commission's foundation
Start reading at Titus 1:1 (Titus 1:1 to Titus 1:4).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The opening presents Paul's service and the hope of eternal life before addressing Titus as a true son in the common faith.
- 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
- 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
- 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
- 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter. Biblical references: Titus 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Titus 1:1–1:16): Paul addresses Titus, left in Crete to appoint elders and confront harmful teaching. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Titus, Paul's own son after the common faith, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. Biblical references: Titus 1:4; Titus 1:5. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Greeting and commission's foundation. Read Titus 1:1 through Titus 1:4 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The opening presents Paul's service and the hope of eternal life before addressing Titus as a true son in the common faith. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul recalls leaving Titus in Crete to set matters in order and appoint elders. The letter does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Crete is the location of Titus' stated assignment; Nicopolis appears in Paul's plan to winter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Greeting and commission's foundation (Titus 1:1 to Titus 1:4). Start reading at Titus 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The saving grace of God is presented as teaching a changed life while believers look for the blessed hope. Christ's giving of Himself is connected with a people zealous of good works. See Titus 1:5, Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Let sound teaching produce responsible conduct and good works. Grace should be read with the letter's call to deny ungodliness rather than used to excuse it. interpretation
Cited: Titus 1:1, Titus 1:4, Titus 1:5, Titus 2:11, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:14
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Titus 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedGrouped with the other Pastorals in the critical discussion above.
Related passages
- hope Titus 2:7,13 Titus 3:7 John 5:39 John 6:68 Rom 2:7 Rom 5:2,4 Col 1:27 1 Thess 5:8
- eternal Matt 25:46 Mark 10:17,30 John 3:15-16 John 6:54 John 10:28 John 17:2 Rom 5:21 Rom 6:23
- God Num 23:19 1 Sam 15:29 1 Thess 2:15 2 Tim 2:15 Heb 6:17-18
- promised 2 Tim 1:1,9 Rev 17:8
- before Prov 8:23-31 Matt 25:34 John 17:24 Acts 15:18 Rom 16:25 1 Pet 1:20-23 Rev 13:8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Titus 1
Paul writes to Titus, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. The letter joins sound teaching with trustworthy leadership and good works, grounding holy conduct in God's saving grace.
Titus 1:1 Titus 1:4 Titus 1:5 Titus 2:11
Elders appointed
Titus 1:5–9FocusCharacter and sound doctrine
Connection to the wholeThe qualifications connect responsible personal conduct with the ability to teach and answer those who contradict sound doctrine.
interpretation False teachers confronted
Titus 1:10–16FocusWords denied by works
Connection to the wholePaul describes the disruption and corrupt conduct that make firm correction necessary in the churches.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Titus
Paul writes to Titus, left in Crete to set things in order and appoint elders. The letter joins sound teaching with trustworthy leadership and good works, grounding holy conduct in God's saving grace.
Titus 1:1 Titus 1:4 Titus 1:5 Titus 2:11
FocusElders and contrary teachers
Connection to the wholePaul's opening commission moves into leadership qualifications and the need to confront teaching whose conduct denies its claims.
interpretation Teach fitting conduct
Titus 2:1–15FocusGrace trains a holy people
Connection to the wholeInstructions for differing groups are grounded in the grace of God that teaches denial of ungodliness and zealous good works.
interpretation Life before others
Titus 3:1–15FocusMercy, renewal, and profitable works
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter grounds peaceful public conduct in God's mercy and directs believers away from unprofitable disputes toward good works.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.