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Titus 1

16 verses

TL;DR

Paul commissions Titus to organize the church in Crete and outlines the qualifications for leaders while warning against false teachers.

Summary

In Titus 1 Paul introduces himself as a servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the faith of the elect and the truth that leads to godliness. He recounts how God promised eternal life before the world began and how His word has been preached through Paul. Paul gives Titus a solemn assignment to set order among the churches in Crete, appointing elders and defining the standards they must meet. Elders must be blameless, faithful, and possess a range of virtues—sobriety, hospitality, and sound doctrine—while avoiding selfishness, drunkenness, and greed. The chapter also addresses the danger of unruly, deceitful speakers, especially those of the circumcision, and warns against false prophets who distort truth for profit.

Outline
  1. Paul’s credentials and the promise of eternal life
  2. Paul’s commissioning of Titus to organize and appoint church elders
  3. Standards for church leaders and warnings against false teachers
Themes
Authority and responsibility in church leadershipIntegrity and moral conduct of leadersGuarding against false teaching and deceit
Keywords
faithtruthgodlinesseternal lifebishopelderhospitalitysound doctrinecircumcisionfilthy lucreunrulydeceiversprophet
People
PaulTitus
Places
Crete
Things
eternal lifefaithtruthword of Godeldersbishophospitalitysound doctrinecircumcisionfilthy lucre
Key Verses
  • Titus 1:7: Defines essential qualities of a church bishop.
  • Titus 1:8: Expands on the virtues required of church leaders.
  • Titus 1:16: Highlights the threat of false teachers and the rejection of genuine faith.
Questions
  • What practical steps can church leaders take to embody the virtues described in this chapter?
  • How does the warning against false teachers inform contemporary faith communities?
  • In what ways can believers guard against deceitful influences while maintaining their integrity?
Sentiment

neutral
The text is primarily instructional, with an admonishing tone but no overtly emotional content.