Paul gave Titus advice in his responsibility of supervising the churches on the island of Crete. Paul sent Titus to organise and oversee the churches on Crete. This letter tells Titus how to do this job. Key verse: “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” Titus is very similar to 1 Timothy with it’s instructions to church leaders.
Paul calls for church order and right living on an island known for laziness, gluttony, lying and evil. The Christians are to be self-disciplined as individuals, and they must be orderly as people who form one body, the church. We need to obey this message in our day when discipline is not respected or rewarded by our society. Although others may not appreciate our efforts, we must live upright lives, obey the government and control our speech. We should live together peacefully in the church and be living examples of our faith to contemporary society.
Summary:
1. Titus is reminded of the kind of character that church leaders should have, especially in view of the bad character of many Cretans.
2. Titus is advised how to teach the various groups in the church (older men, older women who are to teach younger women), young women and the slaves.
3. Paul gives Titus advice regarding Christian conduct, especially the need to be peaceful and friendly and to avoid hatred, argument, and division in the church.
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