Titus: Teach What Accords With Sound Doctrine (I)

Introduction

Neal Pollard

It makes sense to explore Titus before 2 Timothy when studying the “Pastoral Epistles” (see Lehman Learner on 1 Timothy 1:1ff). Truly, Lenski suggests, “First Timothy and this letter to Titus were written, it would seem, on the same day” (888). Both are preachers, but the congregations on Crete are cruder in development than Timothy’s circumstance. 

We meet Titus in other of Paul’s epistles, especially 2 Corinthians. He is also mentioned in Galatians, and he will be mentioned again at the end of Paul’s presumably last letter, 2 Timothy. We learn that he was a Greek, and unlike Timothy (Acts 16:3), he was not compelled to be circumcised so the Judaisers would not use that action to further their false teaching that keeping the Old Law was an essential of the gospel of Christ (Gal. 2:3-4). Titus was a traveling companion of Paul’s (Gal. 2:1). Paul considered his presence a comfort (2 Cor. 7:6), such that Paul despaired when he did not find him in Troas (2 Cor. 2:13). Titus was a spiritual-minded man, deriving joy from Christian fellowship (2 Cor. 7:13). Another important fact we learn about Titus from 2 Corinthians, which bears on Titus, is that Paul considered him competent to carry out important, if difficult, assignments (2 Cor. 8:6ff). He was a man of integrity (2 Cor. 12:18). 

Paul calls Titus his “partner” and “fellow worker” (2 Cor. 8:23). He is his “true child in the common faith” (Ti. 1:4). He is his “brother” (2 Cor. 2:13). 

Working through this brief letter (three chapters), we encounter faith/believe 12 times, work (9), save (8), teach (7), good (KALOS)(6), good (AGATHOS)(5), love (6), godly (5), and sound (5). Interestingly, the word for love is “brotherly love” rather than the sacrificial, agape love. As we explore the letter, it seems that the heart of this letter is in the heart of this letter. Paul’s admonition is, “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine” (2:1). Not surprisingly, that healthy teaching will involve good works, loving brethren, and the great salvation of our Savior. Let us walk through this letter and see how that unfolds.