Bible Overview Titus
Mike Ervin
Overview of Titus
The book of Titus is one of the Pastoral Epistles, written to provide guidance on church leadership, sound doctrine, and Christian living. Addressed to Titus, a church leader in Crete, the letter instructs him on how to establish order in the church and combat false teachings.
Authorship of Titus
Traditional View
The traditional view holds that the Apostle Paul wrote Titus. The letter begins with:
• Titus 1:1 – “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect…”
Early church fathers such as Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Eusebius affirmed Pauline authorship. The letter aligns with Paul’s other writings in doctrine, style, and themes.
Modern Scholarly View
Many modern scholars question whether Paul personally wrote Titus, arguing that:
1. Differences in Language and Style – The vocabulary and sentence structure differ from Paul’s undisputed letters.
2. Church Organization – The structure of church leadership (elders, bishops) seems more developed than in Paul’s earlier letters.
3. Possible Pseudonymous Writing – Some scholars suggest a follower of Paul may have written it later in his name to preserve his teachings.
Despite these arguments, some scholars still defend Pauline authorship, proposing that Paul used a different scribe or adapted his style based on the audience.
Date of Authorship
Traditional View
If Paul wrote Titus, it was likely composed around 62–66 CE, after his first Roman imprisonment. This would place it during his travels before his final imprisonment and martyrdom.
Modern Scholarly View
Those who dispute Pauline authorship suggest a later date (80–100 CE), believing the letter was written by a disciple of Paul to address church leadership and doctrinal issues in the second-generation church. However, there is no firm evidence against an earlier date.
Main Themes in Titus
1. Church Leadership and Sound Doctrine – Instructions on appointing elders and maintaining biblical teaching.
2. Godly Living and Good Works – Believers are called to live upright lives that reflect Christ’s grace.
3. Opposition to False Teaching – Strong warnings against those who distort the gospel.
4. The Grace of God for Salvation – Emphasis on God’s grace as the foundation of Christian life.
Sequential Summary of Titus
1. Leadership and Church Order (Titus 1)
• Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders in Crete who are above reproach.
• He warns against false teachers and corrupt influences.
2. Christian Living and Teaching (Titus 2)
• Instructions for different groups: older men, older women, younger women, young men, and slaves.
• Emphasis on self-control, integrity, and godliness.
3. The Importance of Good Works (Titus 3)
• Believers are reminded to be obedient, peaceful, and devoted to good works.
• The grace of God is the foundation of salvation, not works.
• Paul warns against divisive people and ends with final greetings.
Conclusion: The Importance of Titus
Titus is a practical guide for:
1. Church Leadership – It provides a model for appointing godly leaders.
2. Christian Conduct – Emphasizes how believers should live out their faith.
3. Grace and Good Works – Teaches that salvation is by grace but should lead to a transformed life.
This letter remains highly relevant for church organization and Christian discipleship today.