Faithful on Fridays Blog

Background

In order to benefit from any book of the Bible it’s best to understand the culture of the area and also the character of the people. For the book of Titus we are limited in resources, but there’s much to learn about this man and his ministry from other scriptures and simple geography.

First of all, Titus was Greek, a Gentile, and the Apostle Paul was led by the Spirit to disciple this man as a forerunner for the nations coming to salvation through Jesus. Titus, uncircumcised according to Jewish law, was Paul’s evidence that the nations were not to be put in slavery to Old Testament laws, but to walk in the freedom of Christ (Gal. 2:1-10). Secondly, Titus was already a respected member of the Corinthian Church, mentored by Paul himself, and known for his joyful leadership, refreshing encouragement, and bold truthfulness. He was the man Paul chose to take his letter containing rebuke, correction, and warning to the Corinthians as they slowly veered from heart of the gospel; Titus was the man for the job.

But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy! 2 Corinthians 7:6-7

Paul continued to explain that his first letter was hard to read, but Titus encouraged them to repent and return to the gospel as the heart of their message once again. Paul uses the word ‘parakaleo’ ten times in 2 Corinthians 8 focusing us on Titus, an instrument of the Holy Spirit, called to come alongside them with encouragement, comfort, and strength to continue in their refocused ministry. It seems that Titus’ spiritual gift was used to temper the correction and bring joy from it. 

But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have. Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and see you. 2 Corinthians 8:16-17

I think we’re getting a picture of who Titus was and possibly Paul’s reason for choosing him to go to the island of Crete and set up leadership in the churches that were planted there. Empty pagan gods and temples were everywhere, Greek philosophy who excluded God was rampant, and pleasure-seeking people dominated this island; they were ready for pure truth.

In the special relationship Paul had with Titus we also know there was synergy, the Greek word he chose, since all the apostles had individual missions and ministries, but all came together with one focus: the pure truth of love and forgiveness from Jesus Christ. That synergy remains our message today as we help believers turn from worldly ways back to the gospel.