Titus
About this date: Dates are broad scholarly estimates of composition or final editing, not dates of the events narrated. Traditional attributions and scholarly assessments can differ.
Titus is addressed about appointing elders, teaching households, and doing good works in Crete. The letter presents itself as Pauline; its authorship and setting are debated. Its instructions speak to an imagined or actual community context and should be read alongside the letter's emphasis on grace.
Key points
- Leadership qualifications are joined to a concern for trustworthy teaching.
- The household instructions reflect an ancient social setting and require careful interpretation today.
- The closing theological statement connects salvation by mercy with a life of good works.
Scripture
- Titus 1:1-16 — The opening charges Titus to appoint elders and confront harmful teaching.
- Titus 2:1-15 — Instructions for groups in the community lead to a statement about grace.
- Titus 3:1-11 — Mercy, renewal, good works, and avoidance of divisive quarrels appear together.
Primary sources
Titus 2:11 states:
The household instructions lead into a statement about saving grace; the next verse describes the conduct that grace teaches.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
Passage context and translation
Instructions for groups in the community lead to a statement about grace.
Before the excerpt
not stealing, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.
After the excerpt
instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;