Titus

Paul may have met Titus in Antioch. Some believe the book was written after Paul's first Roman imprisonment. In the book, he gives Titus directions regarding how to choose overseers for the congregations in Crete.

Some scholars think the book isn't by Paul. This belief is based in part on differences in writing style and vocabulary from other books believed to be by Paul. While this sort of analysis can be very helpful, we must be careful not to forget the differences in writing style that occur because of different audiences and also as the preferences and ideas of a writer change over the years.

The book of Titus emphasizes the hope of etarnal life, ie. joy and certainty that come with the quality of living a life committed to Jesus.

Another important theme is grace. Paul describes the badness of the Cretan communities but suggests that some people had become upstanding individuals there.

Sevral verses that piqued our interest:

1:3 Paul views his message as the word of God.

1:7 Overseers in the church need not to be bullies.

2:10 Good behavior is an ornament to good doctrine - it enhances its attractiveness.

4:14 Devotion to good works for urgent needs to not be unproductive.