Tituschapter 1

16 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 326 cross-references outward and receives 388 — heaviest partner: 1 Timothy.

Chapter summary

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, to Titus, mine own son after the common faith. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city. A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God. There are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers; their mouths must be stopped. The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies — this witness is true. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him. Henry reads the chapter as elder qualification under cultural pressure.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the Titus overview for the book's full setting.

1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal;

3 but in his own seasons manifested his word in the message, wherewith I was intrusted according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

4 to Titus, my true child after a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;

6 if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.

7 For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;

8 but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;

9 holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.