Titus was an important figure in the early Christian church. He was a close associate of the apostle Paul and is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament books. Here is an overview of what the Bible reveals about Titus:
Titus’ Background
The Bible does not provide any details about Titus’ family, birthplace, or early life before meeting Paul. It is likely that he was a Greek Gentile convert to Christianity based on allusions in Galatians 2:3 and 2 Corinthians 8:23. Titus was an uncircumcised Greek, while Timothy was circumcised since his mother was Jewish (Acts 16:1-3).
Titus and Paul’s Ministry
Paul refers to Titus as “my true child in a common faith” (Titus 1:4), implying he led Titus to faith in Christ. Titus accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem for the Council of Jerusalem around 49 AD (Galatians 2:1). The council decided whether Gentile converts needed to follow the Mosaic law. Paul circumcised Timothy but refused to circumcise Titus, highlighting that circumcision was not necessary for salvation (Galatians 2:3).
Later, Paul sent Titus to Corinth on a mission. Titus was successful in promoting the collection for the Christians in Jerusalem and resolving issues within the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 7:6-7, 13-15). Afterward, Paul sent Titus to Dalmatia (2 Timothy 4:10). These passages showcase Titus as a trusted associate whom Paul relied on to strengthen the early churches.
Titus’ Ministry on Crete
One of Titus’ most significant ministries was on the island of Crete. As Paul wrote, “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you” (Titus 1:5). Titus appointed leaders and helped organize the Cretan churches.
The New Testament book of Titus provides instructions from Paul to Titus for appointing elders, combating false teachers, and instructing various groups in the Cretan churches. Titus 1:12 quotes a Cretan prophet who says, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This suggests Titus faced challenges with false teachings and sinful lifestyles among believers on Crete.
What the Book of Titus Teaches
The three chapters of Titus provide valuable instructions about the qualifications for church leaders, handling false teachers, and living the Christian life. Key themes include:
- Qualifications for elders and overseers (Titus 1:5-9)
- Avoiding Jewish myths and man-made commands (Titus 1:14)
- Sound doctrine and good works (Titus 2:1,7)
- Submission to authorities (Titus 3:1)
- Salvation by grace (Titus 3:5-7)
- Avoiding division (Titus 3:9-11)
Paul emphasized to Titus the importance of appointing qualified leaders, sticking to sound doctrine, avoiding false teachings, and training believers in godly living.
Titus’ Character and Contribution
Though few biographical details are provided, the references to Titus showcase his important contributions to early Christianity. Several key insights emerge about his character and ministry:
- Trusted by Paul – He accompanied Paul on important trips and was assigned weighty responsibilities.
- Capable leader – He successfully built up the Corinthian and Cretan churches.
- Uncircumcised Greek – He helped prove Gentile converts did not need circumcision.
- Combated false teaching – He taught sound doctrine and opposed Jewish myths in Crete.
- Appointed leaders – He established church leadership across Crete.
While less well-known than Timothy or Luke, Titus played a vital role in strengthening the early church and spreading the gospel across the Roman Empire.
Key Passages About Titus
Here are some of the most insightful verses in the Bible about Titus and his ministry (all ESV):
But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. (Galatians 2:3)
And from Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God. (Acts 2:9-11)
But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. (2 Corinthians 8:16-17)
To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. (Titus 1:4)
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— (Titus 1:5)
These key passages reveal how Titus assisted Paul, demonstrated great earnestness in ministry, received instructions for organizing the Cretan churches, and was regarded as Paul’s “true child in the faith.”
Titus in Tradition and Legend
There are various later traditions about Titus that are not directly supported by Scripture. Here are a few noteworthy ones:
- He is sometimes identified as the unnamed “brother” referred to in 2 Corinthians 2:13 and 7:6-15.
- Jerome claimed Titus was Paul’s interpreter.
- Other traditions say he died in his 90s as the Bishop of Crete.
- The Catholic Church honors him as St. Titus and assigns January 4th as his feast day.
- The Eastern Orthodox Church claims his relics were moved to Constantinople in the 8th century.
While interesting, these traditions may embellish or misinterpret what Scripture says about Titus. The biblical references should be considered the definitive historical record about his identity and ministry.
Titus’ Significance for the Church Today
The New Testament teachings about Titus remain highly relevant for Christians today. Titus provides an example of:
- The importance of discipleship – He was mentored by Paul.
- Effective delegation – Paul entrusted him with significant responsibilities.
- Cross-cultural ministry – He worked across Jewish and Greek cultures.
- The ministry of reconciliation – He helped resolve conflicts in Corinth.
- The value of teamwork – He partnered closely with Paul.
Titus reminds us that church leaders should be above reproach, exercise discernment when appointing elders, and teach sound doctrine while refuting error. Like Titus, we play a role in spreading the gospel, strengthening the church, and defending the faith once for all entrusted to God’s people (Jude 1:3).
Titus may not have penned any New Testament books, but he played a vital part in establishing key churches and passing on apostolic teachings. His service behind the scenes helped lay a solid foundation for Christianity in the early church era.
