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Name - This Pastoral Epistle, third in the order of our New Testament, but
second in composition, deals less with the problems of church organization than First Timothy.
Although it contains a good deal that is personal, it is largely official in its character.
Theme- Titus was a Greek converted from rank heathenism under Paul's
ministry. His home was probably in Antioch of Syria, and although he is not mentioned by name
in Acts, he evidently accompanied Paul and Barnabus to the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:2).
Several years later we find Titus acting as a messenger of Paul in carrying the First Epistle to the
Corinthians and in organizing the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem. He was also the
bearer of Second Corinthians, but nothing more is known of him until he joins Paul in a
missionary journey to Crete where he left to continue the work on that island as Paul's apostolic
representative. Paul wrote this Epistle of instructions to guide Titus in his task and to encourage
him in the opposition he would meet from false teachers.
Outline - The purpose of the Epistle is set forth in this simple analysis: I.
Salutation (1:1-4) II. Instructions on Church Organization (1:5-9) III. Directions for Meeting
Cretan Heresies (1:10-16) IV. Regulations for Domestic Relations (2:1-10) V. Provisions for
the True Christian Life (2:11-15) VI. Truths Concerning Christian Citizenship (3:1, 2) VII.
Reasons for Living the Godly Life (3:3-8) VIII. Methods for Dealing with Heretics (3:9-11)
IX. Paul's Personal Plans for the Future and Concluding Greetings (3:12-15)
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