Titus 1:1-16
An introduction to this epistle to Titus from Kregel's King James Version Companion Bible:
The apostle Paul had no more highly esteemed fellow laborer than Titus, yet his name is not mentioned in the Acts. It has been suggested that this is owing to his being the authority to whom Luke is indebted for various portions of the book. A Gentile (Gal.2) and possibly a native of Crete, the words "Titus, mine own son after the common faith" (Tit. 1) indicate that he was led to the truth by Paul himself. The two were companions in Antioch prior to the Council assembled at Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 15, for to this Council he accompanied the apostle (Gal 2). Titus is repeatedly referred to in the two Epistles to the Corinthians, to which church he was apparently sent on two occasions. From this epistle we learn that after Paul's release from the Roman prison, the two journeyed together and preached in Crete, where the apostle left him to "set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city". Later, he was instructed to join Paul at Nicopolis, and it is probable that from there he went to Dalatia. The apostle's affectionate regard for him is shown in 2 Cor. 2. The Epistle was one of the latest written by Paul, probably in the end of A.D. 67.
1:1-3 By now we are lovingly familiar with Paul's spiritual character and letter-writing. First and foremost Paul proclaims himself a servant of God, a student of the philosophy of compassion Jesus manifested in the earth. He proclaims his belief in these faithful truths; he proclaims his dedication to God's children through preaching.
1:4 This epistle is written to Titus who Paul reveals to us is a beloved and studious child of God. With a pray for grace, mercy and peace he begins this letter first written to Timothy but now belonging to us.
1:5 Paul appointed Timothy as a preacher in Crete because Paul trusted Timothy's dedication to this faith. Timothy's job in Crete was to assign other authentic, compassion teachers of this faith to places where their guidance would be helpful. God ensures that each of His children who request His presence in their life receive and feel that presence at all times. God has fellow-workers and messengers place throughout the earth to be there for you as soon as you ask.
1:6 Paul's advice to Timothy in choosing preachers is to find humans who are honest and kind, and who care compassionately for their family. Humans whose children are gentle and precocious (living examples of present, patient, and attentive parents).
1:7 In describing to Timothy the qualities which enabled a person to be capable and worthy of teaching this philosophy, Paul describes to us the type of people we should work to be (by listing the type of qualities we should not have). We should be work to be:
- Blameless: If we walk through life always acting only on our good-intention, we render ourselves innocent. Although we are fallible manifestations of life, when we do our best in every moment, we are blameless.
- Humble: The purpose and motivation of our lives should be to create a more joyful, just world for all of humanity. When we focus too heavily on just ourselves, we love sight of the core values of this faith.
- Serene and Patient: Our best chance at navigating life with both logic and compassion is to not react explosively to unforeseen or undesirable circumstances. When we fill our heads with anger and chaos we miss opportunities, chances of fixing our problems or escaping tribulation. We deprive ourselves of perspective when we are quick-tempered. Having perspective is essential in today's world, one must be able to think beyond themselves in order to fully understand circumstances (and thus deal with them appropriately).
- Sober: Value the beautiful, capable, miracle of a brain our creator has given. Not only does our brain expertly operate our own complex bodies but it also works tirelessly to help us operate through a complex life. Allow your brain to do its best job, unencumbered by unnatural influences. Let your brain be.
- Gentle: Although anger tries to persuade us differently, violence does not solve problems. Logic solves problems and logic works best under gentle conditions.
- Do Not Be Avaricious: A life focused on procuring material wealth is a life wasted. Contentment and happiness cannot be bought with money. What we should value is our interaction with other manifestations of life: nature, animals, humanity.
1:8
- Hospitable: Be a home for others, literally if you can and they require it but also figuratively. You are a vessel through which God's love and compassion can enter the world and the lives of others.
- Good: Do not be cruel. You have the blessed opportunity to Light this earth. Promote, support, create, defend, allow good in all of its forms to abound in the earth.
- Sober-minded + Self Controlled: Do not allow yourself to be ruled by the ideas of another person or by your emotions. Be able to think clearly and independently, uninfluenced by potentially-corrupted external factors.
- Just: Be fair and be honest. In this frequently disparate world, humanity requires all of the justice it can get. Be fair in your life, in your expressions, actions and interactions with others.
- Holy: Do not taint yourself with evil and its qualities of vengeance and greed, impatience and violence. Do not contribute to the detriment of the world.
1:9
- Faithful: Passionately maintain your relationship with Spirituality. Our God, our creator is your comfort, your guide, your source of wisdom and ability to discern. He is your pillar and protector. Your faith is your lifeline with the energy that can wisely propel you through the circumstances of your life with peace, justice and clarity.
1:10-14 An important ability for the preacher and for any individual is to be wary of evil, hypocrites, deceivers, and gossipers. There are corrupt people here (even within religious institutions) who do things for the sake of their own dishonest gain.
1:15-16 Children of God look for and find Light and goodness in any circumstance. However, disrespectful people, unkind people, unjust people respect nothing (not even themselves). They use people and manipulate circumstances for their own selfish benefit. Not only does Paul implore us not to be that type of person but he also encourages us to be vigilant of those types of people (so that they can never cleverly lead us astray).
