Introduction to Titus.

Titus is is right next to Philemon in the bible. It looks relatively short and easy. Let's try it next. You can read about Paul's letter to Titus here. The letter to Titus is a so-called pastoral letter, because it addresses the structure and function of leadership in the early churches. Many modern scholars believe the pastoral letters of Paul to be pseudopigraphical, or fakes.

Titus is mentioned in Galatians and 2 Corinthians, but not in Acts. In Galatians 2:1-3, Titus is one of Paul's companions in a Journey to Jerusalem after a fourteen year absence. Paul describes him as an uncircumcised Greek.

In 2 Corintians 2:13, Paul says he couldn't find Titus in Troas. In spite of the lord "opening a door" for him to preach the gospel, Paul had no peace of mind. (Tut, tut) He left there to go to Macedonia, where he found a happy Titus who had been treated well by the Corinthians.(7:13-15) Titus appears to be instrumental in collecting some kind of benevolence from the Macedonians for the Corinthians. In 8:16-23, Paul says that he is sending Titus to the Corinthians, along with another "brother" who appears to be a kind of treasurer or safeguard for the money that was collected. Paul calls Titus his partner and fellow worker. Strangely, 2 Corinthians 12:18 speaks of Titus as though he and the other brother have already been to Corinth, in contrast to chapter eight where Paul is in the process of sending him.

The letter begins with a lengthy, almost boastful introduction from Paul. It is to Titus, whom Paul calls "my true son in our common faith." Titus appears to be in Crete, having been left there by Paul. This journey is not mentioned in the book of Acts. Titus's job was to "straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town. I find it interesting, and kind of unbelievable, that there were churches in every town in Crete, an island with an area of over 3,000 sq. miles. Not to mention, Would the people of every town in Crete  have actually let Titus decide for them who their elders would be? Did Titus have help?

More to come.