TITUS
It was written to Titus, minister of the elect of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.
Even though the name of Titus is not mentioned in the book of Acts, we learn from the epistle to the Galatians that he was associated with Paul very early in Paul's missionary work, and actually went with him to Jerusalem.
In theme, this short epistle resembles the first letter to Timothy, for Titus was apparently in charge of the assembly in Crete, as Timothy was at Ephesus.
The island of Crete in the Mediterranean was notorious for immorality, and it has been said that this letter to Titus is a 'condensed code of instruction for the assembly in doctrine, morals and discipline' of which Titus himself was to be a personal example.
Titus was Greek. An Israelite of the dispersed Nations of Israel.
The original ancient Greek manuscripts will be used often.
The letter is meant to be a continuous read.
Salutation
Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus (Yahshua) Christ, according to (with) the faith (belief) of God's elect (chosen ones), and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness (reverence);
God's 'elect' (chosen ones) are the children of the seed of Abraham through Jacob.
1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world (times of the ages) began; (Rom 16:25)
1:3 But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; (1Thes 2:4)
1:4 To Titus, mine own son (purely bred child) after the common faith (belief): Grace (favor), mercy (compassion), and peace, from God the Father and the Prince Yahshua Christ our Saviour. (2Cor 8:23; Gal 2:3; 2Tim 4:10)
Titus in Crete
1:5 For this cause left I you in Crete, that you shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain (establish) elders in every city, as I had appointed you:
Paul set up community and assemblies, not “church” hierarchy.
1:6 If any be blameless (without reproach), the husband of one wife, having faithful (believing) children not accused of riot or unruly.
1:7 For a bishop (supervisor) must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre (gain, money);
The word steward comes from the Greek word 'oikonomos' which means 'management of a household', in this case God's. (Matt 24:45)
1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
1:9 Holding fast the faithful (trusted) word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine (teaching) both to exhort and to convince (convict, confute) the gainsayers (contradictors). (1Tim 3:2-7)
1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers (of minds), specially they of (among) the circumcision:
The circumcision is the house of Judah. Israelites dwelling in Judaea. Among the Judaeans were also the children of the Adversary, who were the Edomite scribes and Pharisees. These religious sects were under their control.
1Timothy 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
They perverted the laws of Moses into the 'traditions of the elders', known today as Judaism. The Talmud is the written bible of the Jews.
1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
2Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly (simple) women laden with sins, led away with divers (various) lusts,
1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith (The Belief);
1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore Yahweh said, Forasmuch as this people (Israelites) draw near Me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour Me, but have removed their heart far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men:
Paul is making a distinction between the OT and Judaism.
The laws and commands of the OT are of Yahweh. The traditions and commandments of men are of men, namely the Jewish controlled sects of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
The children of Israel are a pure seed, undefiled, unmixed. That's why Yahweh demands us to be not unequally yoked with the unclean. Jews are descendants of Cain and Esau, both took strange wives and their posterity is not pure. They are a mix of Hittites, Arabs, and Mongolian blood.
1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Mat 7:21-23; 2Pet 2:1-22; 1Jn 2:4; Jud 1:4)
Teach Sound Doctrine
Titus 2:1 But speak you the things which become sound doctrine:
2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave (serious), temperate, sound in (to) faith (The Belief), in charity, in patience.
2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Wine is not forbidden.
2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, (Mat 16:27)
2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Nehemiah 5:9 Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
2:9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
2:10 Not purloining (embezzling, keep back), but shewing all good fidelity (trustworthiness); that they may adorn (honor) the doctrine (teaching) of God our Saviour in all things.
Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick (lamp stand); and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
2:11 For the grace (favor, Divine influence) of God that bringeth salvation (preservation) hath appeared to all men,
2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly (reverently), in this present world;
The Greek: 12 Teaching us that, rejecting impiety and the lusts of this Society, discreetly and righteously and piously we should live in this present age.
1Peter 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
“Just believing” is not good enough, we must act and do and be and have righteousness.
We must rebuke and reject unrighteousness. Why do the “churches” teach tolerance?
2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Yahshua Christ;
2:14 Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem (ransom) us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Psa 130:8; Deut 4:20; Gal 1:4; 1Jn 3:4,8; Mat 1:21, 16:27; Act 3:19,26, 26:18; Rom 6:1-22; Eph 2:1-10; 1Pet 2:9; Tit 3:5)
'Peculiar' means 'one's own', special, beyond. Belonging to a nation, system or other thing, and not to others. Exclusive property; that which belongs to a person in exclusion of others.
If God loves everybody, and we are all of the race of Adam, how can their be another group of peculiar people? The “churches” keep teaching the lies that they were deceived by over and over.
Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye (children of Israel) will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Deuteronomy 14:2 For you art an holy (appointed) people unto Yahweh your God, and Yahweh hath chosen you (12 tribes of Jacob) to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 26:18 And Yahweh hath avouched you (sons of Jacob) this day to be His peculiar people, as He hath promised you, and that you shouldest keep all His commandments;
Psalm 135:4 For Yahweh hath chosen Jacob unto Himself, and Israel for His peculiar treasure.
The intent is not to blast the other races. Yahweh has a plan for them. But they are not part of the plan He has for us. They were not given the Spirit, the law, promises or covenants that our father Abraham was given. The “churches” universalize God's word and adds the other races to the equation. This is part of the 'traditions of men'. Christ said “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
America is the regathering place of the descendants of the children of Israel. Well, the America that started out pure.
2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise you.
15 You speak these things and exhort and prove with all authority. Let no one hold you in contempt.
Maintain Good Deeds
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
The “churches” use these verses for us to obey and be tolerant of the government. As we should, if it is ruled by godly men, which it isn't. If our leadership was following the law, we would be rebuking and casting out corruption. But since we don't, and we tolerate the decay of our Way, and suffer the consequences. We pay taxes, we are controlled by endless regulations.
Jeremiah 27:8 And it shall come to pass, that the nation and kingdom (Israel) which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation (Israel) will I punish, saith Yahweh, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.
Our forefathers disobeyed Yahweh and as punishment they were sent into captivity. Jeremiah was telling our brothers that because of disobedience, they must go into punishment. If they refused, the penalty was death.
3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers (various) lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy (compassion, loving-commitment) He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit;
The Greek: 5 Not from works of those in righteousness, things which we have done, but according to that mercy of His, He has preserved us through a bath of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
3:6 Which He shed on us abundantly through Yahshua Christ our Saviour; (Eze 36:25)
Our preservation is because of the promises made to Abraham regarding his seed. Our preservation does not come from our works, our duty is our works, but our salvation is not because of us doing them, we are supposed to do them.
3:7 That being justified by His grace (avor, Divine influence), we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
7 In order that being justified in that favor we would become heirs in accordance with the hope of eternal life.
Let's break it down:
7 In order that being justified in that favor- the favor to Abraham for his dedication of Isaac and for believing in what Yahweh promised.
we would become heirs- being obedient children, we would then be placed into position of son, now being eligible for the inheritance of the promise.
in accordance with the hope of eternal life.- concerning the confidence, anticipation, and expectation, from being obedient, of eternal life
Only the seed of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob are heirs to the kingdom.
The “churches” teach that anybody who “believes” becomes an heir, or a saint.
3:8 This is a faithful (Believing the) saying (Word), and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they which have believed (that the ones believing) in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable (advantageous) unto men. (Tit 2:14)
“Believe” AND maintain good works.
3:9 But avoid foolish questions (inquiries), and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Paul is referring to the genealogies that the Greeks claimed they were descendants of the gods. Mythical genealogies.
Strivings about the law can be demonstrated in John 8:3-11.
3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition (warning) reject;
We are instructed over and over to cast out from us the unrighteous.
3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted (perverted), and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
He who knows the law and still chooses corruption dooms himself.
Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you (the Israelite Judaeans): but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles (dispersed Nations of Israel).
The Judaeans had the law, they should know better, the dispersed Israelites lost and/or forgot the law during the dispersion.
Final Messages and Benediction
3:12 When I shall send Artemas unto you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. (Act 20:4; Eph 6:21-22; Col 4:7-8; 2Tim 4:12)
3:13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. (Act 18:24; 1Cor 16:12)
3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
3:15 All that are with me salute you. Greet them that love us in the faith (The Belief). Grace (favor, Divine influence) be with you all. Amen.
Four times the book of Titus teaches us to maintain good works.
Why do the “churches” emphasize “just believe”?
TITUS – CHURCH DOCTRINE VS. SCRIPTURE
Below are 3 sources of what the modern churches preach today about the book of Titus.
The purpose is to expose the apostasy and perversion of the scriptures, and to educate our people about the truth of our heritage. That we, the Anglo-Saxon race who are the descendants of ancient Israel, are the people of Abraham's seed and therefore the heirs of the promises of Yahweh. Not the Jews who distort and pervert the scriptures and teach the 'traditions of men'.
Biblehub.com
The book of Titus is a Pastoral Epistle (letter from Paul to a church (assembly) leader). The author is Paul who wrote it approximately 66 A.D. Paul was likely executed in 62 by Nero. Key personalities include Paul and Titus. It was written to guide Titus, a Greek believer (Israelite), in his leadership of the churches (assemblies)on the island of Crete, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you” (1:5). As was the case with the letter of 1st Timothy, Paul writes to encourage and guide young pastors in dealing with opposition from both false teachers and the sinful nature of men. Judaizers.
• In chapter 1, Paul gives qualifications about how to choose leaders in the church (assembly), “the overseer must be above reproach”. He also warned to be aware of the rebellious men and deceivers who “turn away from truth”, there were many to be aware of (vs. 10).
• In chapters 2-3, Paul teaches how believers (saints) may live healthy inside and outside of the church (assembly). He told them to live Godly lives and to be prepared for the coming Savior Jesus Christ. Paul describes how Jesus rescues us from sin in chapter 2 verses 11-13. When a person first places their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation they are saved from the penalty of sin, this is Justification, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men”. Justification means being conformed to the law. Just because you “believe in Christ” doesn't justify you. While the believer is worshiping and serving God on earth they are saved from the binding power of sin, this is Sanctification, “Instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age”. We must maintain service and character and we will be preserved in this sinful world. When a believer’s life comes to an end they go to be with Jesus Christ. Actually, we await His return in the grave, for even David has not yet ascended. Here they live with Him for eternity and are safe and protected from the presence of sin, this is Glorification, “Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus”. The commentator did not mention where here is. The scriptures tells us we will be glorified at the Judgment day, which is the 2nd Advent. Evil will be purged forever and we will reign with Christ here on earth.
Biblestudytools.com
Summary of the Book of Titus
The letter is addressed to Titus, one of Paul's converts (see 1:4 and note) and a considerable help to Paul in his ministry. When Paul left Antioch to discuss the gospel with the Jerusalem leaders, he took Titus with him (Gal 2:1-3); acceptance of Titus (a Gentile)(no, a Greek) as a Christian without circumcision vindicated Paul's stand there (Gal 2:3-5).
Considering the assignments given him, he obviously was a capable and resourceful leader.
Crete
The fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete lies directly south of the Aegean Sea. In NT times life in Crete had sunk to a deplorable moral level. The dishonesty, gluttony and laziness of its inhabitants were proverbial (1:12).
Apparently Paul introduced Christianity in Crete when he and Titus visited the island, after which he left Titus there to organize the converts. Paul sent the letter with Zenas and Apollos, who were on a journey that took them through Crete (3:13), to give Titus personal authorization and guidance in meeting opposition (1:5; 2:1,7-8,15; 3:9), instructions about faith and conduct, and warnings about false teachers. Paul also informed Titus of his future plans for him (3:12).
Paul possibly wrote from Macedonia, for he had not yet reached Nicopolis (see 3:12). The letter was written after he was released from his first Roman imprisonment (Ac 28), probably between a.d. 63 and 65 -- or possibly at a later date if he wrote after his assumed trip to Spain. Paul wrote Titus from bondage in Rome, no evidence supports his release, he was likely beheaded by Nero in 62.
Especially significant, considering the nature of the Cretan heresy, are the repeated emphases on loving and doing and teaching "what is good" (1:8,16; 2:3,7,14; 3:1,8,14) and the classic summaries of Christian doctrine (2:11-14; 3:4-7).
Insight.org
Titus
Who wrote the book?
Paul identified himself as the author of the letter to Titus, calling himself a “bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ” (Titus 1:1). The origin of Paul’s relationship with Titus is shrouded in mystery, though we can gather that he may have been converted under the ministry of Paul, who called Titus “my true child in a common faith” (1:4). Paul was stating that Titus was a pure bred Israelite. Titus accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey, during which the apostle sent him to Corinth at least once (2 Corinthians 2:12–13; 7:5–7, 13–15; 8:6, 16–24). Paul clearly held Titus in a position of great respect as a friend and fellow worker for the gospel, praising Titus for his affection, his earnestness, and his bringing comfort to others.
Where are we?
Paul wrote his letter to Titus from Nicopolis in AD 63, after the apostle’s release from his first Roman imprisonment. Paul was in prison when he wrote Titus and was executed in 62. Upon leaving Timothy in Ephesus to minister there, Paul accompanied Titus to the island of Crete, where he intended Titus to lead and organize the island’s churches (assemblies) in their early years of existence. While the gospel had no doubt spread to Crete soon after Peter’s sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:11), Paul and Titus likely did a good deal of evangelism on the island in the weeks before Paul commissioned Titus to a leadership position there.
Why is Titus so important?
Three summaries of the incarnation dot the pages of Titus, providing a framework within which the Christian can view the work of God in the world and in individual lives (Titus 1:1–4; 2:11–14; 3:4–7). All three passages involve the manifestation, or appearance, of God in Christ, rooting the Christian faith in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Only when God the Son took on human flesh in the person of Jesus was the believer’s faith in God made sure. There are many examples of surety of faith in God before Christ came. Noah, Abraham, David, etc. In other words, since God poured out His grace on all humanity, He cleanses His people from their sin and purifies believers for Himself. How can all humanity be the same as an exclusive group called His people? This is some of the false teaching we are warned about. As the scriptures state, only the seed of Abraham has Yahweh known. A peculiar people, 'called', set apart from the rest, holy, and dedicated. The bible is by, to, for and about the generations (race) of Adam. Blacks, Asians, Jews and Mexicans are not Adamites or Israelites. They were not placed on the altar like Isaac, and dedicated to Yahweh. They were not given the law at Sinai. We are commanded to be separate from them. This grace (favor) of God instructs us to live upright and godly lives in this present age (2:11–3:8).
What's the big idea?
The doctrine of the incarnation in the letter to Titus grounds its message of producing right living through the careful attention to theological truth. The churches (assemblies) on Crete were just as susceptible to false teachers as any other church (assembly)(that goes for today too), so Paul directed Titus to establish a group of faithful elders to oversee the doctrinal purity and good conduct of the believers (saints) on Crete. Paul exhorted Titus to “speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), a clear direction that this should be the young pastor’s primary role.
However, Paul also understood that when a body of believers (saints) embraces sound doctrine, the result is changed and purified lives that produce “good deeds” (mentioned in Titus 2:7, 14; 3:8, 14). God’s grace (favor) is the motivation for all good deeds. Paul gave instructions to Titus about the roles of specific groups of people—older men, older women, young women, young men, and slaves—as well as general instructions to all believers (saints) about their conduct. Right living was essential because Christ “gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed,” saving us “ (preserving us) by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 2:14; 3:5).
How do I apply this?
How seriously do you consider your beliefs about God in the overall scheme of your life? The book of Titus reminds us that our beliefs about God impact every decision we make. Damn right, so if you worship a Jewish Jesus, this is very different than the true posterity of our Kinsmen Redeemer. Sometimes it is difficult for believers (saints) today to see the point of getting all worked up about the person and nature of Christ or the doctrine of the Trinity. We should get all worked up over errors in understanding. It's vital to get all the ingredients correct. Including who Christ was and who He came for. God tells us that we are destroyed for lack of knowledge. However, Paul made clear that a church (assembly) that teaches and preaches sound doctrine will see results in the lives of its people. Then with all the “churches” today, more than ever, why is our country decaying? Because it's not sound anymore. There were never supposed to be denominations. The leaven of the Pharisees has risen, and nobody knows it but a remnant. Not only will people be saved (preserved) from their sins, but God’s grace (favor) will also motivate them to live out that saving (preserving) faith (allegiance) with renewed and purified lives.
Many churches today focus more on the form of their worship—music styles, lighting, and building designs—than they do on the content of the faith they mean to proclaim. And while the form of a church’s worship is vital to reaching its community for Christ, without a firm base of sound doctrine, the church will lay its foundation in shifting and sinking sand. But nobody thinks this could be talking about their “church”. Make doctrine a priority in your own life, as well as encouraging it in your churches. Nothing is more significant than a solid foundation in Christ. Nothing is more motivational than grace (favor) to live a life of good deeds.