A Gentile and  friend of Paul’s, Titus went on some of his missionary journeys and helped settle problems at the church of Corinth. See references to him in Galatians 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 4:10, 2 Corinthians 2:13; 7-8; 12:18. He was a leader of the Christian church on Crete. Like 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul wrote him a pastoral letter to help explain pastoral and church duties. Remember that Paul wrote general letters to churches (like the letter to the Romans) as well as pastoral letters to key leaders in churches (like 1 and 2 Timothy).

Here are some key questions to help understand this letter. Why was Paul writing Titus? See chapters 2 and 3—there is a key verse in each of these chapters. Paul told Titus there was opposition for him. See 1:5-16. What was the opposition and what was the solution? What are the characteristics of the false teachers? See 1:10, 1:11, 1:14, 1:16, 3:8-9. Some of Paul’s typical beliefs are here in Titus. See 1:2, 2:11,  2:14, 3:5-7. Does 2:1-10 challenge the status quo or strive to live by its norms? One moving passage is 3:3-3:8. Explain the contrast he sets up. See 3:1. Does this leave any room for disobedience? See Acts 4 as part of your answer.

Key themes in Titus include an emphasis on sound doctrine and good deeds. Titus shares a list of qualifications for church leaders with 1 Timothy–see Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13. Many churches use these lists for choosing church leaders today.