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Introduction to Titus
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of the Book of Titus
- Paul instructs Titus to appoint godly leaders (1:1-16)
- Paul instructs Titus to train people to live godly lives (2:1-3:11)
- Paul ends by sharing some of his plans and sending greetings to various believers (3:12-15)
Who wrote the Book of Titus?
Paul wrote the Book of Titus. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.
What is the Book of Titus about?
Paul wrote this letter to Titus, his fellow worker, who was leading the churches on the island of Crete. Paul instructed him about selecting church leaders. Paul also described how the believers should behave towards each other. And he encouraged them all to live in a way that pleases God.
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "Titus." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's Letter to Titus" or "A Letter to Titus."
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
In what roles can people serve within the church?
There are some teachings in the Book of Titus about whether a woman or divorced man can serve in positions of leadership within the church. Scholars disagree about the meaning of these teachings. Further study on these issues may be necessary before translating this book.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
Singular and plural "you"
In this book, the word "I" refers to Paul. Also, the word "you" is almost always singular and refers to Titus. The exception to this is 3:15.
What is the meaning of "God our Savior?"
This is a common phrase in this letter. Paul meant to make the readers think about how God forgave them in Christ for sinning against him. And by forgiving them he saved them from being punished when he judges all people. A similar phrase in this letter is "our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Titus
11Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's chosen people and the knowledge of the truth that agrees with godliness,2with the hope of everlasting life that God, who does not lie, promised before all the ages of time.3At the right time he revealed his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted according to the command of God our Savior.4To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.5For this purpose I left you in Crete, that you might set in order things not yet complete and ordain elders in every city as I directed you.6An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children not accused of being reckless or disobedient.7It is necessary for the overseer, as a manager of the household of God, to be blameless. He must not be arrogant, not be easily angered, not addicted to wine, not a brawler, and not a greedy man.8Instead, he should be hospitable, loving goodness, sensible, upright, holy, and self-controlled.9He should hold tightly to the trustworthy message that was taught, so that he may be able to encourage others with truthful teaching and correct those who oppose him.10For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision.11It is necessary to stop them. They are upsetting whole families by teaching for disgraceful profit what they should not teach.12One of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."13This testimony is true. Therefore, correct them severely, so that they may be truthful in the faith,14not paying any attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of people who turn away from the truth.15To those who are pure, all things are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and their consciences have been corrupted.16They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, and worthless for any good work.
Titus 1 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1-4. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.
In verses 6-9, Paul lists several qualities that a man must have if he is to be an elder in the church. Paul gives a similar list in 1 Timothy 3.
Special concepts in this chapter
Elders
The church has used different titles for church leaders. Some titles include overseer, elder, pastor, and bishop.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Should, may, must
The ULB uses different words that indicate requirements or obligations. These verbs have different levels of force associated with them. The subtle differences may be difficult to translate. The UDB translates these verbs in a more general way.
Links:
Titus 1:1
for the faith of
to strengthen the faith of
that agrees with godliness
"that is suitable for honoring God"
Titus 1:2
with the hope of everlasting life
Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." Alternate translation: "with the confidence of receiving everlasting life"
before all the ages of time
"before time began"
Titus 1:3
At the right time
"At the proper time"
he revealed his word
Paul speaks of God's message as if it were an object that could be visibly shown to people. Alternate translation: "He caused people to understand his message"
with which I have been entrusted
This can be translated in active form, and what God trusted Paul to do can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: "that he trusted me to deliver"
God our Savior
"God, who saves us"
Titus 1:4
a true son
Though Titus was not Paul's biological son, they share a common faith in Christ. Thus, in Christ, Paul considers Titus as his own son. Alternate translation: "you who are like a son to me"
our common faith
Paul expresses the same faith in Christ that they both share. Alternate translation: "the teachings that we both believe"
Grace and peace
This was a common greeting Paul used. You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "May you experience kindness and peace within"
Christ Jesus our Savior
"Christ Jesus who is our Savior"
Titus 1:5
For this purpose I left you in Crete, that you might set
"This is the reason I left you in Crete: I wanted you to set"
I left you in Crete
"I told you to stay in Crete"
set in order things not yet complete
"finish arranging things that needed to be done"
ordain elders
"appoint elders" or "designate elders"
elders
In the early Christian churches, Christian elders gave spiritual leadership to the assemblies of believers.
Titus 1:6
Connecting Statement:
Having told Titus to ordain elders in every city on the island of Crete, Paul gives the requirements for elders.
An elder must be blameless, the husband
To be "blameless" is to be known as a person who does not do bad things. Alternate translation: "An elder must not have a bad reputation and must be the husband"
the husband of one wife
This means that he has only one wife, that is, he does not have any other wives or concubines. It may also imply that he does not commit adultery and that he has not divorced a previous wife. Alternate translation: "a man who has only one woman" or "a man who is faithful to his wife"
faithful children
Possible meanings are 1) children who believe in Jesus or 2) children who are trustworthy.
Titus 1:7
overseer
This is another name for the same position of spiritual leadership that Paul referred to as "elder" in 1:6.
a manager of the household of God
Paul speaks of the church as if it were God's household and the overseer as if he were a servant in charge of managing the household.
not addicted to wine
"not an alcoholic" or "not one who drinks much wine"
not a brawler
"not one who is violent" or "not one who likes to fight"
Titus 1:8
Instead
Paul is changing his argument from what an elder is not to be to what an elder is to be.
Titus 1:9
hold tightly to
Paul speaks of devotion to the Christian faith as if it were grasping the faith with one's hands. Alternate translation: "be devoted to" or "know well"
truthful teaching
The Greek word translated "truthful" is a word meaning "healthy" and here is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "trustworthy words"
Titus 1:10
Connecting Statement:
Because of those that would oppose God's word, Paul gives Titus reasons to preach God's word and warns him about false teachers.
rebellious people
These are rebellious people who oppose Paul's gospel message.
empty talkers and deceivers
This phrase describes the rebellious people mentioned in the previous phrase. Here "empty" is a metaphor for useless, and "empty talkers" are people who say useless or foolish things. Alternate translation: "people who say useless things and deceive others"
those of the circumcision
This refers to the Christian Jews who taught that men must be circumcised in order to follow Christ.
Titus 1:11
It is necessary to stop them
"They must be prevented from spreading their teachings" or "They must be stopped from influencing others by their words"
what they should not teach
These are things that are not proper to teach regarding Christ and the Law because they are not true.
for disgraceful profit
This refers to profit that people make by doing things that are not honorable.
are upsetting whole families
"are ruining whole families." The issue was that they were upsetting families by destroying their faith. This may have caused the members of the families to argue with one another.
Titus 1:12
One of their own prophets
"A prophet from Crete itself" or "A Cretan that they themselves consider to be a prophet"
Cretans are always liars
"Cretans lie all the time." This is an exaggeration that means that many Cretans lie often.
evil beasts
This metaphor compares the Cretans to dangerous wild animals.
Titus 1:13
Therefore, correct them severely
"You must use strong language that the Cretans will understand when you correct them"
so that they may be truthful in the faith
The Greek word translated "truthful" is a word meaning "healthy" and here is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "trustworthy words"
Titus 1:14
Jewish myths
This refers to the false teaching of the Jews.
turn away from the truth
Paul speaks of the truth as if it were an object that one could turn away from or avoid. Alternate translation: "reject the truth"
Titus 1:15
To those who are pure, all things are pure
"If people are pure on the inside, everything they do will be pure"
To those who are pure
"To those who are acceptable to God"
to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure
Paul speaks of sinners as if they were physically dirty. Alternate translation: "if people are morally defiled and do not believe, they cannot do anything pure"
Titus 1:16
they deny him by their actions
"how they live proves that they do not know him"
They are detestable
"They are disgusting"
21But you, speak what fits with truthful instruction.2Teach older men to be temperate, dignified, sensible, and sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance.3In the same way, teach older women to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or being slaves to much wine, but to be teachers of what is good,4and so train the younger women to love their husbands and to love their children,5to be sensible, pure, good housekeepers, and to be obedient to their own husbands, so that God's word may not be spoken of as evil.6In the same way, encourage the younger men to use good sense.7In all ways present yourself as an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, dignity,8and a truthful message that is above criticism, so that anyone who opposes you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.9Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, to please them and not argue with them,10to not steal from them, but instead to demonstrate all good faith, so that in every way they may bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior.11For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all people.12It trains us to reject godlessness and worldly desires, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this age,13while we look forward to receiving our blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.14Jesus gave himself for us in order to redeem us from all lawlessness and to make pure for himself a special people who are eager to do good works.15Speak of these things, encourage people to do them, and give correction with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Titus 2 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Gender roles
Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe men and women are perfectly equal in all things. Other scholars believe God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.
Slavery
Paul does not write in this chapter about whether slavery is good or bad. Paul teaches slaves to faithfully serve their masters. He teaches all believers to be godly and live rightly in every situation.
Links:
Titus 2:1
Connecting Statement:
Paul continues giving Titus reasons to preach God's word, and explains how the older men, older women, young men, and slaves or servants should live as believers.
But you, speak what fits
Paul implies what is in contrast. Alternate translation: "But you, Titus, in contrast with the false teachers, be sure to say those things that fit"
truthful instruction
The Greek word translated "truthful" is a word meaning "healthy" and here is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "trustworthy words"
Titus 2:2
to be temperate
"to be sober-minded" or "to be self-controlled"
temperate, dignified, sensible
"temperate and dignified, to control their desires
and sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance
The word "sound" means to be firm and unwavering. The abstract nouns "faith," "love," and "perseverance" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "and they must firmly believe the true teachings about God, truly love others, and continually serve God even when things are difficult"
Titus 2:3
slanderers
This word refers to people who say bad things about other people whether they are true or not.
or being slaves to much wine
People who cannot control themselves and who drink too much wine are spoken of as if they were slaves to the wine. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and not drinking too much wine" or "and not addicted to wine"
Titus 2:4
General Information:
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Titus 2:5
so that God's word may not be spoken of as evil
"Word" here is a metonym for "message," which in turn is a metonym for God himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that no one insults God's word" or "so that no one insults God by saying bad things about his message"
Titus 2:6
In the same way, encourage
"Also be sure to encourage"
Titus 2:7
present yourself as
"show yourself to be"
an example of good works
"an example of one who does right and proper things"
Titus 2:8
a truthful message
The Greek word translated "truthful, is a word meaning "healthy" and here is a dead metaphor for true, trustworthy, and morally good. Alternate translation: "trustworthy words"
Titus 2:9
their masters
"their own masters"
in everything
"in every situation" or "always"
please them
"make their masters happy" or "satisfy their masters"
Titus 2:10
demonstrate all good faith
"show that they are worthy of their masters' trust"
in every way
"in everything they do"
they may bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior
"they may make the teaching about God our Savior attractive" or "they may cause people to understand that the teaching about God our Savior is good"
God our Savior
"our God who saves us"
Titus 2:11
Connecting Statement:
Paul encourages Titus to look for Jesus's coming and remember his authority through Jesus.
the grace of God has appeared
Paul speaks of the grace of God as if it were a person who goes to other people.
Titus 2:12
trains us
Paul speaks of the grace of God
trains us to reject godlessness
"teaches us not to dishonor God"
worldly desires
"strong desires for the things of this world" or "strong desires for sinful pleasures"
in this age
"as we live in this world" or "during this time"
Titus 2:13
we look forward to receiving
"we eagerly wait to receive" or "we eagerly wait to welcome"
our blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ
Here "glory" represents Jesus himself, who will appear gloriously. Here "hope" means "confidently expectation." Alternate translation: "the good thing for which we confidently wait, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"
Titus 2:14
gave himself for us
This refers to Jesus dying willingly. Alternate translation: "gave himself to die for us"
to redeem us from all lawlessness
Paul speaks of Jesus as if he were setting slaves free from their evil master.
a special people
A group of people that he treasures.
are eager
"have a strong desire"
Titus 2:15
give correction with all authority
This statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "correct with all authority those people who do not do these things"
Let no one
"Do not allow anyone to"
disregard you
This statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "refuse to listen to your words" or "refuse to respect you"
31Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, to be ready for every good work,2to insult no one, to not be eager to fight, and to be gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.3For once we ourselves were thoughtless and disobedient. We were led astray and enslaved by various desires and pleasures. We lived in evil and envy. We were detestable and hated one another.4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,5it was not by works of righteousness that we did, but by his mercy that he saved us, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,6whom God richly poured on us through our Savior Jesus Christ,7so that having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.8This message is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to engage themselves in good works. These things are good and useful for everyone.9But avoid foolish debates and genealogies and strife and conflict about the law. Those things are unprofitable and worthless.10Reject anyone who is causing divisions among you, after one or two warnings,11knowing that such a person has turned from the right way and is sinning and condemns himself.12When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, hurry and come to me at Nicopolis, where I have decided to spend the winter.13Do everything you can to send on their way Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they lack nothing.14Our people must learn to engage themselves in good works that provide for urgent needs, and so not be unfruitful.15All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with all of you.
Titus 3 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Paul gives Titus personal instructions in this chapter.
Verse 15 formally concludes this letter. This is a common way of ending a letter in the ancient Near East.
Special concepts in this chapter
Genealogies
Genealogies are lists that record a person's ancestors or descendants. Jews used genealogies to choose the right man to become king. They did this because only a son of a king could normally become king. They also showed from what tribe and family they came. For example, priests came from the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron.
Links:
Titus 3:1
Connecting Statement:
Paul continues giving Titus instructions on how to teach the elders and people under his care in Crete.
Remind them to submit
"Tell our people again what they already know, to submit" or "Keep reminding them to submit"
submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them
"do as the political rulers and government authorities say by obeying them"
rulers and authorities
These words have similar meanings and are used together to include everyone who holds authority in the government.
be ready for every good work
"be ready to do good whenever there is opportunity"
Titus 3:2
to insult no one
"to speak evil of no one"
Titus 3:3
For once we ourselves
"This is because we ourselves were once"
once
"formerly" or "at some time" or "previously"
we ourselves
"even we" or "we also"
were thoughtless
"were foolish" or "were unwise"
We were led astray and enslaved by various desires and pleasures
Desires and pleasures are spoken of as if they were masters over people and had made those people into slaves by lying to them. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Various desires and pleasures had lied to us and so led us astray" or "We had allowed ourselves to believe the lie that various desires and pleasures could make us happy, and then we were unable to control our feelings or stop doing things we thought would give us pleasure"
We lived in evil and envy
"We were always doing evil things and not wanting others to have good things"
We were detestable
"We caused others to hate us"
Titus 3:4
when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared
Paul speaks of God's kindness and love as if they were people that came into our sight.
Titus 3:5
by his mercy
"because he had mercy on us"
washing of new birth
Paul is probably speaking of God's forgiveness for sinners as if God were physically washing them. He is also speaking of sinners who become responsive to God as if they had been born again.
Titus 3:6
whom God richly poured on us
It is common for New Testament writers to speak of the Holy Spirit as a liquid that God can pour out in large amounts. Alternate translation: "whom God gave to us generously"
through our Savior Jesus Christ
"when Jesus saved us"
Titus 3:7
having been justified
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "since God has declared us to be without sin"
we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life
The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were heirs, inheriting property and wealth from a family member. Here "hope" means "a confident expectation." Alternate translation: "we might become like God's heirs, confidently waiting to inherit eternal life" or "we might have the confident expectation that God will cause us to live forever"
Titus 3:8
This message
This refers to God giving the believers the Holy Spirit through Jesus in Titus 3:7.
may be careful to engage themselves in good works
"may seek to do good works"
Titus 3:9
Connecting Statement:
Paul explains what Titus should avoid.
But avoid
"So avoid" or "Therefore, avoid"
foolish debates
"arguments concerning unimportant matters"
genealogies
This is the study of family kinship relationships.
strife
arguments or fights
the law
"the law of Moses"
Titus 3:10
Connecting Statement:
Paul explains how Titus should treat those who cause contention among the believers.
Reject anyone
"Have everyone stay away from anyone"
after one or two warnings
"after you have warned that person once or twice"
Titus 3:11
such a person
"a person like that"
has turned from the right way
Paul speaks of someone who has rejected the truth as if he had left the correct path on which he had been walking.
condemns himself
"brings judgment on himself"
Titus 3:12
Connecting Statement:
Paul closes the letter by telling Titus what to do after he appoints elders in Crete and by giving greetings from those with him.
When I send
"After I send"
Artemas ... Tychicus
These are men's names.
hurry and come
"come quickly"
spend the winter
"stay until winter has ended"
Titus 3:13
Zenas ... Apollos
These are men's names.
Titus 3:14
Connecting Statement:
Paul explains why it is important to provide for Zenas and Apollos.
Our people
Paul is referring to the believers in Crete.
that provide for urgent needs
"that help people who need important things immediately"
needs, and so not be unfruitful
Paul speaks of people doing good work as if they were trees bearing good fruit. This double negative means they should be fruitful or productive. Alternate translation: "needs; in this way they will be fruitful" or "needs, and so they will do good works"
Titus 3:15
General Information:
Paul ends his letter to Titus.
All those
"All the people"
those who love us in faith
Possible meanings are 1) "the believers who love us" or 2) "the believers who love us because we share the same belief."
Grace be with all of you
This was a common Christian greeting. Alternate translation: "May God's grace be with you" or "I ask that God will be gracious to all of you"
