Titus 1:3

In due times. Or “at the proper time,” “at the right time” (cf. 1 Tim. 6:15). Even though God’s promises have always existed, the Cretans were but recently made aware of them, in accord with God’s design for the proclamation of His message.

Word. That is, God’s message of salvation.

Preaching. Gr. kerugma, “proclamation by a herald” (see on 1 Cor. 1:21).

Committed. Or, “entrusted” (see on 1 Tim. 1:11). Paul does not hesitate to refer to his preaching as the vehicle by which the Word of God is to be publicly manifested. With conviction the apostle proclaims the gospel as the revelation of God’s deepest purposes. An awesome responsibility rests upon a man whom God commissions as His spokesman, for he becomes a living link between the sufficiency of God and the need of men. As God’s ambassador, or “apostle” (Titus 1:1), he voices not his own message but that of the One whom he represents. Thus the true minister, like Paul, preaches the truth as it is in Jesus Christ.

Commandment. See on Rom. 16:26; 1 Tim. 1:1. Paul’s assignment to preach was not the result of any plan of his own making but of the will and purpose of God, who had laid upon Him this responsibility in so overwhelming a manner that he was constrained to say, “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16).

God our Saviour. See on 1 Tim. 1:1.