Titus 1:4

Titus. Titus is not mentioned in the book of Acts. A few facts concerning him may be gathered from incidental references in the Pauline epistles. He was a Gentile Christian (Gal. 2:3), possibly a convert of Paul (Titus 1:4). He is first mentioned as accompanying Paul from Antioch to Jerusalem for the Jerusalem Council (Gal. 2:1-3; cf. Acts 14:26-28; 15:1-4); hence it is sometimes conjectured that he was a native of Antioch. Later he is associated with Paul during part of the apostle’s Third Missionary Journey (2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6, 13). The epistle to Titus informs us that he was left in Crete to set certain things in order and to organize churches there (ch. 1:5). The Cretan service was only temporary, for Titus was requested to join Paul at Nicopolis (ch. 3:12). Titus is last mentioned in 2 Tim. 4:10, where he is said to have gone to Dalmatia.

Own son. For similar words addressed to Timothy see 1 Tim. 1:2. The legitimacy of Titus’ position as a church leader is based on the spiritual direction and nurture Titus had received from Paul himself. Titus is fully authorized to perform his duties as leader of the church in Crete.

Common faith. That is, common both to Gentiles like Titus and to Hebrews like Paul. Christianity unifies men irrespective of race, color, social position, or sex. All are made one in Jesus Christ (see Gal. 3:28). Compare 1 Tim. 1:2.

Grace. See on Rom. 1:7.

Mercy. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of this word.

Peace. See on Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3.

God the Father. See on Rom. 1:7.

Saviour. See chs. 1:3; 2:10-14; 3:4-7. Paul’s emphasis on the role of Jesus Christ as man’s Saviour anticipates the main theme of the epistle — that Christians are to reveal the saving power of God.