Titus
“A common Latin name”
Summary
Titus was a Greek convert and trusted companion of Paul who served as the apostle's delegate to Corinth and later was left to organize the churches in Crete.
☩Background and Conversion
Titus was of Greek origin, with both parents being Gentiles, likely from Antioch or its vicinity. Paul calls him 'my true child after the common faith,' indicating that Titus was converted through the apostle's ministry. He is not mentioned in Acts, though he is likely among the unnamed companions who accompanied Paul and Barnabas to the Jerusalem Council. At that council, Titus served as a representative of the uncircumcised Gentile church, and Paul firmly resisted any demand that he be circumcised.
☩Ministry at Corinth
Titus proved himself as Paul's trusted delegate during a crisis in the Corinthian church. When Timothy's earlier mission had not fully resolved the church's problems, Titus was sent to deal with the immoralities rebuked in Paul's first epistle. His mission was remarkably successful: the rebellious element was suppressed and the church reconciled to Paul. There developed between Titus and that church a deep affection, and Paul describes him as 'my partner and fellow-helper.' He was later sent back to Corinth with the Second Epistle and to complete the collection for the Jerusalem saints.
☩Work in Crete
Paul left Titus in Crete to complete church organization after the apostle's first imprisonment. His commission was to 'set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every city.' This was difficult work, as the Cretans were notorious for their lawless and immoral character, requiring a firm hand. Titus functioned as Paul's apostolic representative, not as a permanent bishop, for Paul planned to send Artemas or Tychicus to relieve him so he could rejoin the apostle at Nicopolis.
☩Character and Later Ministry
Titus possessed both tact and energy, proving capable of executing delicate and difficult tasks successfully. His unmercenary spirit and integrity were exemplary—Paul could say that Titus had not taken advantage of anyone. He appears to have been bolder than Timothy, better suited for confrontational situations. The last mention of Titus indicates he had gone to Dalmatia, evidently on missionary work north of Nicopolis. Tradition connects him as the first bishop of Crete, where a ruined church at Gortyna bears his name.
Related Verses19 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Titus," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Titus," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Titus," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Titus," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Titus," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).