The theme of 2nd Peter is the great need for personal spiritual growth in a time when false teachers and teachings were infiltrating the early church (2Pe 1:5 with 2Pe 3:18). Key words/phrases relevant to spiritual growth are “grace and peace,” which can be “multiplied” as we grow in the “knowledge” of our Lord, and exercise due “diligence” in the practice of spiritual “love.” As a method of instruction, Peter emphasizes the necessity of reminder and repetition (2Pe 1:12-13, 2Pe 1:15, 2Pe 3:1-2).
Gene Cunningham - February 3, 2003
Titus #1
Author, recipient, and purpose in the introduction (Tit 1:1-4). Theme of the book "common faith" - koine pistin - faith suitable to everyone. Background of letter to Titus - comfort and mercies (2Co 1:3-4, 2Co 2:12-13, 2Co 7:5-13). Titus was a personal convert of Paul (Tit 1:4). The first historical reference to Titus - context was legalism (Gal 2:1-3, Act 15:1). Titus carried the letter to Corinthians (Act 16:6-10, 2Co 7:5-10) - Paul trusted him to stand firm (2Co 1:3-11, 2Co 2:13, 2Co 8:6, 2Co 8:16, 2Co 8:23). Luke may have been Titus' brother. Titus was loyal 2Co 2:13, 2Co 7:6-7); Titus was stable in conflict (Gal 2:1-3). Titus was organized -- a good administrator (2Co 8:6). Titus was mentally tough (Tit 1:5); Paul sent him to deal with Cretans (Tit 1:12-13). Titus never abused authority (2Co 12:18). Titus was willing to take risk for the cause of the gospel (2Ti 4:10) - Dalmatia was a wild remote area. "Bond servant" was lowest slave - "Apostle" the highest authority (Tit 1:1). "The knowledge of the truth" Epignosis - experiential knowledge. Outline: (1) Orientation to pastoral authority (Tit 1:10); (2) orientation to the authority of the word; (3) orientation to authority in society.
Scripture References: Acts 15:1, Titus 1:10, Galatians 2:1-3, Titus 1:1, Titus 1:4, Titus 1:12-13, Titus 1:1-4, Titus 1:5, Galatians 2:1-3, Acts 16:6-10
From Series: "Titus - 2007"
The Apostle Paul wrote to Titus a student of his who became a pastor regarding faith knowledge and hope.