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 The first historical reference to Titus - context was legalism (Gal 2:1-3, Act 15:1).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: Galatians 2:1-3, Acts 16:6-10, 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
From Series: "Titus - 2007"
The Apostle Paul wrote to Titus a student of his who became a pastor regarding faith knowledge and hope.