Paul describes Titus as “a true son in [our] common faith” (Tit. 1:4 NKJV),
indicative of their close relationship and suggesting that Titus may have been
one of his early converts.2 The apostle did not regard him as a
subordinate, but as a partner and co-worker (2 Cor. 8:23). Seeing that they
labored so closely together during much of Paul’s ministry, it is curious that Titus
is unnamed in Luke’s historical record of Acts. It has been suggested that perhaps
Luke and Titus were brothers, which, for modesty’s sake, would explain why neither
name appears in the Acts narrative.3
Approximately six years after the
Jerusalem conference, Paul was deeply concerned that his recent letter to the Corinthians
might have been too harsh and ill received. Until he could travel to Corinth
himself, he was anxious to hear about their present spiritual state and how
they were reacting to his admonitions. He strongly urged Apollos to make a follow-up
visit, but Apollos was “quite unwilling” at the time (1 Cor. 16:12).4 However, Titus,
“of his own accord,” took the initiative and ventured into this volatile
environment to check on the troubled church and offer his assistance (2 Cor.
7:13-15; 8:17).5
The original plan, it seems, was for Paul,
on his way from Ephesus to Macedonia, to meet with Titus in the coastal city of
Troas. But Paul had “no rest in [his] spirit” when he did not find Titus
there (2 Cor. 2:12-13).6 Moving on to Macedonia, the two finally
reunited, and the distraught apostle was greatly relieved when Titus delivered
a positive report (2 Cor. 7:5-15; 8:16-17). Paul was genuinely grateful to the God
of all comfort for the encouragement he received (2 Cor. 1:3-4), acknowledging Titus
as the instrument through whom God’s comfort was administered (2 Cor. 7:6).
Titus was then sent back to Corinth with
other responsible brothers to deliver the latest letter (from Paul and
Timothy) and to help the Corinthians complete their benevolent contribution for
the Judean saints (2 Cor. 1:1; 8:6, 16-24; 12:18). Titus was obviously someone in
whom Paul had a great deal of confidence. He shared the apostle’s affection for
the Corinthian brethren (2 Cor. 7:15; 8:16), having developed a mutual relationship of
respect and trust (2 Cor. 7:13; 12:18).
Years later, after Paul’s release from his
first internment at Rome, Titus accompanied him to the island of Crete, where he
was left to “set
in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city …” (Tit. 1:4-5). Paul then drafted a letter to him (the
NT epistle bearing his name) detailing his weighty responsibilities. Titus was
not only charged with the difficult task of helping to establish and organize
multiple congregations, he also had to stand against (and equip others to stand
against) antagonists and false teachers. Eventually another capable evangelist
(Artemas or Tychicus) was to arrive in Crete to relieve Titus of his
duties so that he could join Paul again at Nicopolis (Tit. 3:12).7
During Paul’s second Roman imprisonment,
as he anticipated imminent death, Titus was headed to Dalmatia (2 Tim. 4:10), the
southern region of the ancient province of Illyricum (modern-day Croatia).
Though the purpose of this mission is not stated, he probably went to follow up
on Paul’s previous work there (cf. Rom. 15:19). This is the last mention of
Titus in the Bible, and the rest of his story is uncertain. According to
tradition, he returned to Crete where he spent the rest of his life in ministry
until his death at an advanced age.
Lessons from Titus:
o
Titus was an effective
transmitter of divine comfort (2 Cor. 7:6). This could only be possible if he
himself was acquainted with suffering and was carried along by the God of all
comfort (2
Cor. 1:3-4). Titus was a willing
instrument in God’s hand as he ministered to the downtrodden.
o
Titus took
initiative (2 Cor. 8:16-17). He saw what needed to be done and acted “of his
own accord.” He put the Lord’s work and the interests of others before himself.
o
Titus did not shy
away from difficult tasks (2 Cor. 8:17; Tit. 1:5). Even when others were not as
willing (e.g. 1 Cor. 16:12), he could be counted on to tackle the more unpleasant
realities of church work.8
o
Titus was
proactive (Acts 15:2; Gal. 2:3; 2 Cor. 7:6; 8:17; Tit. 1:5; 3:12-14; 2 Tim.
4:10). He was not a spectator. He did not sit around waiting for someone else
to render service in God’s kingdom. He was an effectual peacemaker, a thoughtful encourager, a proficient
organizer, a courageous missionary, and an uncompromising defender of the
faith.
o
Titus was
capable, competent, and dependable (2 Cor. 8:16-24; 12:18). He developed his talents and maintained his integrity to the glory of God.
o
Titus earned the
confidence and respect of the apostle Paul as a partner and co-worker (2 Cor.
8:23). His valuable contribution to the Lord’s cause should not be overlooked.
Titus is a 1st-century hero of our common
faith, and there is much we can learn from his noteworthy example. May we all strive to
be more like him.
--Kevin L. Moore
Endnotes:
1 The name Τίτος
is of Latin derivation and was a common praenomen among the ancient Romans.
2 Cf. 1
Cor. 4:14-15; Gal. 4:19; 1 Thess. 2:11; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:2; 2:1. If Titus was
converted by Paul and was from Syrian Antioch (where he makes his first appearance
on the biblical scene), he was probably converted during the year that
Barnabas and Saul labored together in Antioch, where the disciples were first
called Christians (Acts 11:25-26). But there is not enough explicit information
to be certain.
3
In the Fourth Gospel neither John nor his brother James is mentioned by name.
According to Eusebius, Luke was born at Antioch (Eccl. Hist. 3.4.6), the city where Titus first appears in scripture.
4 Timothy had been sent to Corinth, but Paul had not heard back from him yet (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10).
4 Timothy had been sent to Corinth, but Paul had not heard back from him yet (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10).
5 The aorist ἐξῆλθεν
in 2 Cor. 8:17 conveys completed action (“he went”), as rendered in the ASV,
N/KJV, JB; see also ERV, HCSB, ISV, NASB. The most obvious sense is in
reference to a previous visit Titus had made to Corinth (as noted above).
However, some versions have worded the expression as though it were a present
tense verb: “he is coming” (NET, NIV), or “he is going” (ESV), alluding to the
visit that Titus is making or getting ready to make. This changes what Paul actually says, which, in my judgment, is without justification. For more chronological details, see K. L. Moore, A Critical Introduction to the NT 42-45.
6 It may have been the case
that Paul arrived in Troas earlier than planned because of his premature
departure from Ephesus due to civil unrest (Acts 19:23; 20:1).
7 The location of Nicopolis is
uncertain, since different cities shared the same name in various places. It is
possible that this particular Nicopolis was in Thrace (near the borders of
Macedonia) or in Cilicia, but more likely in the province of Epirus in
northwestern Greece (see BDAG 673; E. F. Harrison, Introduction to the NT 349).
8 Arthur H.
Curtis observes that Titus was “more
robust in temperament than Timothy” (The
Bible Companion, ed. W. Neil 260); cp. 1 Cor. 16:10; 1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 1:7-8.
Related Posts: Silas/Silvanus, Comparing Timothy and Titus
I really enjoyed reading this Kevin, there is always so much more to the writers that we don't even think about, thanks! From Sue Piper
ReplyDeleteBeautiful lesson
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed and encouraged by it