02/24/26

Titus 1:4 Paul has just established his calling and credentials for spreading the gospel to both Gentiles and Jews. Now he directly addresses Titus, whom he called his “true son in their common faith,” to share some vital information. He begins by saluting Titus with “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus the Christ our Savior.” There are several key components in this verse that we should examine: Paul’s greeting, “To Titus, my true child in a common faith.” Paul did not lead Titus to Christ through physical birth but through the preaching of the Gospel, making him Paul’s “true” or “genuine” spiritual son. This familial language highlights a deep, affectionate, and mentoring relationship that was necessary for authenticating Titus’s authority among the Cretan churches. According to Paul, they shared a “common faith.” This phrase emphasizes the unity of all believers, both Jews and Gentiles (Titus was Greek), who share a foundational faith in Christ. It counters any potential sectarianism and underscores that legitimacy in God’s family comes through faith alone, not ethnic background or adherence to specific laws. In so doing, Paul blends the Greek greeting “grace” (charis) with the Hebrew greeting “peace” (shalom). But Paul makes sure that this greeting was “from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” By referring to both God the Father and Christ Jesus as “our Savior,” Paul affirms Christ’s divinity and equal standing with the Father in the plan of salvation, highlighting the involvement of the entire Trinity in the believer’s redemption.

“For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you, if the man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of overindulgence or insubordination.” (vv.5-6). These verses highlight the importance of structured leadership and sound doctrine for the establishment and health of the early Christian community. Paul and Titus had previously ministered together on the Island of Crete, an area known for its morally challenging culture. However, while the gospel spread and believers met, the churches lacked formal leadership and structure. Paul’s departure left a gap that Titus was tasked to fill, acting as his apostolic delegate. His instructions to Titus highlight several key actions. He was to “set things in order: The Greek word for ‘set’ was used by medical writers for setting a broken limb or straightening a crooked one. This suggests that the churches in Crete had some significant structural or moral issues that needed correction to be healthy and functional. That’s why Paul says, “as I commanded you,” to ensure the proper establishment of church governance and to demonstrate a clear line of authority in the early church’s organization. In so doing, Paul emphasizes the role of elders in bringing order, also referred to as “overseers” or “bishops.” These terms refer to the same office of spiritually mature leaders responsible for shepherding the flock, teaching the word, and refuting false doctrine. Paul mandated a plurality of elders in each city, not just one, to share the responsibility of shepherding. This emphasized that character and an ability to teach sound doctrine were the non-negotiable criteria for spiritual leadership, not just natural giftedness or social standing. Then, Paul writes a partial list of qualifications for elders, emphasizing that a potential leader’s character must be evident in his well-managed family life. First, he must be “The husband of one wife.” This is generally interpreted to mean the elder must be a man of sexual purity and fidelity, devoted to his wife alone. It rules out polygamy, which was practiced in that culture, and highlights a committed, “one-woman man” relationship. Second, he must “have faithful children.” This phrase stresses that a father cannot control his child’s salvation (which is ultimately a work of God). Still, he is responsible for his child’s upbringing, discipline, and respect for authority while the child is under his roof. Third, now Paul adds that they must “not be accused of overindulgence or insubordination.” This phrase expands on what is meant by “faithful” children; their conduct should be orderly and disciplined, not wild, rebellious, or extravagant. In summary, this emphasizes that effective spiritual leadership in the church requires demonstrated stewardship and a consistent, godly example in one’s private family life. 

What spiritual implications are found in these verses? They highlight the spiritual consequences of having qualified leaders in the church, emphasizing that a leader’s character must be above reproach and disciplined. It implies that a leader must be godly and self-controlled, with a stable family life that demonstrates their ability to lead others. The text also suggests a leader must be able to hold firm to sound doctrine and have the ability to instruct and refute false teachings. Do you believe that ministers today should meet the same standards?