Titus 2:13-14, "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

While in Jerusalem, Paul, having caused much rioting among the Jews, made an appeal to be tried before Caesar. This would be his fourth and final missionary journey. While sailing to Rome they stayed a brief time in a place called Fair Havens on the Island of Crete.

Paul's journey to Rome had not been fortuitous. While sailing from Crete Paul admonished the centurion the voyage would be dangerous and much harm would come to them. However, rather than choosing to heed Paul's warnings he chose to listen to the master of the ship. During the voyage a typhoon destroyed the ship.

James 2:26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Not much is known about Titus other than what the scriptures reveal. In his letter to the church in Galatia Paul mentions Titus, a Greek, as being with him and Barnabas at Antioch. He then accompanied them to the council at Jerusalem. Titus is later mentioned by Paul in his second letter to the church at Corinth when he was sent by Paul from Ephesus to Corinth for the purpose of accepting the contributions of the church there in behalf of the poor saints at Jerusalem. Paul mentions Titus in his second letter to Timothy where we find him with Paul at Rome during his second imprisonment. From Rome Paul sent him to Dalmatia.

In Paul's letter to Titus, approximately 62 A.D., we find Titus organizing the church in Crete, where the apostle had left him for this purpose. Titus is attributed with being the first bishop of Crete.

Paul's letter to Titus is clearly for the purpose of instructing him how to choose the leaders of the churches. "For this cause I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you."

The words of Titus have become the standard by which the church has chosen to select the elders and leaders of the church; however, it's words admonish us all to be careful to maintain good works.