INTRODUCTION TO TITUS

                              The Author

     Although not mentioned by name in the book of Acts, Titus is
frequently mentioned in Paul's writings. He was of Gentile
descent (Gal. 2:3). Titus was among those sent from Antioch to
Jerusalem (Gal. 2:1), to discuss the matter of whether or not the
Gentiles must be circumcised in order to serve God (Acts 15:1,2).
Most likely Titus was from Antioch and a convert of Paul since Paul
called him "My true child after a common faith" (Titus 1:4).

     After this Titus remained a companion of Paul. We see various
references to Titus being sent by Paul on various missions. He was
most likely the bearer of Paul's first letter to Corinth (2 Cor. 12:
18). He was with Paul in Macedonia (2 Cor. 7:5-7). He was left in
Crete to "set in order the things that were lacking" (Titus 1:5). He
was with Paul in Rome, until sent to Dalmatia (2 Tim. 4:10). He was
involved in gathering the contribution for the poor saints in
Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:6, 16-17). Paul refers to Titus as "my brother"
(2 Cor. 2:13), and "my partner and fellow-worker" (2 Cor. 8:13).

                        PURPOSE OF THE LETTER

     Paul states he left Titus in Crete, "that thou shouldest set in
order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city"
(Titus 1:5). The people of Crete were of quarrelsome nature, given to
immorality and drunkenness, thus presenting a most difficult obstacle
for the gospel. Titus had no small task. There were also Judaizing
teachers among the children of God. In the midst of all of this,
Titus is to urge each class (elderly men and women, younger men and
women, etc.) to practice good works as children of God.

                      PLACE AND TIME OF WRITING

     Soon after Paul left Crete; probably from Asia Minor. He states
that he was planning to winter in Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). The time is
difficult to determine, but thought to be in A.D. 67.

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