1When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta. 2The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire and received us all, because of the present rain and because of the cold. 3But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live.” 5However he shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn’t harmed. 6But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and courteously entertained us for three days. 8The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. 9Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured. 10They also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.
11After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose figurehead was “The Twin Brothers.” 12Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. 13From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli, 14where we found brothers, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome. 15From there the brothers, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
17After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to them, “I, brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me. 19But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. 20For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
21They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and report or speak any evil of you. 22But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”
23When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s Kingdom, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening. 24Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 25When they didn’t agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one message: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26saying,
‘Go to this people and say,
in hearing, you will hear,
but will in no way understand.
In seeing, you will see,
but will in no way perceive.
27For this people’s heart has grown callous.
Their ears are dull of hearing.
Their eyes they have closed.
Lest they should see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their heart,
and would turn again,
then I would heal them.’
28“Be it known therefore to you that the salvation of God is sent to the nations, and they will listen.”
29When he had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
30Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house and received all who were coming to him, 31preaching God’s Kingdom and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
As is customary in other Pauline epistles, Paul identifies himself as the author of this epistle. Paul knew that Titus was a man who knew how to get things done. Thus, Paul recognized Titus’ diligence and is by far one of Paul’s most trusted assistants.
Critical scholars have launched similar arguments against this epistle as they have against 1 and 2 Timothy. The notion that Paul died in prison shortly after the completion of Acts 28 rests upon a major assumption—that Paul was only imprisoned once. Yet, we have good reason to believe that Paul was imprisoned twice in Rome between A.D. 62 and 65. Moreover, tradition holds that Paul penned Titus after he sent his first epistle to Timothy. Thus, a date around A.D. 63 is very safe. For a further explanation, please see the introductions to 1 and 2 Timothy.
From our review of the content of the letter, Paul must have seen a need to clarify some ecclesiastical and doctrinal issues at the church in Crete. Thus, Paul’s main purpose for writing to Titus was to give instructions regarding church leaders, enumerating the qualifications for elders, including some instructions for the other members, even telling them how they should act towards one another and the civil authorities.
Although a small epistle, Titus consists of only forty-six verses. And yet, it is a concise guide on church order written to Titus at Crete. Although very short, it contains instructions for elders, pastors and lay people. The island of Crete, located some 100 miles southeast of Greece, was rich in agriculture and trading. It is believed that Paul established a church here within the period of time between his two Roman imprisonments. After having left Titus in charge of the church to appoint elders in every city, the weak believers suffered from lack of good teachers and thus became weak in doctrine. Paul, therefore, reiterates to Titus the Gospel message that the salvation of the elect is not by “works of righteousness” but “according to His mercy” by “His grace” through faith in Christ. This salvation is both present and future, and should give the believer “the hope of eternal life.” Hence, Titus was encouraged to set in order those things that were lacking.
Perhaps due to Crete being a rich island, moderation in day to day living was sorely lacking. Personal greed and self-interest seem to have been at the center of Cretan life, including the center for some Christians. Such excess will affect one's conduct towards others. Thus, while Paul stresses sound doctrine to Timothy, in Titus, Paul stresses the need for good works as evidence of changed lives.
This epistle also includes teaching on Christ, the Holy Spirit’s work in salvation, and how to deal with false teaching, all the while stressing personal conduct. This includes living a pure Christian life and possessing the heart of a true servant by being kind toward others.