As with 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul identifies himself as the sender in the first word of the letter. Also as with 1 and 2 Timothy, some scholars object to Pauline authorship. They assume Paul died in prison just after Acts 28 and contend that he could not have written the Pastoral Epistles. However, it is almost certain Paul was imprisoned twice, and wrote these letters in between the two. Critics also raise the issue of unique vocabulary and style in Titus. However, just as with the Timothy letters, the argument that Paul had to write the exact same way to churches in Ephesus and Philippi as he did to a personal friend is not convincing. 

As mentioned earlier, Paul wrote Titus in between his two Roman imprisonments (A.D. 62-65). Church tradition says he wrote it after 1 Timothy, in 63.

Titus is a small guide on church order. Although very short, it contains instructions for elders, pastors and lay people (men, women and servants, civics, and general Christian living). It also contains teachings on Christ, the Holy Spirit’s work in salvation, and how to deal with false teaching.

From the content of the letter, Paul must have seen a need to clarify some ecclesiastical issues in Crete.

1:5b-9 “appoint elders in every city as I commanded you - if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

2:11-14 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

3:3-6 “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs.” according to the hope of eternal life.”

Titus

As the recipient of the letter, Titus was charged with teaching the things contained in it to the churches of Crete. Paul had left Titus on the island to organize and strengthen the churches there, and was supposed to stay there until Paul sent others to fill his place.

Titus being left on Crete

Paul left Titus on Crete to “set in order things that are lacking.” Apparently Paul felt Titus needed additional instructions to carry out this task. He warns Titus that this may meet resistance on the island, since Cretans were known to be “always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” (1:12)

General Outline

Greeting (1:1-4)

Qualifications and Responsibilities of Elders (1:5-16)

1. Qualifications (1:5-9)
2. Responsibilities (1:10-16)

Responsibilities of Men, Women And Servants (2:1-3:11)

1. Older Men (2:1-2)
2. Older Women (2:3-4a)
3. Young Women (2:4b-5)
4. Young Men (2:6-8)
5. Servants (2:9-10)

Responsibilities of All Believers (2:1-3:11)

1. Reason for Responsibilities: Salvation by Grace (2:11-15)
2. Be Subject to Civil Authorities (3:1)
3. Don’t Speak Evil About Others, But Be Gentle (3:2)
4. Reason to be Gentle: Salvation by Grace (3:3-7)
5. Importance of Good Works (3:8)
6. Avoid Unnecessary Conflicts and Divisive Men (3:9-11)

Instructions for Titus (3:12-14)

1. Comings and Goings (3:12-13)
2. Exhort Church Members to Good Works (3:14)

Farewell (3:15)

1. Greetings (3:15a)
2. Blessing (3:15b)