Overview of the Book of Titus
The book of Titus is one of Paul’s three Pastoral Epistles, written around A.D. 62–64 after his first Roman imprisonment. Paul addressed this letter to his trusted co-worker, Titus, whom he had left on the island of Crete to strengthen the young churches there.
Though short, Titus is powerful and practical. Paul emphasizes three major themes:
Strong Leadership – Paul instructs Titus to appoint qualified elders in every church (Titus 1:5–9). Healthy churches require godly leaders who teach truth and model integrity.
Sound Doctrine – Paul stresses the importance of holding fast to the truth of the gospel and refuting false teaching (Titus 1:10–16; 2:1). Right belief produces right living.
Godly Living – A key refrain in Titus is that faith in Christ leads to visible transformation. Believers are called to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives (Titus 2:11–14; 3:1–8).
Crete was known in the ancient world for its dishonesty, immorality, and corruption (Titus 1:12). In such a difficult context, Paul charges Titus and the Cretan believers to let their lives shine with the grace of God, showing that the gospel truly changes people.
At the heart of Titus is the truth that salvation is by God’s grace alone (Titus 3:4–7). Out of that grace flows leadership that is trustworthy, doctrine that is sound, and lives that display Christ before a watching world.
