56 - Titus

TLDR: Paul left Titus in Crete to put things in order: appoint elders, silence false teachers, and teach what accords with sound doctrine. "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people" — live self-controlled, upright, godly lives.

Overarching Storyline

Elders; opponents (ch. 1). Sound doctrine for older and younger, slaves (ch. 2). Grace of God; good works (ch. 2:11–3:8). Avoid foolish controversies; closing (ch. 3:9–15).

Bible Project: Titus overview.

Pegs for Memorizing This Book

• Person: Paul, Titus.
• Image: Crete, qualifications, grace that teaches.
• Number: 3 (chapters).
• Phrase: "Grace of God has appeared" (2:11); "Self-controlled, upright, godly" (2:12).

Highlights

• Titus 2:11–14 — Grace of God has appeared; we say no to ungodliness; waiting for the blessed hope.
• Titus 3:5 — He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

(Link to verse entries and meditations as added.)

Before and After

• Before: 2 Timothy; Titus is the third Pastoral; shorter, focused on Crete.
• After: Philemon; Titus is church order; Philemon is a personal appeal for a slave.

Place in the Overarching Biblical Story

Sound doctrine and good works. Grace trains us to say no to ungodliness; the church is ordered for godliness. Complements 1–2 Timothy.

Interesting Facts

• Cretans — "Cretans are always liars" (1:12); Paul quotes a saying to urge Titus to rebuke sharply.
• Rebirth and renewal (3:5) — Baptism and Spirit; often cited for regeneration.