Faith without religion.
Titus: Early Church Leadership and Doctrinal Integrity
As we journey through the Bible, we find ourselves nearing the end of an eleven-year exploration of the Apostolic Record, with Titus, Philemon, and Mark remaining. Today, we delve into the Epistle to Titus, a letter from Paul to a lesser-known figure in the New Testament. Titus, a Greek by birth and a convert to Christianity through Paul, is mentioned only in Paul’s writings, yet he played a significant role in the early church.
Titus accompanied Paul to Jerusalem for the first apostolic council, a meeting addressing whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised. As an uncircumcised Gentile convert, Titus served as a living example of faith without adherence to Jewish customs. After the council, Titus continued to work alongside Paul, even delivering the First Epistle to the Corinthians and addressing issues within the church.
Paul left Titus in Crete to “set in order the things that were wanting, and ordain elders in every city.” Crete, a large island in the Mediterranean, was known for its diverse population and moral challenges. Paul tasked Titus with establishing church leadership and addressing the influence of Judaizers and the local culture, which Paul described as insincere and corrupt.
The Epistle to Titus shares similarities with the letters to Timothy, focusing on the qualifications for church leaders and cautioning against false teachings. Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and the role of preaching in manifesting God’s word. He reminds Titus of the need for leaders to be blameless, self-controlled, and committed to the truth.
Paul’s letter to Titus highlights the challenges of early church leadership and the importance of maintaining doctrinal integrity. As we reflect on these teachings, we are reminded of the timeless relevance of Paul’s guidance in navigating faith and leadership in a complex world.