Posts
Titus: An Overview
Book Summary:
In this letter from Paul
to Titus, Paul discusses the character of the various members of the
Body of Christ, from elders to youth, and their common goal to
pursue, namely, working for the Kingdom of Christ.
Chapter Summaries and
Overviews:
Chapter One
In
the opening chapter, Paul introduces his letter with a customary
greeting, after stating his identity and the identity of Titus. After
which, he goes on to discuss the importance of the character of
church elders, as Titus, left in Crete, is directed to organize the
church hierarchy. After discussing the general nature of what must be
a church elder, he then continues to point out various necessary
actions, such as confronting false doctrine, maintaining a godly
family, as well as preaching solid and biblical truth to the sheep of
his fold. The latter half of the chapter deals with the nature of
false teachers and their fallacies, as a good reflection of what a
good church elder should be by comparison. It can be divided into
three main topics of discussion.
Introduction
– Paul introduces himself with a detailed passage concerning his
relationship to Christ, the church, and his purpose as an apostle.
Not to be overlooked, as every word is God-breathed, Paul's
description of himself, God, and God's plan in these opening verses
is rich with statements affirming the predestination of the Gospel,
the overarching presence and plan throughout history of the
revelation of Christ, and Paul's mandate and position to be an
apostle thereof.
Church
Elder Character – Getting immediately to the point after making
clear his address to Titus, Paul then reminds Titus of the reason he
was left to work in Crete; namely the placement and appointment of
elders in the church. As new and budding churches in Crete and
surrounding territory begin to reach a development point where
eldership and structure is necessary, Paul looks after those of his
flock, and commissions a trustworthy son, Titus, to wisely manage the
task. He begins by stating the necessary qualities and
characteristics of a church elder. Elders are required to be free of
dissipation and drunkenness, or corruption, as well as have a godly
family, be able and wiling to teach sound doctrine, and expose or
confront false doctrine when it arises.
False
Teacher Character – Perhaps in comparison with his previous
statements on the nature of a good and qualified church elder, Paul
then moves on to mention the nature of false teaching, and teachers
who teach it, listing qualities to be condemned in any teaching of
faith. Highlighted are mentions of Judaism/legalism, corruption for
the sake of gain, impurity, and even outright insults.
Chapter Two:
This
chapter, leading out of the specific requirements and character of
church elders, moves into some character aspects and qualities to be
championed and taught as worthy of pursuit among various sections of
the church body. From older men to younger wives, slaves to masters,
it deals with some aspects of godly behavior, being above reproach,
to be upheld in the body of Christ. In addition, he makes mention of
the unified body's focus, and assures Titus he can preach and teach
these things with all authority, under the direction of an inspired
apostle. It can further be divided into three major passages.
Older
Men and Women – As older examples in the church, elderly men and
women are instructed together in some characteristics, and separate
in others. The elderly both are encouraged to be sensible, and
temperate, being sound foundations, both guiding the church in cool,
careful thinking and wisdom, as well as being examples to the younger
generation. This is especially applied to older women teaching
younger women how they should live a godly life in the present world.
Younger
Men and Women – Both younger men and women are exhorted to be pure,
examples of good deeds, sensible, and kind as well as obedient to
their various authorities. Women are highly encouraged in this
passage to fulfill their womanly calling as young wives in terms of
caring for their home, children, and being subject to their husbands,
and thus, being wise and pure homemakers. This passage is one of the
most blatant defenses against modern feminism.
Slaves
and Masters – While seemingly irrelevant due to our present culture
which rejects slavery, we can still draw solid truths from Paul's
exhortation to slaves and masters, in regards to how we should treat
our employers/employees, and really to any to whom we submit as
authorities. Also, it is an overarching picture of how we should be
as slaves to Christ, our highest Master.
Paul
then closes this chapter with his statements on the nature of the
revelation of salvation, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and even a note
for Timothy to speak boldly these truths to all men.
Chapter
Three:
Moving
towards his conclusion, Paul ends his letter with some final
exhortations for Titus, as well as completing his conclusion with a
beautiful, classically Pauline picture of the Gospel. Paul's obvious
fascination of the Gospel permeates this letter as all his others. It
almost feels as though some final notes were jotted down for the sake
of Titus in remembrance before finishing his short, but pointed,
epistle to his true child in a common faith.
- Exhortations for General Godly Living: Shifting his focus after his exhortations towards specific groups within the church, Paul then discusses general Christian living. He points out our need to live in subjection to governing authorities, to live peaceably and gently in our age, and to live in a way that places all men before ourselves, as Christ did for us.
- The Gospel Presentation: Citing the best of examples, Paul then explains the Gospel of Christ. Starting with our originally sinful, evil, and enslaved hearts, prime examples of the full depravity of man, he then moves into the fullness of God's unmerited grace, in kindness redeeming our souls. Paul points out our complete lack of works in regards to God's saving plan, and mentions justification apart from Law.
- Final Notes and Conclusion: Finally, Paul leaves a few notes on avoiding strife and unnecessary dissension among the brethren, and to decline useless debates that do not seek truth, but instead, victory at any cost. Finally, Paul points out the need for our good deeds and works to shine before the world, and offers his final greetings, before closing.
0 comments:
Post a Comment