Understanding
The Bible |
BY THE AUTHOR
Dr. Clarence E. Mason, Jr.
Philadelphia College of Bible
1968
TITUS
Date: Written about AD 65/66 from Macedonia.
Occasion: Titus is believed to have been converted through Paul in his visit to Cyprus on his first missionary journey. Titus seems to have been a man of strong and energetic character, and perhaps he did much to save the situation during the difficulties at Corinth in AD 57.
"When and by whom the gospel was carried to Crete we do not know; but somewhere about AD 65/66 Paul and Titus visited the island, and did something toward consolidating the work there and laying good foundations for future progress. On his departure Paul left Titus there as overseer of the Cretan churches. Recognizing that the character of the people, proverbially untrustworthy, vicious, and sensual, was such as to render his task a difficult one, he wrote this letter, probably from Macedonia, to advise him on church organization and to strengthen his hands." (Arthur S. Way in The Letters of St. Paul)
Theme: Church order and conduct in the midst of heathenism and legalism. Heathenism was the natural religion of idolatry. Legalism was the essence of Judaism. So today we are surrounded by idolatry (of all forms) and by legalism.
SUMMARY OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION 1:1-5
INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE LEADERS IN THE CHURCH 1:6-16 (cp. 1 Tim. 3:1-13)
INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING TALK AND WALK OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH 2:1-10 (cp. 1 Tim. 5)
REASONS FOR SUCH LIVING 2:11-15
INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE MEMBERS AS CITIZENS 3:1-8
CONCLUSION 3:9-15
"Mason's Notes"
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