1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, ² in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began ³ and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

Titus 1:1-3

Over the past two weeks we have taken time to introduce Paul’s letter to Titus, considering the importance of both apostolic authority in general, and Paul’s unique authority as expressed in the Pastoral Epistles (which include Titus) in particular. This week we will consider Paul’s own words of introduction where he identifies himself and conveys the purpose for writing the letter. In doing so, the apostle reminds Christians of the importance of both knowing the truth and living in accordance with it as those who have hope in the God who has both promised and accomplished our salvation.

Paul begins this letter, as is his habit, with a brief, personal introduction. In doing so, he establishes his own authority to instruct the churches of Crete by referring to himself as both “a servant of God” and “an apostle of Jesus Christ” (1:1a). These titles are used in conjunction with one another in order to illustrate that Paul’s mission stands in line with that of the OT prophets who were the servants and messengers of Yahweh to His people. As an apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul is continuing in service to God by instructing His people both in terms of what they are to believe and how they are to live. This message has been greatly clarified, however, in light of the incarnation and work of the Lord Jesus. It is for the sake of the faith of God’s chosen ones (1:1b) that he is writing to the churches of Crete by way of Titus. Specifically, the apostle is concerned for their knowledge of “the truth” (in all likelihood a reference to the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ) which should lead to godliness (a reference to their personal conduct as believers).

Paul then moves in 1:2-3 to briefly consider the glorious nature of the Gospel message. First, the glory of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus is that it brings about eternal life for those who have placed their faith in Him. Second, this was always the eternal plan of God which was foreshadowed in the OT, but has now been made manifested fully through the preaching and writings of the Apostles. Paul, in particular, was entrusted with this message by the risen Lord Jesus and he has been faithful to that command. The churches of Crete must therefore give heed to his words within this letter which are really the words of the Lord Jesus for His people.

Join us this Sunday as we begin our study of the text of Paul’s letter to Titus and remember together the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus as we commune together at His table.

Soli Deo Gloria.

-Thomas