WRITER, The apostle Paul.
FACTS CONCERNING TITUS.
He was a gentile
Ga 2:3
a beloved friend and helper of Paul
2Co 2:13 7:6,13 8:23
A messenger of the church at Corinth
2Co 8:16-18
He was thoroughly trustworthy and unselfish
2Co 12:18
A companion of Paul and Barnabas on a journey to Jerusalem
Ga 2:1
He was left in Crete by Paul to superintend the churches
Tit 1:5
He was in Rome with Paul during the latter's imprisonment
2Ti 4:10
He seems to have been a more sturdy man than Timothy and probably more mature.
MAIN THEME. Counsels and Exhortations relating to Ministerial Duties and Doctrines, with special emphasis laid upon the maintenance of good works.
KEY VERSES
Tit 1:5 3:8
EMPHATIC THOUGHT. The emphasis upon good works is seen in,
Tit 1:16 2:7,14 3:1,8,14
This is a sufficient answer to those who claim that there is a conflict of doctrine between Paul's epistles and that of James. The character of the Cretians was such that Paul thought it necessary to advise their minister to insist upon consistent Christian living. Nevertheless this epistle does not teach salvation by works
Tit 3:5
SYNOPSIS
PART I. Chiefly Instructions concerning Church Organization and Discipline.
Ch. 1.
(1) The salutation and reference to the glorious hope of the gospel
Tit 1:1-4
(2) The purpose of the assignment of Titus to Crete
Tit 1:5
(3) Church order and discipline
(a) The character and qualifications of elders and bishops
Tit 1:6-9
(b) The duty of suppressing mercenary teachers
Tit 1:10,11
(c) The evil character of the Cretians demanding stern treatment and steadfast adherence to the truth
Tit 1:12-14
(d) Inward defilement and hypocrisy condemned
Tit 1:15,16
PART II. Sound Doctrine and Good Works.
Ch. 2.
(1) Apostolic Instructions adapted for various classes.
(a) Respecting the spirit and behaviour of aged men and women
Tit 2:2,3
(b) Teachings adapted to young men and women
Tit 2:4-6
(c) Exhortation to Titus concerning his personal example
Tit 2:7,8
(d) The duties of servants
Tit 2:9,10
(2) The Universal Opportunity of salvation demands
(a) Self-denial and godliness in this world
Tit 2:11,12
(b) The looking for the fulfillment of the blessed hope of Christ's coming
Tit 2:13
(c) The sacrifice of Christ constrains his people to holy living
Tit 2:14
(3) The importance of Enforcing these truths
Tit 2:15
PART III. Chiefly Additional Instructions respecting the Maintenance of the Doctrine of Good Works, and the Divine Method of Salvation.
Ch. 3.
(1) Social obligations and duties
Tit 3:1,2
(2) The gracious method of salvation.
(a) The universality of sin
Tit 3:3
(b) Good works not the basis of salvation, but cleansing grace through Christ
Tit 3:4-7
(3) The importance of good works should be constantly taught
Tit 3:8
(4) The treatment of foolish questions and heresy
Tit 3:9-11
(5) Closing words and benediction
Tit 3:12-15
CHOICE SELECTIONS.
The blessed hope
Tit 2:11-14
Saved by grace
Tit 3:4-7
(Outline from Thompson’s Chain Reference Bible)