Topical Encyclopedia
Titus, a prominent figure in the New Testament, is often recognized for his zealous commitment to the early Christian church and his close association with the Apostle Paul. His dedication and fervor in ministry are evident through his various roles and responsibilities, as documented in the Pauline Epistles.
Background and Early MinistryTitus was a Greek convert, likely brought to faith by Paul himself, as suggested by Paul's reference to him as "my true son in our common faith" (
Titus 1:4). Unlike Timothy, Titus was not circumcised, which underscores his role as a representative of Gentile believers and highlights the early church's struggle with Jewish legalism (
Galatians 2:3).
Role in the Corinthian ChurchTitus's zeal is particularly evident in his work with the Corinthian church. Paul entrusted him with the delicate task of delivering the severe letter to the Corinthians and later, the letter we know as 2 Corinthians. Titus's successful mediation and encouragement were crucial in restoring the strained relationship between Paul and the Corinthian believers. Paul commends Titus's earnestness, stating, "For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative" (
2 Corinthians 8:17).
Leadership in CretePaul appointed Titus to oversee the church in Crete, a challenging environment known for its moral laxity. Titus's mission was to "set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town" (
Titus 1:5). His zeal for sound doctrine and church order is evident in the instructions Paul provides, emphasizing the need for leaders to be "blameless, not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain" (
Titus 1:7).
Advocate for Good WorksTitus's ministry is marked by a strong emphasis on good works as a natural outflow of faith. Paul exhorts him to "encourage the young men to be self-controlled" and to "show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works" (
Titus 2:6-7). This focus on practical godliness reflects Titus's zeal for living out the gospel in tangible ways.
Final Mentions and LegacyTitus's later ministry included travels to Dalmatia (
2 Timothy 4:10), indicating his continued commitment to spreading the gospel. His legacy as a zealous minister is preserved in the epistle bearing his name, which serves as a guide for church leadership and Christian living. Through his life and work, Titus exemplifies the fervent dedication required to nurture and sustain the early Christian communities.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Corinthians 8:16,17But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Titus i. 4-Jan
... deed of theirs, much more shall we be zealous in His ... priority in the Gospel, or to
show that Titus had been ... But he has domestics to minister to him, and an ass ...
/.../homily i titus i 4-jan.htm
"But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
... Be ye zealous of good works, of works that ... takes off such endless matters that minister
questioning rather ... therefore there is much need of Christian wisdom to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v but if ye.htm
Concerning Christian Liberty
... attention to these things, therefore the minister of Christ ... Hence in the Christian
life ceremonies are to ... they please themselves with this zealous pursuit, and ...
/.../luther/concerning christian liberty/concerning christian liberty.htm
Concerning Christian Liberty
... attention to these things; therefore the minister of Christ ... Hence in the Christian
life ceremonies are to ... they please themselves with this zealous pursuit, and ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/concerning christian liberty.htm
Christian Behavior
... who have been astonished that a faithful minister has not ... must see that there be
that Christian harmony among ... though thou oughtest to be very zealous for the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm
The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... watch for souls" should be specially zealous in performing these duties of their
Christian vocation ... there states that whilst such as minister to the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm
Exalting the Cross
... young, he bore his responsibilities with Christian meekness. ... serious nature of the
work of the gospel minister. ... unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 20 exalting the cross.htm
St. Chrysostom as a Homilist.
... Any minister who has winced to see an unwritten ... feel the quickening pulses of genuine
Christian love and ... harmony and vital symmetry by zealous practice, might ...
/.../st chrysostom as a homilist.htm
The Ministry and Prayer
... the life and the work of a minister of the ... of Christ to these exalted heights of
Christian experience, they ... for holiness of heart and life, and zealous praying ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/vii the ministry and prayer.htm
Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on ...
... paul the apostle to Titus. ... and are excited by it, and become more zealous, much more
would ... to detain Onesimus, so useful and serviceable to minister to himself ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom 4.htm
Resources
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