Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies" is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to Titus. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus, references this saying to describe the character of the people of Crete. The passage is located in Titus 1:12-13 : "One of their own prophets has said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.' This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith."Historical Context The island of Crete, located in the Mediterranean Sea, was known in antiquity for its complex culture and history. By the time of the New Testament, Crete had a reputation for moral laxity and deceitfulness. The phrase cited by Paul is attributed to Epimenides, a Cretan poet and philosopher from the 6th century BC. This characterization of Cretans as liars became proverbial, and the term "Cretan" was synonymous with dishonesty in the ancient world. Theological Implications Paul's use of this phrase serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it acknowledges the cultural challenges Titus faced in his mission to establish and strengthen the church in Crete. The Cretan society's reputation for falsehood and immorality posed significant obstacles to the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of a Christian community grounded in truth and righteousness. Secondly, Paul's admonition to Titus to "rebuke them sternly" underscores the importance of sound doctrine and moral integrity within the church. The early Christian community was called to be distinct from the surrounding culture, embodying the truth of the Gospel in both word and deed. By addressing the issue of falsehood directly, Paul emphasizes the necessity of confronting sin and promoting holiness among believers. Moral and Ethical Considerations The characterization of Cretans as "liars, evil beasts, slow bellies" highlights the broader biblical theme of truth versus falsehood. Scripture consistently condemns lying and deceit, as seen in passages such as Proverbs 12:22 : "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." The call to truthfulness is a fundamental aspect of Christian ethics, reflecting the nature of God, who is described as the "God of truth" (Isaiah 65:16). Furthermore, the description of Cretans as "evil beasts" and "lazy gluttons" points to the destructive nature of sin and the need for self-control and discipline. The New Testament frequently warns against the dangers of indulging the flesh and encourages believers to pursue godliness and self-restraint (Galatians 5:19-23). Application for the Church The church today can draw lessons from Paul's instructions to Titus. In a world where falsehood and moral compromise are prevalent, the church is called to uphold the truth of the Gospel and to live out its implications in every aspect of life. This involves not only teaching sound doctrine but also modeling integrity and righteousness in personal conduct. Church leaders, like Titus, are tasked with the responsibility of guiding their congregations in truth and addressing falsehood and sin with courage and clarity. By doing so, they help to cultivate a community that reflects the character of Christ and serves as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Nave's Topical Index Titus 1:12One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. Nave's Topical Index Library Titus i. 14-Dec Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... Resources What is the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy? | GotQuestions.orgShould we allow false teachers into our home? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it says not to touch God's anointed? | GotQuestions.org Falsehood: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Falsehood in Accusing Ahimelech of Conspiring With David Against Himself Falsehood in Denying to the King of Gerar, That She Was Abraham's Wife Falsehood in False Professions to Absalom Falsehood in Falsely Accusing Jesus of Being Gluttonous and a Winebibber (A Wino) Falsehood in his Deceitful Counsel to Absalom Falsehood in his False Pretensions to Jesus Falsehood in Impugning Job's Motives for Being Righteous Falsehood in Refusing to Bear Truthful Testimony Concerning John the Baptist Falsehood: Aaron, in Attempting to Shift Responsibility for the Making of the Golden Calf Falsehood: Abraham, in Denying That Sarah Was his Wife Falsehood: Adam and Eve, in Attempting to Evade Responsibility Falsehood: Ananias and Sapphira Falsely State That They had Sold Their Land for a Given Sum Falsehood: Cain, in Denying Knowledge of his Brother Falsehood: David in Feigning Madness Falsehood: David Lied to Ahimelech Falsehood: David's Other Deceits With the Philistines Falsehood: Falsely Accusing Jesus of Blasphemy, when he Forgave Sin Falsehood: Gehazi, when he Ran After Naaman Falsehood: General Scriptures Concerning Falsehood: Haman, in his Conspiracy Against the Jews Falsehood: Herod the Great, to the Wise Men, in Professing to Desire to Worship Jesus Falsehood: Isaac, Denying That Rebekah Was his Wife Falsehood: Jacob's Sons, in the Scheme to Destroy the Shechemites by First Having Them Circumcised Falsehood: Jeremiah's Adversaries, in Accusing Him of Joining the Chaldeans Falsehood: Jeroboam's Wife, Feigning Herself to be Another Woman Falsehood: Joseph, in the Deception he Carried on With his Brothers Falsehood: Paul's Traducers, Falsely Accusing Him of Treason to Caesar Falsehood: Peter, in Denying Jesus Falsehood: Pharaoh, in Dealing Deceitfully With the Israelites Falsehood: Potiphar's Wife, in Falsely Accusing Joseph Falsehood: Princes of Israel, when They Went to Jeremiah for a Vision from the Lord Falsehood: Rahab, in Denying That the Spies Were in Her House Falsehood: Rebekah and Isaac, in the Conspiracy Against Esau Falsehood: Samaritans, in Their Efforts to Hinder the Rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem Falsehood: Sanballat in Trying to Obstruct the Rebuilding of Jerusalem Falsehood: Sisera, Who Instructed Jael to Mislead his Pursuers Falsehood: Stephen's Accusers, Who Falsely Accused Him of Blaspheming Moses and God Falsehood: The Amalekite Who Claimed to Have Killed Saul Falsehood: The Conspirators Against Naboth Falsehood: The Cretans are Always Liars, Evil Beasts, Slow Bellies Falsehood: The Disobedient Son, Who Promised to Work in the Vineyard, But did Not Falsehood: The Falsehood of Friendship to Absalom That David Put in the Mouth of Hushai Falsehood: The Old Prophet of Beth-El Who Misguided the Prophet of Judah Falsehood: The Roman Soldiers, Who Said the Disciples Stole the Body of Jesus Falsehood: The Wife of the Bahurimite Who Saved the Lives of Hushai's Messengers Falsehood: To the Angels, Denying Her Derisive Laugh of Unbelief Falsehood: Zedekiah, in Violating his Oath of Allegiance to Nebuchadnezzer The Gibeonites, Ambassadors, in the Deception Related Terms Nebuchadrez'zar (31 Occurrences) |
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