Titus
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In his letter to Titus, who was leading a network of home churches on the island of Crete, Paul provides guidance on the teachings that should be upheld within these churches. He instructs Titus to teach in accordance with sound doctrine. He emphasizes that older men should be temperate, respectful, self-controlled, and steadfast in faith, love, and endurance. Likewise, older women should live reverently, avoiding slander and excessive drinking, and instead focus on teaching what is good. They are to mentor younger women, encouraging them to love their husbands and children, be self-controlled and pure, prioritize their home responsibilities, be…
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The apostle Paul wrote this letter to his co-worker Titus, who was stationed on the island of Crete, likely in the mid-60s A.D., between his first imprisonment (Acts 28) and a later, unrecorded imprisonment. He refers to Titus as his “true son,” highlighting their close relationship. Since Paul had no biological children, this title reflects both his deep affection for Titus and his role as a mentor. Letters like this, providing instructions to leaders in a specific region, were fairly common. Through Paul’s letter to Titus, we gain insight into one such correspondence, learning about the challenges the early church…
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A passage that is quoted often before the time of giving in our Sunday services, Paul’s challenge to the Corinthian church has been used as a template to inspire and encourage the practice of tithing. However, Paul’s emphasis seems to be on the transformation of the heart and understanding the commitment that the church had made. He wants his audience to walk the talk and give wholeheartedly rather than begrudgingly as an outward sign of their inner transformation.
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After writing the severe letter to the Corinthians that was full of rebuke, Paul was troubled, especially when his companion Titus was held up in the Achaia province. Upon successful reunion with his protege, Paul finally found peace as Titus recounted the kindness that was shown to him by the Corinthians. Hearing reports that the church was showing signs of repentance and that they even spoke fondly about Paul, made him realise the effect that his letter had on the believers in Corinth. While Paul was initially apprehensive and even fearful of how his severe letter would have been received,…
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Paul did not want to go to Corinth immediately after sending the letter full of rebuke at the hands of Titus. He was not sure how the church at Corinth would react and wanted to give them time to process and act on his rebuke. He says that he had confidence in the people to turn from their evil ways but when Titus was delayed in returning from Corinth, Paul was worried about how the letter had been received by his audience. Human beings are unpredictable and often we react to their erratic nature and change our behaviours towards the…
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Regarded by most Bible scholars as the fourth letter that Paul wrote to the Corinthians, it serves as an affirmation to its readers who had heeded to Paul’s harsh rebuke in the preceding letter. Paul also wanted to prepare the hearts of the congregation for his next visit and remind them of the commitment they had made to the believers in Jerusalem. The city of Corinth was a Roman colony and one of the most influential cities in Achaia province. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth during his third missionary journey while he was in Macedonia. Titus…
The Jordan Valley 