Titus 1:5
The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
The reason I left you in Crete
This phrase sets the stage for the apostolic mission entrusted to Titus. The Greek word for "left" (κατέλιπον, katelipon) implies a deliberate and purposeful action. Paul had a strategic reason for leaving Titus in Crete, a significant island in the Mediterranean known for its diverse population and strategic location. Historically, Crete was notorious for its moral laxity, as even one of their own prophets, Epimenides, had remarked on the Cretans' character (Titus 1:12). This context underscores the challenge Titus faced in establishing a strong Christian community amidst a culture needing transformation.

was that you might straighten out
The phrase "straighten out" (ἐπιδιορθώσῃ, epidiorthōsē) carries the connotation of setting things in order or correcting what is defective. The Greek root suggests a meticulous process of aligning something with a standard. In the context of the early church, this involved addressing doctrinal errors and moral issues, ensuring that the fledgling Christian communities adhered to apostolic teaching and lived out their faith authentically.

what was unfinished
This phrase indicates that the work in Crete was incomplete. The Greek word (λείποντα, leiponta) suggests a lack or deficiency. Paul had begun the work of evangelism and church planting, but it was Titus's task to bring it to completion. This highlights the collaborative nature of ministry in the early church, where different leaders played complementary roles in the growth and maturation of the Christian community.

and appoint elders in every town
The appointment of "elders" (πρεσβυτέρους, presbyterous) was a critical task for Titus. The term "elders" refers to mature, spiritually qualified leaders responsible for shepherding the church. The plural form indicates a plurality of leadership, which was a common practice in the early church to ensure accountability and shared responsibility. The phrase "in every town" underscores the widespread nature of the Christian mission in Crete, with the goal of establishing a structured and stable church presence in each community.

as I directed you
This final phrase emphasizes the apostolic authority and guidance given to Titus. The Greek word for "directed" (διεταξάμην, dietaxamēn) implies a command or instruction. Paul, as an apostle, had the authority to set the parameters for church order and governance. This directive reflects the importance of adhering to apostolic teaching and tradition, ensuring that the church's foundation was built on sound doctrine and practice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to Titus. He was a key figure in the early Christian church, responsible for spreading the Gospel and establishing churches.

2. Titus
A trusted companion and fellow worker of Paul. He was left in Crete to organize the church and appoint elders.

3. Crete
An island in the Mediterranean Sea where Paul had established a church. Known for its diverse population and challenging cultural environment.

4. Elders
Leaders within the church who were to be appointed by Titus. Their role was to shepherd the church and maintain doctrinal purity.

5. Church Organization
The event of establishing church leadership and structure, which was crucial for the growth and stability of the early Christian communities.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Order in the Church
Paul emphasizes the need for order and structure within the church. This reflects God's nature as a God of order and not chaos. Church leadership is essential for maintaining doctrinal integrity and providing spiritual guidance.

The Role of Elders
Elders are to be appointed to lead and shepherd the church. Their role is crucial in teaching sound doctrine, providing pastoral care, and protecting the church from false teachings.

Delegation and Trust in Ministry
Paul’s delegation of authority to Titus highlights the importance of trust and empowerment in ministry. Leaders should equip and trust others to carry out the work of the ministry.

Cultural Challenges in Ministry
Crete presented unique cultural challenges, yet Paul entrusted Titus to navigate these while establishing church leadership. This teaches us to be adaptable and discerning in different cultural contexts.
Bible Study Questions
1. What qualities should we look for in church leaders today, based on the example of Titus and the instructions given by Paul?

2. How can we ensure that our local church maintains order and sound doctrine in a culturally diverse environment?

3. In what ways can we support and encourage our church leaders as they fulfill their roles?

4. How does the appointment of elders in the early church reflect God’s design for leadership and accountability within the church?

5. What lessons can we learn from Paul’s trust in Titus about delegating responsibilities in our own areas of ministry or service?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 14:23
This passage describes how Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in every church, showing a consistent pattern in Paul's ministry.

1 Timothy 3:1-7
Provides qualifications for overseers, which parallels the instructions given to Titus for appointing elders.

1 Peter 5:1-4
Offers guidance on the role and attitude of elders, emphasizing shepherding the flock willingly and eagerly.
An Embertide SermonJ. G. Carleton, B. D.Titus 1:5
Apostolic-PreparationW.M. Statham Titus 1:5
Church OrderD. Thomas, D. D.Titus 1:5
Directions Regarding the Appointment of EldersA. Plummer, D. D.Titus 1:5
Ministers as Moral LeadersF. Wagstaff.Titus 1:5
Perfecting the Order of the ChurchT. Taylor, D. D.Titus 1:5
Titus Left in CreteW. Burkitt, M. A.Titus 1:5
Titus's Commission in CreteT. Croskery Titus 1:5
Church OrderD. Thomas Titus 1:5-9
People
Cretians, Paul, Titus
Places
Crete
Topics
Amend, Appoint, Appointed, Arrange, Attention, Authority, Behind, Cause, Charge, Churches, Crete, Defective, Directed, Elders, Establish, Lacking, Mayest, Mightest, Necessary, Ordain, Order, Ordered, Placing, Reason, Remains, Require, Shouldest, Shouldst, Straighten, Town, Unfinished, Unordered, Wanting
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Titus 1:5

     4248   islands
     5108   Paul, life of
     5434   officer
     7942   ministry

Titus 1:5-6

     4065   orderliness

Titus 1:5-9

     5727   old age, attitudes
     7026   church, leadership
     7720   elders, in the church
     7734   leaders, spiritual
     7745   ordination

Library
Purity.
Preached August 11, 1850. PURITY. "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."--Titus i. 15. For the evils of this world there are two classes of remedies--one is the world's, the other is God's. The world proposes to remedy evil by adjusting the circumstances of this life to man's desires. The world says, give us a perfect set of circumstances, and then we shall have a set of perfect men.
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

The Pure in Heart
TITUS i. 15. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure: but even their mind and conscience is defiled. This seems at first a strange and startling saying: but it is a true one; and the more we think over it, the more we shall find it true. All things are pure in themselves; good in themselves; because God made them. Is it not written, 'God saw all that he had made, and behold, it was very good?' Therefore St. Paul says, that all things
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Of the Name of God
Exod. iii. 13, 14.--"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." We are now about this question, What God is. But who can answer it? Or, if answered, who can understand it? It should astonish us in
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Whether Conscience be a Power?
Objection 1: It would seem that conscience is a power; for Origen says [*Commentary on Rom. 2:15] that "conscience is a correcting and guiding spirit accompanying the soul, by which it is led away from evil and made to cling to good." But in the soul, spirit designates a power---either the mind itself, according to the text (Eph. 4:13), "Be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind"---or the imagination, whence imaginary vision is called spiritual, as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 7,24). Therefore
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Irregularity Attaches to Bigamy?
Objection 1: It would seem that irregularity is not attached to the bigamy that consists in having two wives successively. For multitude and unity are consequent upon being. Since then non-being does not cause plurality, a man who has two wives successively, the one in being, the other in non-being, does not thereby become the husband of more than one wife, so as to be debarred, according to the Apostle (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:6), from the episcopate. Objection 2: Further, a man who commits fornication
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Sacred Doctrine is a Matter of Argument?
Objection 1: It seems this doctrine is not a matter of argument. For Ambrose says (De Fide 1): "Put arguments aside where faith is sought." But in this doctrine, faith especially is sought: "But these things are written that you may believe" (Jn. 20:31). Therefore sacred doctrine is not a matter of argument. Objection 2: Further, if it is a matter of argument, the argument is either from authority or from reason. If it is from authority, it seems unbefitting its dignity, for the proof from authority
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether a Religious Order Should be Established for the Purpose of Study?
Objection 1: It would seem that a religious order should not be established for the purpose of study. For it is written (Ps. 70:15,16): "Because I have not known letters [Douay: 'learning'], I will enter into the powers of the Lord," i.e. "Christian virtue," according to a gloss. Now the perfection of Christian virtue, seemingly, pertains especially to religious. Therefore it is not for them to apply themselves to the study of letters. Objection 2: Further, that which is a source of dissent is unbecoming
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all Ecclesiastical Prelates are in the State of Perfection?
Objection 1: It would seem that all ecclesiastical prelates are in a state of perfection. For Jerome commenting on Titus 1:5, "Ordain . . . in every city," etc. says: "Formerly priest was the same as bishop," and afterwards he adds: "Just as priests know that by the custom of the Church they are subject to the one who is placed over them, so too, bishops should recognize that, by custom rather than by the very ordinance of our Lord, they are above the priests, and are together the rightful governors
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether He that is Appointed to the Episcopate Ought to be Better than Others?
Objection 1: It would seem that one who is appointed to the episcopate ought to be better than others. For our Lord, when about to commit the pastoral office to Peter, asked him if he loved Him more than the others. Now a man is the better through loving God the more. Therefore it would seem that one ought not to be appointed to the episcopal office except he be better than others. Objection 2: Further, Pope Symmachus says (can. Vilissimus I, qu. 1): "A man is of very little worth who though excelling
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Chastity is a Distinct virtue from Abstinence?
Objection 1: It would seem that chastity is not a distinct virtue from abstinence. Because where the matter is generically the same, one virtue suffices. Now it would seem that things pertaining to the same sense are of one genus. Therefore, since pleasures of the palate which are the matter of abstinence, and venereal pleasures which are the matter of chastity, pertain to the touch, it seems that chastity is not a distinct virtue from abstinence. Objection 2: Further, the Philosopher (Ethic. iii,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Epistle xv. To George, Presbyter.
To George, Presbyter. Gregory to George, Presbyter, and to Theodore, deacon, of the Church of Constantinople. Mindful of your goodness and charity, I greatly blame myself, that I gave you leave to return so soon: but, since I saw you pressing me importunately once and again for leave to go, I considered that it might be a serious matter for your Love to tarry with us longer. But, after I had learnt that you had lingered so long on your journey owing to the winter season, I confess that I was sorry
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Confessing Christ an Indispensable Duty.
"--If we deny him, he also will deny us." This is predicated of Christ; and looks forward to the day when all mankind will stand before him as their judge. Denying Christ is here declared to be a mortal sin. Those found guilty of it will hear that sentence--"Depart ye cursed!" But this is to be understood only of a persevering denial of him. Those who turn by a timely repentance, will find mercy. This is true of every sin. But repentance may be too late. It must antecede death, or it will be of
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
The Word of the Lord may not denominate in plain terms every particular sin and evil practise man may engage in; however there are general terms and principles of righteousness that prohibit and condemn every possible sinful act man may perform. The words card-parties, picnics, fairs, shows and theaters are not found in the writings of the apostles; however indulgence in these is "revelry," "living in pleasure," "rioting" and worldliness, of which the Scriptures say the participants do not love God
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

The Time of the Evening.
The morning was of 270 years' duration. The first form of the apostasy lasted, as we have shown, 1260 years, bringing us to the Lutheran reformation in 1530. Now when we ascertain the duration of the second beast power we will know the time the sun, moon and stars reappear in the evening. One especial text that gives us information on this subject is found in Revelation. In speaking of the two witnesses the Revelator says: "And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry,
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Pastoral and Personal
FOURTH GROUP OF EPISTLES FIRST TIMOTHY. TITUS. SECOND TIMOTHY. THE PLACE OF THE EPISTLES +When Written.+--It is generally agreed among scholars that no place can be found for the writing of First Timothy, Titus, and Second Timothy in the period covered by Luke in his narrative in Acts. Agreeing with the tradition of the church, however, the opinion of many eminent scholars is that Paul was released from the first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:16, 30), that he again took up his missionary work, and
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

Whether Sacred Doctrine Proceeds by Argument
Whether Sacred Doctrine Proceeds by Argument We proceed to the eighth article thus: 1. It seems that sacred doctrine does not proceed by argument. For Ambrose says: "where faith is sought, eschew arguments" (De Fid. Cath.), and it is especially faith that is sought in this doctrine. As it is said in John 20:31: "these are written, that ye might believe." It follows that sacred doctrine does not proceed by argument. 2. Again, if sacred doctrine proceeded by argument, it would argue either on the ground
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether a Man May Make Oblations of Whatever He Lawfully Possesses?
Objection 1: It would seem that a man may not make oblations of whatever he lawfully possesses. According to human law [*Dig. xii, v, de Condict. ob. turp. vel iniust. caus. 4] "the whore's is a shameful trade in what she does but not in what she takes," and consequently what she takes she possesses lawfully. Yet it is not lawful for her to make an oblation with her gains, according to Dt. 23:18, "Thou shalt not offer the hire of a strumpet . . . in the house of the Lord thy God." Therefore it is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether one Ought to Dispute with Unbelievers in Public?
Objection 1: It would seem that one ought not to dispute with unbelievers in public. For the Apostle says (2 Tim. 2:14): "Contend not in words, for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers." But it is impossible to dispute with unbelievers publicly without contending in words. Therefore one ought not to dispute publicly with unbelievers. Objection 2: Further, the law of Martianus Augustus confirmed by the canons [*De Sum. Trin. Cod. lib. i, leg. Nemo] expresses itself thus: "It is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Faith Alone is the Cause of Martyrdom?
Objection 1: It seems that faith alone is the cause of martyrdom. For it is written (1 Pet. 4:15,16): "Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a railer, or a coveter of other men's things. But if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name." Now a man is said to be a Christian because he holds the faith of Christ. Therefore only faith in Christ gives the glory of martyrdom to those who suffer. Objection 2: Further, a martyr is a kind of witness. But witness
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Loving Greetings
'Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4. Always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5. For your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6. Being confident of this very thing that He which began a good work
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak Though the Flesh, God Sending his Own Son,"
Rom. viii. 3.--"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak though the flesh, God sending his own Son," &c. Of all the works of God towards man, certainly there is none hath so much wonder in it, as the sending of his Son to become man; and so it requires the exactest attention in us. Let us gather our spirits to consider of this mystery,--not to pry into the secrets of it curiously, as if we had no more to do but to satisfy our understandings; but rather that we may see what this concerns
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect.
^C Luke XI. 37-54. ^c 37 Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. [The repast to which Jesus was invited was a morning meal, usually eaten between ten and eleven o'clock. The principal meal of the day was eaten in the evening. Jesus dined with all classes, with publicans and Pharisees, with friends and enemies.] 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first bathed himself before dinner. [The Pharisee marveled at this because
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

St. Ignatius (Ad 116)
When our Lord ascended into Heaven, He left the government of His Church to the Apostles. We are told that during the forty days between His rising from the grave and His ascension, He gave commandments unto the Apostles, and spoke of the things belonging to the kingdom of God (Acts i. 2f). Thus they knew what they were to do when their Master should be no longer with them; and one of the first things which they did, even without waiting until His promise of sending the Holy Ghost should be fulfilled,
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Exhortation to Workers and Ministers
In conclusion I feel that the Lord would be pleased for me to say a few words for the encouragement of young ministers and workers. In my work in the ministry I have come through many varied experiences that, I trust, will be helpful to you in the trials through which you will have to pass before you get settled in the Lord's work. The first difficulty met by most young ministers and workers is in regard to their call. Unless the call be clear and definite, they are likely to be in some doubt as
Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith

Links
Titus 1:5 NIV
Titus 1:5 NLT
Titus 1:5 ESV
Titus 1:5 NASB
Titus 1:5 KJV

Titus 1:5 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Titus 1:4
Top of Page
Top of Page