Title and Author: The book of Titus is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. The title "Titus" refers to the recipient of the letter, a trusted companion and fellow worker of Paul. Paul’s authorship is supported by both internal evidence within the text and external historical attestations.

Historical Context: The Epistle to Titus was likely written around A.D. 63-65, during Paul’s fourth missionary journey after his release from Roman imprisonment. The letter was penned while Paul was in Macedonia, addressing issues in the church on the island of Crete. Crete was known for its moral laxity and diverse population, which presented unique challenges for the early Christian community.

Audience: The primary audience of the letter is Titus, a Greek convert and a close associate of Paul. Titus was left in Crete to organize the church and appoint elders. The broader audience includes the Cretan believers who were facing challenges in maintaining doctrinal purity and ethical conduct.

Purpose: Paul wrote to Titus to provide guidance on church leadership, sound doctrine, and Christian living. The letter aims to instruct Titus on appointing qualified elders, refuting false teachings, and encouraging believers to live godly lives in a corrupt society.

Genre and Style: Titus is an epistle, characterized by its didactic and pastoral tone. It combines theological instruction with practical advice, typical of Paul’s letters.1. Paul (Titus 1:1)
- Paul is the author of the epistle. He identifies himself as "a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ" (Titus 1:1). Paul writes to provide guidance and instructions to Titus regarding church leadership and sound doctrine.

2. Titus (Titus 1:4)
- Titus is the recipient of the letter. Paul refers to him as "my true child in our common faith" (Titus 1:4). Titus is a trusted companion and fellow worker of Paul, tasked with organizing and overseeing the churches in Crete.

3. Cretans (Titus 1:12)
- Although not a specific individual, the Cretans are mentioned in a quotation by one of their own prophets: "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons" (Titus 1:12). This reference is used to highlight the challenges Titus faces in ministering to the people of Crete.

4. Artemas (Titus 3:12)
- Artemas is mentioned as a potential visitor to Crete. Paul writes, "As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me in Nicopolis" (Titus 3:12). Artemas is considered a fellow worker in Paul's ministry.

5. Tychicus (Titus 3:12)
- Tychicus is another potential visitor to Crete, mentioned alongside Artemas. He is known from other New Testament writings as a trusted companion and messenger of Paul.

6. Zenas the lawyer (Titus 3:13)
- Zenas is mentioned in Paul's instructions to Titus: "Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need" (Titus 3:13). Zenas is likely a Christian lawyer involved in the ministry.

7. Apollos (Titus 3:13)
- Apollos is mentioned alongside Zenas. He is a well-known early Christian teacher and preacher, noted for his eloquence and knowledge of the Scriptures.1. Crete (Titus 1:5)
- Description: Crete is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, which was known for its diverse population and cultural influences. In the context of the Book of Titus, Crete is significant because Paul left Titus there to organize and strengthen the church. The verse states, "The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you."

2. Nicopolis (Titus 3:12)
- Description: Nicopolis is a city in the region of Epirus, in northwestern Greece. It was founded by Augustus to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Actium. In the Book of Titus, Paul mentions his intention to spend the winter there, indicating it as a place of strategic importance for his missionary work. The verse reads, "As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there."1. Introduction and Greeting (Titus 1:1-4)
- Paul introduces himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. He addresses Titus as his true son in the faith and extends grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus.

2. Appointment of Elders (Titus 1:5-9)
- Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders in every town, providing qualifications for these leaders. Elders must be blameless, faithful to their spouse, and have children who believe. They should not be overbearing, quick-tempered, or given to drunkenness.

3. Rebuke of False Teachers (Titus 1:10-16)
- Paul warns Titus about rebellious people, especially those of the circumcision group, who are deceiving others. He emphasizes the need to rebuke them sharply so that they may be sound in the faith.

4. Teaching Sound Doctrine (Titus 2:1-10)
- Paul instructs Titus to teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. He provides guidance for different groups within the church: older men, older women, young women, young men, and slaves, emphasizing self-control, integrity, and respect.

5. The Grace of God and Christian Living (Titus 2:11-14)
- Paul explains that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. This grace teaches believers to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives while waiting for the blessed hope—the appearing of Jesus Christ.

6. Encouragement to Do Good Works (Titus 3:1-8)
- Paul reminds Titus to instruct the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready for every good work. He emphasizes the importance of kindness, humility, and the transformative power of God's mercy.

7. Avoidance of Foolish Controversies (Titus 3:9-11)
- Paul advises Titus to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, as they are unprofitable and useless. He instructs Titus to warn a divisive person twice and then have nothing to do with them.

8. Final Instructions and Greetings (Titus 3:12-15)
- Paul gives final instructions regarding his plans to send Artemas or Tychicus to Titus and asks Titus to join him in Nicopolis. He also mentions Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, urging the church to help them on their journey. Paul concludes with greetings and a blessing of grace.1. Sound Doctrine (Titus 1:9)
- Paul emphasizes the importance of adhering to sound doctrine, which is essential for teaching and refuting false teachings. Elders are instructed to "hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

2. Qualifications for Church Leaders (Titus 1:6-9)
- The epistle outlines the moral and spiritual qualifications required for elders and overseers in the church. Leaders must be "blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient."

3. Rebuke of False Teachers (Titus 1:10-16)
- Paul warns against false teachers who disrupt the church with deceptive teachings. He instructs Titus to "rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith."

4. Good Works as Evidence of Faith (Titus 2:7)
- Believers are encouraged to demonstrate their faith through good works. Paul advises Titus to "set an example by doing what is good," highlighting the connection between faith and action.

5. Proper Conduct for Various Groups (Titus 2:1-10)
- Instructions are given for different groups within the church, including older men, older women, young men, and slaves, emphasizing behavior that reflects sound doctrine and glorifies God.

6. The Grace of God and Salvation (Titus 2:11-14)
- Paul speaks of the grace of God that brings salvation and teaches believers to live godly lives. "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men."

7. Living as a Model of Good Citizenship (Titus 3:1-2)
- Christians are urged to be good citizens, obeying authorities and being ready for every good work. They should "slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and always be gentle toward everyone."

8. Regeneration and Renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-6)
- Salvation is described as a work of the Holy Spirit, who regenerates and renews believers. "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

9. Avoidance of Divisive Behavior (Titus 3:9-11)
- Paul advises avoiding foolish controversies and divisive individuals, as they are unprofitable and useless. "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them."1. Savior (Titus 1:4; 2:13; 3:6)
- Description: Jesus is referred to as "Savior," emphasizing His role in delivering humanity from sin and its consequences. This title highlights the redemptive work of Christ and His divine mission to save.
- Reference: "Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior." (Titus 1:4)

2. Christ Jesus (Titus 1:4; 2:13; 3:6)
- Description: The title "Christ Jesus" combines "Christ," meaning the Anointed One or Messiah, with "Jesus," His earthly name. This underscores His divine mission and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- Reference: "Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior." (Titus 1:4)

3. God (Titus 2:13)
- Description: In Titus 2:13, Jesus is referred to as "our great God and Savior," which affirms His divinity and equality with God the Father. This title emphasizes the Christian belief in the deity of Christ.
- Reference: "While we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13)

4. Lord (Titus 1:4)
- Description: The title "Lord" signifies authority and divinity, acknowledging Jesus as the sovereign ruler and master over all creation. It reflects the early Christian confession of Jesus as Lord.
- Reference: While not directly quoted in the Berean Standard Bible in Titus, the concept of Jesus as Lord is implicit in the authority and reverence given to Him throughout the epistle.

1. Paul’s Greeting to Titus  ( 1:1⁠–⁠4 )

2. For the Leaders  ( 1:5⁠–⁠16 )

a. Appointing Elders on Crete  ( 1:5⁠–⁠9 )

b. Correcting False Teachers  ( 1:10⁠–⁠16 )

3. In the Household  ( 2:1⁠–⁠15 )

a. Teaching Sound Doctrine  ( 2:1⁠–⁠10 )

b. God’s Grace Brings Salvation  ( 2:11⁠–⁠15 )

4. In the World  ( 3:1⁠–⁠11 )

a. Heirs of Grace  ( 3:1⁠–⁠8 )

b. Avoid Divisions  ( 3:9⁠–⁠11 )

5. Final Remarks and Greetings  ( 3:12⁠–⁠15 )