Titus 1:1-4

¹ “Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, ² in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, ³ but at the proper time revealed His word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; ⁴ To Titus, my true son in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”

Verse 1: Paul introduces himself as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul was a willing servant of the gospel that had so changed his life. His purpose is to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness. By using the term “elect” Paul does not have in mind God’s selection of individuals for salvation and damnation. Rather, Paul is thinking of believers in general, both Jew and Gentile. Titus was Gentile who was led to Christ by the apostle Paul. Titus ministered on the island of Crete. It’s unknown as to whether Titus taught but he evidently had the task of acting as an administrator, setting up the leadership for the church. This salvation is the result of grace. God’s grace leads to godliness. When we believe we are made completely righteous to the core. This means that grace encourages righteous living. This is a central theme of Titus. We don’t need to focus on trying to be moral people. Our focus is to be on God’s grace in Christ, and to allow this to encourage us to live righteously.

Verse 2: Paul emphasizes the hope of eternal life that believers have. This hope is based on the promise of God, who swore to himself to save all who believe in Jesus. This covenant occurred before the beginning of time between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Because the covenant is based on an oath between the godhead, it is dependable for God does not lie. The assurance of eternal life is not based on our own efforts or works, but on the unchanging character and promises of God.

Verse 3: Paul explains that the hope of eternal life has been brought to light through the preaching entrusted to him by the command of God our Savior. This preaching was to be focused on Gentiles who were now predestined to be offered the gospel. Paul is also reminding Christians that their Savior is none other than God himself. The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are responsible for our salvation. Before time began it was the entire Trinity who set out the plan of salvation in Christ.

Verse 4: Paul addresses Titus as his true son in the common faith they share. He extends grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. This greeting of grace and peace reminds us of the abundant blessings and favor that come from our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.