Apostolic age · Paul’s companion, around AD 50–65
Titus in the Bible
Paul’s Greek companion, sent to Corinth and Crete. Name meaning: A name of Latin origin (Titus), borne by a Greek companion of Paul
Titus is a Greek, Paul’s companion and his “own son after the common faith” (Titus 1:4). Paul refuses to let him be compelled to be circumcised (Gal 2:3), sends him to Corinth to complete the collection for the saints, and rejoices at his arrival in Macedonia (2 Cor 7:6). He later leaves him in Crete to set the churches in order and appoint elders: Titus is the recipient of the epistle that bears his name.
Key moments
- He is not compelled to be circumcised Galatians 2:3
- Paul has no rest at Troas: he does not find Titus 2 Corinthians 2:12–13
- His arrival in Macedonia comforts Paul 2 Corinthians 7:6
- Paul urges him to finish the collection among the Corinthians 2 Corinthians 8:6
- Paul calls him his partner and fellowhelper 2 Corinthians 8:23
- Left in Crete to ordain elders Titus 1:5
- Invited to join Paul at Nicopolis Titus 3:12
- Gone to Dalmatia 2 Timothy 4:10
Strengths
- Faithfulness
- Zeal
- Integrity
- Comfort
Weaknesses
The Bible records no failing in Titus. What stands out is how hard his mission is: churches to set in order, rebels to rebuke “sharply” (Titus 1:5, 13).
Lessons for today
- Grace does not come through circumcision: Titus, a Greek, is not compelled to be circumcised, so that “the truth of the gospel” might continue (Gal 2:3-5).
- A faithful servant is a comfort to those who labor: God comforted Paul by the coming of Titus (2 Cor 7:6).
- Money should be handled in the open: the collection is carried out with brothers chosen by the churches, “not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Cor 8:19-21).
- A healthy church needs blameless elders who hold fast to sound doctrine (Titus 1:5-9).
But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
People around Titus
- Paul — The apostle who calls him “mine own son after the common faith”
- Barnabas — Paul’s companion on the trip up to Jerusalem with Titus
- Timothy — Another of Paul’s “own sons” in the faith
- The Corinthians — The church to which he is sent for the collection
- Apollos — A traveler whose journey Titus is to help provide for
Quiz: how well do you know Titus?
What was the background of Titus, whom Paul took with him to Jerusalem and who was not compelled to be circumcised?
“Neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.” Galatians 2:3
Where did Paul leave Titus to set in order the things that were wanting?
Paul writes to Titus, “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting.” Titus 1:5
According to Galatians 2:1, which companion did Paul have with him in Jerusalem besides Titus?
“Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.” Galatians 2:1
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.