Letter to Titus
in a Nutshell
in a Nutshell
The Letter to Titus is a short yet powerful pastoral letter written by the apostle Paul to his co-worker Titus, whom he left on the island of Crete to strengthen and organize the growing Christian communities there. The letter focuses on establishing qualified leadership, promoting sound doctrine, and encouraging good works in response to God’s grace. It is practical, clear, and emphasizes the connection between belief and behavior.
Paul begins by reminding Titus of his mission: to appoint elders in every town who are spiritually mature, faithful to the truth, and examples of godly character. These leaders must be able to teach sound doctrine and refute false teachers. Paul warns against those who use religion for personal gain, especially rebellious individuals who distort the gospel and promote Jewish myths and legalism.
The heart of the letter teaches that the grace of God trains believers to live upright, self-controlled, and godly lives while they wait for the blessed hope, the return of Jesus Christ. Paul instructs Titus to teach sound doctrine tailored to different groups within the church: older men and women, younger believers, and servants. All are called to live in a way that reflects the beauty of the gospel.
Paul emphasizes that salvation is not by works of righteousness, but according to God’s mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to devote themselves to doing good, being peaceful, obedient, and respectful citizens. Good works are not the means of salvation but the natural result of a transformed life.
The letter ends with practical reminders to avoid foolish controversies and divisive people, and to support those engaged in gospel work. Titus highlights that healthy churches require strong, godly leadership and that true doctrine must always lead to godly living. It is a concise and compelling guide for building faithful communities grounded in grace and truth.
(New Testament Books)
I. Salutation and Introduction, 1:1–4
A. Paul’s Apostolic Authority and Mission, 1:1–3
B. Greeting to Titus, His True Son in the Faith, 1:4
II. Instructions Concerning Church Leadership, 1:5–16
A. Appointment of Elders in Every City, 1:5
B. Qualifications for Elders, 1:6–9
C. Rebuke of False Teachers and Deceivers, 1:10–14
D. The Corruption of the Defiled, 1:15–16
III. Sound Teaching for Various Groups, 2:1–15
A. Older Men and Women, 2:1–5
B. Young Men and Titus’s Example, 2:6–8
C. Bondservants and Their Conduct, 2:9–10
D. The Grace of God Teaches Righteous Living, 2:11–14
E. Speak These Things with Authority, 2:15
IV. Christian Conduct in the World, 3:1–11
A. Submission to Rulers and Good Works, 3:1–2
B. Motivation: God’s Kindness and Salvation, 3:3–7
C. Devotion to Good Works and Avoidance of Foolish Controversies, 3:8–9
D. Dealing with a Divisive Person, 3:10–11
V. Final Instructions and Benediction, 3:12–15
A. Travel Plans and Support for Fellow Workers, 3:12–13
B. Maintain Fruitful Lives Through Good Works, 3:14
C. Final Greetings and Grace, 3:15
(Old Testament Books)