1. Paulus servus Dei apostolus autem Jesu Christi secundum fidem electorum Dei et agnitionem veritatis quæ secundum pietatem est
2. in spem vitæ æternæ quam promisit qui non mentitur Deus ante tempora sæcularia
3. manifestavit autem temporibus suis verbum suum in prædicatione quæ credita est mihi secundum præceptum salvatoris nostri Dei
4. Tito dilecto filio secundum communem fidem gratia et pax a Deo Patre et Christo Jesu salvatore nostro
5. hujus rei gratia reliqui te Cretæ ut ea quæ desunt corrigas et constituas per civitates presbyteros sicut ego tibi disposui
6. si quis sine crimine est unius uxoris vir filios habens fideles non in accusatione luxuriæ aut non subditos
7. oportet enim episcopum sine crimine esse sicut Dei dispensatorem non superbum non iracundum non vinolentum non percussorem non turpilucri cupidum
8. sed hospitalem benignum sobrium justum sanctum continentem
9. amplectentem eum qui secundum doctrinam est fidelem sermonem ut potens sit et exhortari in doctrina sana et eos qui contradicunt arguere
10. sunt enim multi et inobœdientes vaniloqui et seductores maxime qui de circumcisione sunt
11. quos oportet redargui qui universas domos subvertunt docentes quæ non oportet turpis lucri gratia
12. dixit quidam ex illis proprius ipsorum propheta Cretenses semper mendaces malæ bestiæ ventres pigri
13. testimonium hoc verum est quam ob causam increpa illos dure ut sani sint in fide
14. non intendentes judaicis fabulis et mandatis hominum aversantium se a veritate
15. omnia munda mundis coinquinatis autem et infidelibus nihil mundum sed inquinatæ sunt eorum et mens et conscientia
16. confitentur se nosse Deum factis autem negant cum sunt abominati et incredibiles et ad omne opus bonum reprobi
Footnotes:
1:5-6 - Paul instructs Titus to organize the church in Crete, emphasizing the need for exemplary leaders. Elders should be chosen based on spiritual, moral, and family qualities (see also 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and 1 Peter 5:1-4).
1:7-9 - A bishop must be above reproach, governing his household with dignity and having a firm love for doctrine. Faithfulness to the Word is essential to ensuring that he protects the faith against false teachers (see also 1 Timothy 1:3-7 and 2 Timothy 4:2).
1:10-11 - Paul warns against false teachers who disturb the church and must be silenced. Defending the truth is a crucial responsibility of leaders (see also Acts 20:29-30 and 2 Peter 2:1-3).
1:15-16 - Inner purity and holiness are necessary to discern truth from false doctrines. Corruption of the heart reflects the failure of faith, rendering the believer useless for good works (see also Matthew 15:18-20 and 1 Timothy 1:5-7).
1:12-14 - Paul quotes a Cretan proverb to show that some false teachers speak lies and deceive believers. The need to correct these deviations is essential to the preservation of true faith (see also 2 Timothy 4:3-4 and 1 John 4:1-3).
Verses related to Epistula ad Titum, 1:
Titus chapter 1 establishes guidelines for church leadership. What qualities does Paul require of Christian leaders? This instructional text outlines the requirements for elders and overseers, emphasizing upright character and sound doctrine. The chapter covers topics such as the promise of eternal life, the importance of order in the church and the need to refute false teachers. Paul also mentions the challenging cultural characteristics of Crete. Explore with us five biblical passages that illuminate the fundamental principles of this guiding chapter.
1 Timothy 3:2-7: "Therefore, the bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, respectable, hospitable and able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, but peaceable, hostile to strife, not attached to money. He must govern his own family well, having his children subject to him, with all dignity. For if someone does not know how to govern their own family, how can they take care of God's church? He cannot be newly converted, lest he become arrogant and fall into the same condemnation as the devil fell. You must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that you do not fall into discredit or fall into the devil's trap." - This passage from 1 Timothy echoes the qualifications for church leaders mentioned in Titus 1:6-9, emphasizing the importance of leaders' character and reputation.
2 Peter 2:1: "In the past false prophets arose among the people, just as false teachers will also arise among you. These will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Sovereign who rescued them, bringing sudden destruction upon themselves." - Peter warns against false teachers, as does Paul in Titus 1:10-16, highlighting the danger of false doctrines in the church.
Acts 14:23: "Paul and Barnabas appointed them elders in each church, and with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed." - This passage illustrates the practice of appointing leaders in churches, which Paul instructs Titus to do in Titus 1:5.
Romans 16:18: "For these people are not serving Christ our Lord, but their own appetites. With soft and flattering words, they deceive the hearts of the naive." - Paul warns against those who deceive others with smooth words, similar to the warning in Titus 1:10-11 about deceivers.
1 Corinthians 4:2: "What is required of these people in charge is that they be faithful." - This verse summarizes the expectation of faithfulness for church leaders, which is a central theme in Titus 1.
FAQ:
What are the requirements for an elder according to Titus 1?
An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, a father of faithful children, not arrogant or quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, hospitable, a lover of good things, able to teach. (Titus 1:6-9)
Why did Paul write the letter to Titus?
Paul wrote to Titus to instruct him on organizing the church in Crete, appointing leaders, and combating false teachings. (Titus 1:5, 10-14)
Who were the false teachers mentioned in Titus 1?
They were people who taught false doctrines, especially those of Jewish origin, seeking dishonest gain and leading entire families away from the faith. (Titus 1:10-11)
How important is sound doctrine in Titus 1?
Sound doctrine strengthens faith, combats false teachings, and guides church leaders in the truth of Christ. (Titus 1:9, 13)
What does it mean to "profess that they know God, but deny him in their works"?
Paul warns that some claim to follow God, but their actions prove otherwise, being reprehensible and disobedient. (Titus 1:16)
