Tag: Titus

According to the Faith – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

‘According to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness.’Two things that constitute apostleship: The faith of God’s elect [Greek, pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, and pledge of good faith. Used 244 times. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (Tit. 2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). Acknowledging [Greek, epignosis] full knowledge, of the truth which is after godliness (Col. 2:2; 2Tim. 2:25; Tit. 1:1; Phm. 1:6). Ignorance is the state of the average heathen who gets to know only a little about nature. Christianity teaches man the true and full knowledge of God and nature and the origin and destiny of all things (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:9-11).

‘God’s elect’ – The Christians who have taken the place of Jews as the elect of God during the time of their being cut off (Matt. 21:43; 23:37-39; Romans 9-11). Four Elects of God noted in Scripture: Christ (Isa. 42:1; 1Pet. 2:6). All Christians (Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; Tit. 1:1; John 15:16; Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 2Thess. 2:13; 2Jn. 1:1, 13). Israel (Isa. 45:4; 65:9, 22; Matt. 24:21-31; Mark 13:22, 27; 1Pet. 1:2). Angels (1Tim. 5:21).

Anyone chosen of God at any time, Jew or Gentile, is the elect of God (Rom. 9:11; Rom. 11:5, 7, 28; 1Thess. 1:4; 1Pet. 5:13; 2Pet. 1:10). Note that ‘chosen’ doesn’t mean ‘saved’ as in the examples of many Israelites that failed God and rejected Christ as do most Christians through all the ages, and even the angels fell such as Lucifer and one-third of God’s angels. All men are called to become God’s elect or chosen ones and can be if they will choose God and live in obedience to His Word (Matt. 11:28-30; 20:16; John 1:12; 3:16-20; 6:37; Eph. 1:4; 2Thess. 2:13; Jas. 2:5; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 17:14; 22:17).

According to the Faith – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness 

This epistle was perhaps written from Macedonia about 67 A.D. (1Tim. 1:3) by the apostle Paul who wrote 14 epistles (Romans to Hebrews). For his history see Acts 8-28 and his epistles. This is the second of three instructional epistles – 1Timothy, 2Timothy and Titus – that give instructions concerning the congregational order, doctrine, and discipline for Christians. Titus has much in common with 1 Timothy in that both concern order and sound doctrine. 2 Timothy deals primarily with one’s personal walk during times of apostasy.

This is the 56th book of the Bible and it has 3 chapters, 46 verses, 921 words, no questions, 45 verses of history and 1 verse of unfulfilled prophecy.

‘Servant’ [Greek, doulos] bondslave. The only place Paul designates himself as a servant of God. He calls himself a servant of Jesus Christ in Romans 1:1 and Philippians 1:1.

‘Apostle of Jesus Christ’ – a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of the apostles, it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated as apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16). Twenty-four apostles are recorded in Scripture: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew (Matt. 10:2). James, son of Zebedee and John his brother (Matt. 10:2). Philip and his brother Bartholomew (Matt. 10:3). James, son of Alphaeus and Judas his brother (Luke 6:16) and Matthew, son of Alphaeus, the brother of James and Judas (Mark 2:14; Luke 6:15). Thomas (Matt. 10:3). Simon Zelotes, brother of James and Judas, according to tradition (Luke 6:15). Judas Iscariot (Matt. 10:4). Matthias (Acts 1:26). Barnabas (1Cor. 9:5-6; Acts 13:1-3; 14:4, 14; Gal. 2:9). Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7). Apollos (1Cor. 4:6-9). James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19; 2:6; Jas, 1:1). Silas (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6). Timothy (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6). Titus (2Cor. 8:23). Epaphroditus (Php. 2:25). Paul (Gal. 1:1; 2:8). Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1).

For lists of the twelve apostles see Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13, 26. Their commission, duties, and power (Matt. 10:1-42; 28:19-20; Mark 3:14-15; 6:7-13; 16:15-20; Luke 9:1-5; 24:47-53; John 20:22-23; 21:15-19; Acts1:4-8). Please note that those were commands and commissions to those who were apostles of Jesus Christ and chosen by Him to write what He taught.

To be continued…