Titus 1:1
This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.
This Epistle to Titus was written A.D. 66. This week there is one difference we will mention. The two letters to Timothy and now this one to Titus can be viewed as Pastoral Epistles and are intended to encourage the brothers in the faith. Titus, was left in Crete to lead the church which Paul had established on one of his missionary journeys. Paul instructs Titus as to the qualifications to look for in leaders for this church. Titus 1:12 is an interesting verse… Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, ‘The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.’ Paul has graciously warned Titus of these people. Paul always sought ways to encourage Titus and the others as the worked and grew in the faith. Paul shares this with the younger Titus… Titus 3:3-6, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
I find it interesting how Paul ties everything together as he mentors these young leaders upon whom the future of the church is dependent. Instead of just pointing fingers Paul names and points out the shortcomings of those who would rebel, decide or claim certain aspects of the battle they are fighting. Titus and the other leaders must be on guard against the Judaizers, those who sought to add works to the gift of grace which produces salvation. The simple way to explain this would be to point out that their claim, circumcision and adherence to the rituals and ceremonies of the Mosaic Law were still necessary Titus 1:10-11 For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money. In Pauls mind this was wrong, in my mind simply put they were saying “you have to be a Jew first, before you are accepted here” bit harsh on my part but that is how I read it. Paul seeks to lead us to the understanding that we must learn how to live a life that is pleasing to our Lord. We should avoid those things that strive to imitate the good way. Paul writes…Titus 1:16 “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good” Every day we must stand strong in “The Faith” by renewing our minds through the way we live and the guidance of The Holy Spirit.
Philemon…
Philemon 1:1
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—
The Book of Philemon was written in approximately A. D. 60. An unusual book in a couple of ways. First of all it is the shortest of all Paul’s writings…335 words. Second it deals with slavery, which was a prevalent practice at that time. Philemon was a slave owner who had heard Paul’s preaching and had become a Christian. The tone of the letter implies that Paul was in prison at the time it was written. Onesimus was the slave who’s actions were the the subject of the letter. Onesimus robbed his master, Philemon, and ran away, making his way to Rome and to Paul. It is thought that over time Paul had visited Philemon’s home and had come into contact with Onesimus. One other interesting fact is that even though Philemon was a slave owner he also hosted a church in his home. Because of Paul’s witnessing to him it appears that both Philemon and Onesimus had become a Christian. Paul appeals to Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ. Consider this…Onesimus had run away and had found Paul in Rome…Paul was now in prison but the one thing that remained true was, Onesimus was still a slave and he was the property of Paul’s friend Philemon. Paul’s request was simple…Paul wanted Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ and not merely as a slave.
Here we are introduced to a new way of thinking… There is the attribute of accountability and responsibility. This book puts the spotlight on the difference between law and grace…the covenant of grace between Jesus Christ and those who believe. When everything has been said and done, Paul had sent Onesimus back to Philemon with the promise of retribution for property and monies taken from him. The only request Paul made was that as a friend and brother in the faith of both men was that Philemon accept Onesimus back as a brother in the faith and consider that in his judgement of him. The truth is we all we be called to answer to God for our actions.
Life is Good
jk
These two books will complete this series with one exception. My Sunday School Class are is this time working in The Book Of Romans…I will at some future date add that book to this series. This collection of the Pauline books contains 13 books of the New Testament and when I include the book of Romans, they total 32,402 words. Quite a Legacy for the apostle Paul. Thanks to you who have stayed with me and I also must acknowledge a wonderful web site that has been my source of information. Visit them please, they are a great study guide.
From The Pew 