THE PARENTHETIC PERSONAL EPISTLES
TITUS
The only recorded visit of the apostle Paul to Crete was when his ship was detained there sometime on his journey to Rome. (Acts 27:7-12)
Luke, the writer of Acts was with the apostle, and doubtless others, as Demas and Crescens accompanied him including it would seem Titus, as far as Crete. Paul’s direction to Titus was that he should leave the island and meet him in Nicopolis (Titus 3:12 ) seems to confirm this, for, later, Paul writes to Timothy that Titus had gone to Dalmatia. (2 Tim. 4:10) There was a Nicopolis on the Adriatic, near the boundary of Macedonia and Dalmatia.
Hence this letter was probably written from Rome not long after his arrival. Paul’s early intention to visit Spain (Romans 15:24) and his decision to winter in Nicopolis seems to have been thwarted for he is still in Rome, when he informs Timothy of his imminent disillusion. (2 Tim. 4:6)
· It deals with the practical duties of life.
· No doctrine is developed.
As shown by the literary framework, the chief subjects are the appointment of seniors, who are to serve as supervisors, and the conduct of those who are slaves. The paragraph dealing with the seniors (elderly persons) is logically followed by one describing their duties and difficulties due to the insubjection of some.
The section on slaves is fittingly followed by one on subjection, for even those who are not in physical bondage are in subjection to the government and to their fellow men.
The central subject sets forth the ideal character of men and women, old and young.
LITERARY FRAMEWORK OF TITUS
INTRODUCTION 1:1
( CHARACTER OF SENIORS 1:5
( INSUBJECTION 1:10
( OLD MEN 2:2
( OLD WOMEN 2:3
( YOUNG WOMEN 2:4
( YOUNG MEN 2:6
( CONDUCT OF SLAVES 2:9
( SUBJECTION 3:1
CONCLUSION 3:12