Epimenides was a Cretan philosopher who immortalized: “All Cretans are liars.” Later in the Book of Titus, Paul borrowed from Epimenide, describing Crete’s people as liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons. The people of Crete were known for their dishonesty and greediness, and the city was infamous for being risky and a center of erotic corruption. The island was central to a harbors, commerce, and trade network. People from all over the world came to visit and do business. This perfect position is probably why Paul felt it was necessary to share the gospel. And why he sent Titus to rectify the growing problems in the Cretan church.
Paul visited Crete on his way to Rome, where he was to face trial before the Roman authorities. Paul saw the corruption and evil and decided a church had to be planted. After Paul was freed from house arrest in Rome in 62AD, Titus traveled with Paul to Crete, where Paul left him in charge of the new church. The Church of Agios Titos (St Titus) in Irakleio (Heraklion) memorializes the selection of Titus to supervise the Cretan church. The Book of Titus results from Paul’s concerns and the need to support Titus in his overwhelming task. “Paul wrote to Titus, his friend in ministry, to accomplish several things; first, he wished to encourage Titus in his Christian growth. Second, he offered instructions about church organization, particular congregational officers, and various age groups. Paul ended the letter by inviting Titus to visit Nicopolis to spend the winter.” (Ultimate Bible Guide, 1998) Paul knew that Crete was a hotbed of debauchery and evil practices and that Titus would need all the help available. Titus faced the typical charlatans and heretics that would thrive in a society like Crete. Inside the church in Irakleio, he would be against the gossip and the hypocrites. And, of course, the holier-than-thou crowd would be pushing Titus to follow their ideas. Paul wrote to Titus to strengthen him in his assignment to lead and care for the Church branch in Crete despite opposition. Paul knew Titus was up against formidable opposition and had little local assistance. Titus had to have help and appointed worthy elders to positions of responsibility. These men had to preach sound doctrine. These men had to exemplify in their lives the virtues expected of all Christians. Titus and the men in the church had to fight against false doctrine, combat disruptive influences, and preach to force the demonic attitudes away from the church.
It sounds like Paul and Titus had problems that would never end and were too big to face alone. We forget that Paul and Titus and the good men in their church were in constant prayer and that there was nothing too big for God not to handle. Almost two thousand years later and several thousand miles away we see many of the same problems with our church. If we listen closely, we hear many of the same issues in our church today. Many of our fellow congregation members quickly give up and start a negative decline. “Healthy churches tend to have a low tolerance for inappropriate behavior, while unhealthy churches tolerate all kinds of outrageous things, including words and actions that (at least in the past) would not be tolerated anywhere else. Congregations that tolerate bad behavior are not mission-driven but instead are consumer-oriented. They have created a social club where people are not being led and challenged to grow in their spiritual journey.” (Nienaber, 2021) It is much easier to live in a healthy church than trying to exist in a declining church. John 3:16 describes those who live in an unhealthy church, stating, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Titus wants us to know that sound teaching leads to godliness. As true apostolic doctrine is received and loved. A church is built on love, faith, and understanding. When we see these traits being ignored or abused, we must stop whatever is happening. Do not participate in gossip. Do not follow or allow false doctrine. Follow what you know is correct and honest. People must learn to live in ways pleasing to God—from those currently entangled in false teaching to elders and overseers of the church. Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” The members of God’s Church should love and submit to one another for the sake of unity. Will we act like Titus or follow another path?
Nienaber, S. (2021). Tolerating Bad Behavior in the Church. Retrieved from Center for Congregational Health: https://healthychurch.org/resources/archives/tolerating-bad-behavior-church/#:~:text=When%20the%20leadership%20of%20a,without%20any%20conversation%20at%20all.
Ultimate Bible Guide. (1998). Nashville TN: Holman Bible Publishers.