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Titus
Titus was a Greek — a Gentile convert — and Paul’ s companion on several critical missions. Paul took him to the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15; Gal. 2:1–3) as a test case: would the apostles require a Gentile convert to be circumcised? The answer was no, and Titus’ s presence at the council was part of the argument.
Titus was a Greek — a Gentile convert — and Paul’ s companion on several critical missions. Paul took him to the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15; Gal. 2:1–3) as a test case: would the apostles require a Gentile convert to be circumcised? The answer was no, and Titus’ s presence at the council was part of the argument.
The Collection and Corinth
Titus was entrusted with organizing the collection for the poor Christians in Judea — a project Paul took very seriously (2 Cor. 8–9). He also served as Paul’ s commissioner at Corinth, where he helped resolve a conflict between Paul and the Corinthian church. Paul’ s affection for Titus is evident: ‘ I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother’ (2 Cor. 2:13).
Crete and Later Life
According to the Letter to Titus, Paul left Titus in Crete to ‘ put in order what remained to be done’ and to ‘ appoint elders in every town’ (Titus 1:5). The tradition that Titus became the first bishop of Crete is ancient and widely attested, though the details are uncertain. 2 Timothy 4:10 says Titus went to Dalmatia, and later tradition places his death in Crete.
“ To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”
Titus 1:4Sources
- Galatians 2:1–3; 2 Corinthians 2:13; 7:6–7, 13–14; 8:6, 16–23.
- Titus 1:5; 2 Timothy 4:10.
- Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, 13 December 2006.