Titus 1:1-4

Titus 1:1-4

[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;  [2] In  hope  of eternal  life,  which  God,  that cannot lie,  promised  before  the world  began;  [3] But  in due  times  manifested  his  word  through  preaching,  which  is committed  unto me  according to  the commandment  of God  Saviour;  [4] To Titus,  mine own  son  after  the common  faith:  Grace,  and peace,  from  God  the Father  and  Jesus  Christ  Saviour. 

What does Titus 1:1-4 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

As usual, Paul began this letter with comments that not only introduced himself and greeted his reader but also set the tone for his emphasis in what followed. The emphasis in this section is on Paul"s duty and the nature of his message rather than on his authority. This salutation is remarkably long and heavy for such a short epistle. Only Paul"s salutation in Romans is longer. This fact reflects the seriousness of the matters that Paul addressed in this letter.
"Ultimately what Paul has done in this introduction is to place his own apostolate at the center of God"s story; his authority and message are essential to it and derive their meaning from it. Thus, Paul is authenticating the ministry of his coworker Titus by establishing his own authority to instruct Titus." [1]