THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE

TO TITUS.

CHAPTER I.

PAUL SALUTES TITUS.-DESCRIBES THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A

MINISTER.

How does Paul salute Titus in the commencement of his Epistle?

4. To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

What was the chief purpose for which Paul left Titus at Crete ?

5. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.

What qualifications did Paul point out as indispensable in a bishop, or minister of the Gospel?

7. A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre.

8. But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate ;

9. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

CHAPTER II.

COUNSEL TO TITUS CONCERNING DOCTRINE AND CONDUCT.--DUTY OF SERVANTS.-GOD'S GRACE UNIVERSAL

Paul in his address to Titus particularly adverts to the subject of Christian conduct. Read what he points out as necessary to old and young.

1. Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

2. That the aged inen be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

3. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness; not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things:

4. That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands; that the word of God be not blasphemed.

6. Young men likewise exhort to be soberminded.

What counsel does he give to Titus respecting his own conduct ?

7. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8. Sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

What does he say concerning servants?

9. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again,

10. Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

How does Paul describe the extent of the grace of God, and its tendency to produce holiness in this life, and hope toward that which is to come?

11. The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men;

12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world;

13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14. Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

CHAPTER III.

DUTY TO MAGISTRATES.-THE GROUND OF REDEMPTION.BELIEVERS TO MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS.

What is the apostle's admonition concerning obedience to the civil magistrate ?

1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work;

2. To speak evil of no man ; to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.

To what means are we to ascribe our salvation? will any righteousness of our own be sufficient for our justification ?

5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy, He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost,

6. Which He shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour:

7. That, being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Are not believers excited to be diligent in maintaining good works?

8. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God, be careful to maintain good works.

PAUL INTERCEDES FOR ONESIMUS.*

Read Paul's generous and affectionate application to Philemon, on behalf of his servant Onesimus.

10. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds,

11. Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me.

12. Whom I have sent again; thou therefore receive him, that is mine own bowels.

* Onesimus was a slave who had run away from his master, probably after having robbed him; but coming to Rome during Paul's imprisonment there, he was through his means converted to Christianity; and, having manifested the genuine fruits of faith, in his anxiety to atone for the injuries he had committed, and to obtain reconciliation with his master, he was furnished by the apostle with this powerful letter of intercession to Philemon for his pardon.

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