When we read the book of Titus we see the Apostle Paul sending a letter to a leader he left to care for the churches in Crete. We see several parts to this letter, a salute, affirmation, doctrine, encouragement, and correction. In Titus 1:4 he calls Titus his own son after the common faith. He shows confidence he has in Titus in 1:5 when he says he left him there to set in order things that were wanting. He clearly states that the church at Crete had problems and things that needed to be set right. And he affirms to any who were read this letter that Titus was given that authority to make corrections. He did not leave doubt in that matter. He tells Titus he has the authority and then tells the church he has given that authority to Titus. This is the proper way leadership should handle giving someone a job.
What a privilege. What an honor. What a responsibility. Titus has learned from Paul, has seen Paul minister and is now confirmed in the mandate he was given to mature the churches in Crete. It would be wonderful if the church today had pastors who were maturing the saints rather than running a church. If they were doing that babes would be being brought in and they would be cared for because the saints would be doing that. All the pastor needs do for that to happen is mature them, give them space to work and provide guidance and direction when they either miss it or need help.
Let's look at the letter, line by line.
TITUS
Titus 1:1 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;
Paul identifies himself here as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. It is a proclamation that may have raised some concern in some circles, to proclaim oneself as an apostle today would certainly stir up concern. This is an interesting change and we need to see it for what it is. Up till then the Apostles were ones who walked physically with Jesus, even though the replacement for Judas was not from the "inner twelve" he was from ones who had followed and known the Master. How significant is that statement? If one today proclaims that he or she becomes a target in the church. “How can he/she be so arrogant?” they will say. And I for one will want to walk carefully in acclaiming that one as an apostle. I believe those who know the person will know before the proclamation! Paul says it totally unabashed not only here but also in some form as the salutation of all his letters. If it is so wrong to do this, why did Paul do it? If it is right, why are those who so state today so maligned? There is a reason why that happens today. First is lack of knowledge. Many think that no man today can be an apostle. This is clearly a contradiction of scripture. At least one scripture says that with 100% clarity, Ephesians 4:11 and there are others that support it. The second reason is the abuse of titles in the church.
So what was he declaring? Paul was simply stating who he was in Christ. He was stating his place. He was not declaring himself as royalty. He was declaring his place of service in the Kingdom. This is the thing many who will claim titles and positions in the church miss including many who lay claim to the mythical five fold ministry. The Apostle is not a position of royalty. It is a place of service. The apostle gets to serve many. He actually gets to serve more than the pastor or teacher. There are many who claim to be apostles. Some create more confusion in the church than anything they set in order. These are not apostles. So what about those who claim to be apostles and are not? Look at what the Apostle John says in Revelation.
Rev 2:2
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars;
(KJV)
John calls those who say they are apostles and are not "liars". Note also that he lumps them with those who are evil. And later in the book he pronounces their fate.
Rev 21:8
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
