Titus 1:1

King James Version (KJV)

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;

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Paul, a servant of God - In several places of his other epistles St. Paul styles himself the servant of Jesus Christ, but this is the only place where he calls himself the servant of God. Some think that he did this to vindicate himself against the Jews, who supposed he had renounced God when he admitted the Gentiles into his Church. But if thus to vindicate himself was at all necessary, why was it not done in his Epistle to the Romans, the grand object of which was to prove that the Gentiles came legally into the Church on believing in Christ, with out submitting to circumcision, or being laid under obligation to observe the rites and ceremonies of the Jewish law? This reason seems too fanciful. It is very likely that in the use of the phrase the apostle had no particular design; for, according to him, he who is the servant of Christ is the servant of God, and he who is God's servant is also the servant of Christ.

The faith of God's elect - The Christians, who were now chosen in the place of the Jews, who, for their obstinate rejection of the Messiah, were reprobated; i.e. cast out of the Divine favor.

The acknowledging of the truth - For the propagation of that truth, or system of doctrines, which is calculated to promote godliness, or a holy and useful life.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ - See notes at Romans 1:1; compare the notes at 1 Corinthians 9:1-5.

According to the faith of God‘s elect - Compare the Romans 8:33 note; Ephesians 1:4 note; 2 Timothy 2:10 note. The meaning of the word rendered here, “according to” - κατὰ kata- is, probably, with reference to; that is, he was appointed to be an apostle with respect to the faith of those whom God had chosen, or, in order that they might be led to believe the gospel. God had chosen them to salvation, but he intended that it should be in connection with their believing, and, in order to that, he had appointed Paul to be an apostle that he might go and make known to them the gospel. It is the purpose of God to save His people, but he does not mean to save them as infidels, or unbelievers. He intends that they shall be believers first - and hence he sends his ministers that they may become such.

And the acknowledging of the truth - In order to secure the acknowledgment or recognition of the truth. The object of the apostleship, as it is of the ministry in general, is to secure the proper acknowledgment of the truth among men.

Which is after godliness - Which tends to promote piety towards God. On the word rendered godliness, see the notes at 1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Timothy 3:16. - The truth, the acknowledgment of which Paul was appointed to secure, was not scientific, historical, or political truth: it was that of religion - that which was adapted to lead men to a holy life, and to prepare them for a holy heaven.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

All are the servants of God who are not slaves of sin and Satan. All gospel truth is according to godliness, teaching the fear of God. The intent of the gospel is to raise up hope as well as faith; to take off the mind and heart from the world, and to raise them to heaven and the things above. How excellent then is the gospel, which was the matter of Divine promise so early, and what thanks are due for our privileges! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God; and whoso is appointed and called, must preach the word. Grace is the free favour of God, and acceptance with him. Mercy, the fruits of the favour, in the pardon of sin, and freedom from all miseries both here and hereafter. And peace is the effect and fruit of mercy. Peace with God through Christ who is our Peace, and with the creatures and ourselves. Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and peace, and all good, spring out of this.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

1. Paul. See on Rom. 1:1.

Servant. Or, “bond servant.” Although the introductions to Paul’s epistles generally follow a similar pattern, the salutation here used is unique. Usually, Paul calls himself a “servant of Jesus Christ” (see on Rom. 1:1; Phil. 1:1).

Apostle. See on Rom. 1:1; 1 Tim. 1:1. Although a slave of God, without property and independence, Paul was an ambassador for the King of kings, with all the prestige and privileges accompanying this assignment.

Jesus Christ. For the significance of the names Jesus and Christ see on Matt. 1:1. For Paul, Jesus Christ is God and possesses the attributes of God (see on Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 4:1). The authority of Jesus Christ, who personally commissioned Paul to the apostolate (see on Col. 1:11, 12), is the supreme authority of the eternal God. Paul’s embassage is from the Most High; his credentials were presented to him on the Damascus road (Acts 9:15; 22:14, 15; 26:16, 17; Col. 1:1).

The length of this greeting is unusual but purposeful. Because Titus is working in a new and difficult field his authority may frequently be challenged. To avoid any embarrassing misunderstanding Paul makes a clear statement regarding his own divine credentials and the validity of Titus’ commission, thus banishing with quiet finality any possible doubt regarding Titus’ authority.

Crete was a new and difficult field. Paul had apparently labored there for a short time only, and his early departure may, perhaps, have been made the occasion of some misunderstanding. Consequently, much depended upon a proper understanding of the position and authority of Titus and of Paul, under whose direction Titus worked. Paul’s introduction makes his own position clear. If anyone rejects Titus and his counsel he also, in so doing, rejects the clearly defined position and authority of Paul. The respect the Cretans had for Paul is also to be accorded to Paul’s personal representative.

According to the faith. Some difference of opinion exists as to whether this phrase states the aim of Paul’s apostleship or the standard by which he was chosen. If the latter, it may mean either that Paul had been chosen in conformity with the faith, that is, with the Christian revelation of truth, or that his preaching was in accordance with this revelation of truth or with Christian doctrine.

If it expresses the aim of Paul’s labors, it means that he considers himself an instrument in the plan of God to bring about faith in the hearts of men and women. The thought might thus be, The object of my apostleship is to bring the chosen of God to saving faith.

The purpose of Paul’s introduction is to win, both for himself and for Titus, the full approval and confidence of the Cretan Christians. Accordingly, perhaps Paul here emphasizes that the contents of this letter and the whole ministry of Titus are in complete accord with the Christian faith as the Cretans have already understood it. The mission of Titus, as Paul’s representative, is in complete accord with the will of Christ and with the revelation of truth they already possess.

Elect. Gr. eklektoi, “chosen [ones]” (see on Rom. 8:33). Paul may here compare the Christian church with ancient Israel, which had been chosen by God to bear the message of salvation to the world (see Isa. 43:20; 45:4; 65:9). For a discussion of Israel’s role as the “elect” people of God see Vol. IV, pp. 25-38. The responsibilities once assigned to Israel now belonged to the Christian church (see on 1 Peter 2:9, 10).

Acknowledging. Gr. epignÅÂsis (see on Eph. 1:17). Paul refers not only to an intellectual understanding but to an experimental knowledge of gospel truth. Upon this knowledge faith is built and strengthened. Compare 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Tim. 2:25; 3:7; Heb. 10:26.

Godliness. The Christian “faith,” or teaching, is designed to produce godly lives, not merely new theories (see on 1 Tim. 2:2; 4:7, 8; 6:3, 5, 6; 2 Tim. 3:5; 2 Peter 1:3).

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Ellen G. White
The Acts of the Apostles, 368

Experienced workers today do a noble work when, instead of trying to carry all the burdens themselves, they train younger workers and place burdens on their shoulders. AA 368.1

Paul never forgot the responsibility resting on him as a minister of Christ, or that if souls were lost through unfaithfulness on his part, God would hold him accountable. “Whereof I am made a minister,” he declared of the gospel, “according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” Colossians 1:25-29. AA 368.2

These words present before the worker for Christ a high attainment, yet this attainment all can reach who, putting themselves under the control of the Great Teacher, learn daily in the school of Christ. The power at God's command is limitless, and the minister who in his great need shuts himself in with the Lord may be assured that he will receive that which will be to his hearers a savor of life unto life. AA 368.3

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Ellen G. White
Gospel Workers 1915, 102

The apostle Paul saw the importance of training younger workers. After making a missionary tour, he and Barnabas retraced their steps, and visited the churches they had raised up, choosing men whom they could unite with them, to train for the work of proclaiming the gospel. GW 102.1

Paul made it a part of his work to educate young men for the gospel ministry. He took them with him on his missionary journeys, and thus they gained an experience that later enabled them to fill positions of responsibility. When separated from them, he still kept in touch with their work, and his letters to Timothy and Titus are an evidence of how deep was his desire for their success. “The things that thou hast heard,” he wrote, “commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” [2 Timothy 2:2.] GW 102.2

This feature of Paul's work teaches an important lesson to ministers today. Experienced laborers do a noble work when, instead of trying to carry all the burdens themselves, they train younger men, and place burdens on their shoulders. It is God's desire that those who have gained an experience in His cause, shall train young men for His service. GW 102.3

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Cross References

a servant

faith