25: Appointment of Elders (Tit 1:1-9)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

Paul begins his letter by stating the basis of his apostleship and ministry before greeting Titus with a benediction. His divine office has laid on him the responsibility of overseeing the pastoral work of the church and hence the necessity of writing this letter. The elaborate introduction serves to inform the intended recipient the conditions qualifying him to write it. After the salutation, Paul reminds Titus why he left him in Crete: to set in order things that are lacking in the church. The first task at hand was to ordain godly and responsible local leaders in the church so that they may fortify the church by sound doctrine.

B.     Key Verse

            “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you” (1:5).

C.     Did You Know…?

1. Apostle (1:1): The word “Apostle” denotes a messenger with emphasis on the sender. In the New Testament, the apostles were witnesses of the resurrected Christ who had been commissioned to preach about Christ.

2. Crete (1:5) is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus) with a length of 160 miles and width of about 30 miles. In the southern part of the island is a small bay called Fair Havens where the ship carrying Paul took refuge (Acts 27:8).

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(1:1-4)

(1:5)

(1:6-9)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. Segment Analysis

A.     1:1-4

1. What was Paul’s office in the church?

2. What is the purpose and guiding principle of his apostleship?

3. What is the basis and ultimate goal of Paul’s ministry?

4. What is Paul’s point in saying that God cannot lie (2)?

5. How was the hope of eternal life revealed?

6. How was the word of God given to Paul?

7. How do these opening words inspire you to preach the gospel?

8. What was Titus’ relationship to Paul?

B.     1:5

9. What was the purpose of Paul leaving Titus in Crete?

C.     1:6-9

10. The qualities of an elder described in this paragraph touch on two main areas. What are they?

11. What are the general responsibilities of an elder? Do the elders of our church today have the same responsibilities?

12. List the criteria of an elder as mentioned here (7-9) and their importance.

13. An elder is a steward of God (7). What does this job description suggest?

14. Considering the criteria of an elder, how can you better equip yourself to minister in the church?