n of chapter. Paul declares his intention to visit Timothy.
An ascription of praise.

5. The government of the Christian church and community (ch. 4-6). In
these three chapters Timothy is charged by Paul to keep before him a
high view of the church and its grand destiny. (a) Timothy, as a
teacher, is reminded of his commission to put the church on guard
against errors of doctrine and life (ch. 4). (b) Timothy is shown how
he should bear rule and conduct himself towards the elders and women of
his congregation. Paul adds instructions in regard to a man's care for
his family, support of the ministry, discipline of offenders, etc. (ch.
5). (c) Relations of masters and servants. Right attitude of
believers in Christ toward riches. The chief thing is to follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness, and to fight
the good fight of faith (6:1-19). (d) Closing charge to Timothy with
benediction (6:20, 21).

THE EPISTLE TO TITUS

+Titus+ was a beloved disciple of Paul. He was a Gentile and was taken
by Paul to Jerusalem and was made a test case of the freedom of the
gospel and was not compelled to be circumcised (Gal. 2:1-5). He is
mentioned by name, by Paul, twelve times in four of the Epistles (2
Cor. 2:13; 7:6, 13, 14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; Gal. 2:1, 3; 2 Tim. 4:10;
Titus 1:4). The early church tradition is that Titus was descended
from the royal family of Crete. He was an able and capable missionary.
We have no account of his conversion. He might have come first in
contact with Paul and been converted when the Great Apostle visited
Crete on his way to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:7-13). Some time was
spent at this island by Paul's company (Acts 27:9). Paul again visited
Crete after his first Roman imprisonment and when he went away he left
Titus in charge of affairs (Titus 1:5), "To set in order things that
are wanting and to ordain elders in every city." This message of Paul
to Titus not only shows the confidence which Paul reposed in him, but
also how widespread Christianity was in Crete. After Titus had
completed his special work in Crete he was to rejoin Paul at Nicopolis
(Titus 3:12).

+The Purpose+ of this letter is to show Titus what he is to do, in his
work with the churches, and how to do it.

+Time and Place of Writing.+--It is thought that this Epistle was
written from Corinth in 66 A.D.

+Principal Divisions and Chief Points.+

1. Greeting and subject of the Ep