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Who is Titus?
TITUS [TIGH tuhs] — a “partner and fellow worker” (2 Cor. 8:23) of the apostle Paul. Although Titus is not mentioned in the Book of Acts, Paul’s letters reveal that he was the man of the hour at a number of key points in Paul’s life.
Paul first mentions Titus in Galatians 2:1–3. As an uncircumcised Gentile, Titus accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem as a living example of a great theological truth: Gentiles need not be circumcised in order to be saved.
Titus at Corinth
Titus next appears in connection with Paul’s mission to Corinth. While Paul was in Ephesus during his third missionary journey, he received disturbing news from the church at Corinth. After writing two letters and paying one visit to Corinth, Paul sent Titus to Corinth with a third letter (2 Cor. 7:6–9). When Titus failed to return with news of the situation, Paul left Ephesus and, with a troubled spirit (2 Cor. 7:5), traveled north to Troas (2 Cor. 2:12–13).
Finally, in Macedonia, Titus met the anxious apostle with the good news that the church at Corinth had repented. In relief and joy, Paul wrote yet another letter to Corinth (2 Corinthians), perhaps from Philippi, sending it again through Titus (2 Cor. 7:5–16). In addition, Titus was given responsibility for completing the collection for the poor of Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:6, 16–24; 12:18).
Titus at Crete
Titus appears in another important role on the island of Crete (Titus 1:4). Beset by a rise in false teaching and declining morality, Titus was told by Paul to strengthen the churches by teaching sound doctrine and good works, and by appointing elders in every city (Titus 1:5). Paul then urged Titus to join him in Nicopolis (on the west coast of Greece) for winter (Titus 3:12). Not surprisingly, Titus was remembered in church tradition as the first bishop of Crete.
A final reference to Titus comes from 2 Timothy 4:10, where Paul remarks in passing that Titus has departed for mission work in Dalmatia (modern Yugoslavia).
Titus was a man for the tough tasks. According to Paul, he was dependable (2 Cor. 8:17), reliable (2 Cor. 7:6), and diligent (2 Cor. 8:17); and he had a great capacity for human affection (2 Cor. 7:13–15). Possessing both strength and tact, Titus calmed a desperate situation on more than one occasion.
He is an excellent model for Christian men who have realised that the Kingdom of God is real and desire to become lifegiving elders.
The Stauros Titus Workbook
Welcome to this workbook on Titus, inspired by the life of Titus—a faithful partner to the Apostle Paul—and the mission of producing Titus-like elders for today’s churches. This resource draws from the provided biography of Titus, key biblical passages (including Acts 14:21–24), and the Pastoral Epistle of Titus. It is designed for personal study, small group discussion, or leadership training.
The workbook is structured into five sessions, each building on the last. Each session includes:
- Scripture Reading: Key Bible passages.
- Reflection: Questions to engage the text.
- Application: Practical steps to live out the truths.
- Prayer Focus: A guided prayer prompt.
- Group Discussion (if applicable): Icebreaker or deeper questions.
Aim to spend 30–45 minutes per session. Journal your responses in the spaces provided (or on separate paper). At the end, there’s a commitment challenge to become a “Titus Elder.”
Session 1: Who Is Titus? – A Man for Tough Tasks
Scripture Reading
- Galatians 2:1–3 (Titus as an uncircumcised Gentile example).
- 2 Corinthians 8:23 (Titus as Paul’s “partner and fellow worker”).
- Read the provided biography of Titus aloud.
Reflection
- What surprises you most about Titus’s role in Paul’s ministry? How does his background as a Gentile highlight God’s inclusive grace?
Your notes:
- Paul describes Titus as dependable, reliable, diligent, and affectionate (2 Cor. 7:6, 13–15; 8:17). Which of these qualities do you see in your own life? Which one challenges you?
Your notes:
- Titus was “a man for the tough tasks.” Recall a “tough task” in your faith journey. How did God use it to strengthen you?
Your notes:
Application
- Identify one “tough task” in your current church or community (e.g., mentoring a struggling believer). Commit to tackling it this week with diligence and tact.
- Memorize: 2 Corinthians 8:23 – “Titus… my partner and fellow worker.”
Prayer Focus
Thank God for Titus’s example. Ask for his qualities to grow in you: “Lord, make me dependable in the tough tasks, like Titus. Amen.”
Group Discussion (Optional)
- Share: What does it look like to be a “partner and fellow worker” in your church today?
Session 2: Titus at Corinth – Bringing Relief and Restoration
Scripture Reading
- 2 Corinthians 2:12–13; 7:5–16 (Paul’s anxiety and Titus’s report).
- 2 Corinthians 8:6, 16–24; 12:18 (Titus overseeing the collection).
Reflection
- Paul was deeply anxious until Titus brought good news of repentance. How does this show the power of faithful messengers in God’s work?
Your notes:
- Titus calmed a desperate situation with strength and tact. Think of a conflict in your life or church—how could Titus’s approach (affection + diligence) apply?
Your notes:
- The collection for Jerusalem’s poor was a practical act of unity. What “collections” (generosity, support) are needed in your community today?
Your notes:
Application
- Reach out to someone in distress this week (e.g., a phone call or visit) with encouragement, like Titus did for Paul.
- Start a small act of generosity: Plan to contribute time or resources to a church need.
Prayer Focus
Pray for restoration in strained relationships: “Father, use me like Titus to bring relief and joy through repentance and unity. Amen.”
Group Discussion (Optional)
- Discuss: How can we better support leaders during anxious times, as the Corinthian church did (eventually)?
Session 3: Titus at Crete – Strengthening Churches Amid Chaos
Scripture Reading
- Titus 1:4–5 (Paul’s charge to Titus).
- Titus 1:5–9 (Qualifications for elders).
- Full Book of Titus (focus on chapters 1–3 for overview).
Reflection
- Crete faced false teaching and moral decline. What parallels do you see in today’s culture or churches?
Your notes:
- Paul tasked Titus with appointing elders, teaching sound doctrine, and promoting good works. Why are these interconnected for a healthy church?
Your notes:
- Titus 1:5 says, “appoint elders in every town.” How does this reflect urgency in leadership development?
Your notes:
Application
- Evaluate yourself against elder qualifications (Titus 1:6–9). Pick one area (e.g., self-control) to grow in this month.
- Teach or share one truth from Titus with someone younger in faith.
Prayer Focus
Seek wisdom for leadership: “Lord, help me strengthen my church like Titus—through sound doctrine and good works. Amen.”
Group Discussion (Optional)
- Brainstorm: What false teachings are creeping into our world? How can we counter them with Titus’s strategies?
Session 4: The Model of Paul and Barnabas – Appointing Elders Through Tribulations
Scripture Reading
- Acts 14:21–24 (provided text: Strengthening disciples, appointing elders).
- Cross-reference: Titus 1:5 (echoing this pattern).
Reflection
- Paul and Barnabas preached, made disciples, strengthened souls, and appointed elders—despite tribulations. What does “through many tribulations enter the kingdom” mean for elder preparation?
Your notes:
- They “commended them to the Lord” with prayer and fasting. How does this spiritual discipline empower leaders?
Your notes:
- This happened in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch—diverse, challenging places. How does this mirror Titus’s work in Crete?
Your notes:
Application
- Fast or pray intentionally this week for a potential leader in your life (or church).
- Encourage a fellow believer: Share how tribulations have grown your faith.
Prayer Focus
Commit to perseverance: “God, through tribulations, help us appoint and become elders who continue in the faith. Amen.”
Group Discussion (Optional)
- Share stories: How have tribulations shaped the best leaders you know?
Session 5: Our Mission – Becoming Lifegiving Titus Elders
Scripture Reading
- Titus 2:1–15; 3:1–11 (Sound living, grace, good works).
- 2 Timothy 4:10 (Titus in Dalmatia—mission extends).
Reflection
- The workbook’s mission: “Producing Titus Elders for many churches.” What does a “lifegiving elder” look like today (strong, tactful, affectionate)?
Your notes:
- Titus ends with urgency for good works and avoiding divisions (Titus 3:8–11). How can this transform your daily life?
Your notes:
- Titus went to Dalmatia—always advancing. Where is God calling you to “tough tasks” next?
Your notes:
Application
- Mentor plan: Identify one person to disciple toward eldership. Meet with them soon.
- Good works challenge: Perform three intentional acts of service this week.
Prayer Focus
Embrace the call: “Lord, make me a Titus Elder—reliable for Your Kingdom. Send me to produce more. Amen.”
Group Discussion (Optional)
- Vision share: How can our group “produce Titus Elders” in our church/community?
Final Commitment: Your Titus Plan
As you finish this workbook, reflect on Titus’s legacy. Sign and date this commitment:
“I commit to being a man of tough tasks—like Titus—dependable, diligent, and affectionate. I will strengthen souls, appoint leaders, and live for good works in the Kingdom. By God’s grace, I aim to produce more Titus Elders.
Signature: ___________________________ Date: ________________
Prayer: ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God’ (Acts 14:22). Amen.”
This workbook equips you to realize the Kingdom is real and step into lifegiving eldership. For deeper study, explore resources like the Bible Project’s Titus Guide or The Titus Ten study book. Share your progress with a mentor!
