Titus – Chapter 1

New Testament16 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 1 of Titus begins: "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging of the truth, which…" The chapter centers on Titus and Paul. Across its 16 verses, two threads run through the text: faith and trust in God and family and covenant relationships. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging of the truth, which is according to godliness:

2Unto the hope of life everlasting, which God, who lieth not, hath promised before the times of the world:

3But hath in due times manifested his word in preaching, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our Saviour:

4To Titus, my beloved son according to the common faith, grace and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Saviour.

5For this cause I left thee in Crete: that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:

6If any be without crime, the husband of one wife. having faithful children, not accused of riot or unruly.

7For a bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not subject to anger, nor given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre:

8But given to hospitality, gentle, sober, just, holy, continent:

9Embracing that faithful word which is according to doctrine, that he may be able to exhort in sound doctrine and to convince the gainsayers.

10For there are also many disobedient, vain talkers and seducers: especially they who are of the circumcision.

11Who must be reproved, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

12One of them a prophet of their own, said: The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slothful bellies.

13This testimony is true. Wherefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith:

14Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn themselves away from the truth.

15All things are clean to the clean: but to them that are defiled and to unbelievers, nothing is clean: but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.

16They profess that they know God: but in their works they deny him: being abominable and incredulous and to every good work reprobate.

Important Verses in Titus 1

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging of the truth, which is according to godliness:

Titus 1:1

To Titus, my beloved son according to the common faith, grace and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Saviour.

Titus 1:4

For a bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not subject to anger, nor given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre:

Titus 1:7

They profess that they know God: but in their works they deny him: being abominable and incredulous and to every good work reprobate.

Titus 1:16

Historical Context

Titus belongs to the New Testament and was composed for titus and the young churches of Crete, ordered in faith and good works. Chapter 1 of 3 opens the book and sets the stage for everything that follows. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 16 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Titus and Paul, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging…" The chapter ends with: "They profess that they know God: but in their works they deny him: being abominable and incredulous and to every good…" In terms of historical background, Titus was left in Crete to 'set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in every town' (Titus 1:5)—a snapshot of apostolic succession in action. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 63-65.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 63-65

Catholic Commentary

The apostolic author instructs the Church on doctrine, morality, and community life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging of the truth, which is according to…" The passage repeatedly touches on faith and trust in God.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 958). Here, the Church's teaching on ordained ministry (CIC 1577). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize faith and trust in God as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Be ready for every good work. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Titus 1 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.

People in This Chapter

Titus1 mentionPaul1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Titus Chapter 1 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that church leadership and good works is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing participation in Christ's priestly office through Baptism.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 461) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Titus Chapter 1 about?

Titus 1 contains 16 verses. It opens with "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging…" and closes with "They profess that they know God: but in their works they deny him: being abominable and incredulous and to every good…". The book as a whole is pastoral epistle.

What is a key verse in Titus 1?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging of the truth, which is according to godliness:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Titus Chapter 1?

This chapter mentions Titus, Paul.

Who wrote Titus and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 63-65.

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