What does Titus 1:2 mean?
This verse continues Paul's introduction, including three important phrases. First, "in hope of eternal life" refers to Paul's future hope of eternity with Christ. This is something he longed for, and desired for his Jewish brothers as well as Gentiles (Romans 1:16). The second phrase, "which God, who never lies," confirms an often-mentioned promise about God's truthful nature (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:18). God is referred to using the Greek word apseudes, meaning "true," or "without falsehood." This stood in contrast with Crete's cultural practices, which often saw lying as an acceptable behavior. In part, this was because they worshipped Zeus, a god who frequently used deception in order to have sexual relations with mortal women.Titus 1:1–4 introduces the letter from Paul to Titus, who was left on Crete in order to oversee the churches there. Paul refers to himself as a “bond-servant,” or “slave” of Jesus Christ. He makes it clear that Titus and Paul share a common faith, and a common Savior.
Chapter 1 introduces the letter from Paul to Titus. Paul describes the requirements for being appointed a church leader, such as an elder or pastor. The text then transitions into a description of how to “rebuke” false teachers. These are the requirements Paul expects Titus to follow when selecting leaders for the local churches of Crete.
