In brief
Titus is a companion of Paul, of Greek origin, who was not compelled to be circumcised in Jerusalem. Paul sends him several times to Corinth, where he brings comfort and completes the collection for the saints. The apostle calls him his partner and fellow worker. A letter of the New Testament is addressed to him: Paul left him in Crete to put in order what remained and to appoint elders. We remember his reliability.
What does the name Titus mean?
Titus is a name of Latin origin, whose meaning is debated. The Bible does not explain it. He is better known through what Paul says of him: a Greek, a faithful brother, a coworker he can count on.
The story of Titus
An uncircumcised Greek in Jerusalem
Galatians 2:1-3Fourteen years later, Paul goes up to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus. He sets before them the gospel he preaches among the Gentiles. Titus, who is a Greek, is not compelled to be circumcised. His case illustrates the freedom of the gospel and the refusal to impose the law on non-Jews.
Comfort in Macedonia
2 Corinthians 7:5-7In Macedonia, Paul has no rest: conflicts without, fears within. God, who comforts the downcast, comforts him by the arrival of Titus. Titus reports the longing, the tears and the zeal of the Corinthians, which increases Paul's joy and eases his anxiety about that church.
A letter that moves things forward
2 Corinthians 2:12-13; 7:13-15At Troas, Paul has no peace of mind because he did not find Titus. Later he rejoices at the joy of Titus, whose spirit has been refreshed by the Corinthians. Titus feels an even greater affection for them as he remembers their welcome.
Sent to complete the collection
2 Corinthians 8:6, 16-17, 23Paul asks Titus to complete among the Corinthians the work of generosity already begun. He thanks God for putting the same earnestness in his heart. Titus goes of his own accord. Paul presents him as his partner and fellow worker among them.
Left in Crete
Titus 1:4-5Paul writes to Titus as his true child in the common faith. He left him in Crete to put in order what remained and to appoint elders in every town. The letter to Titus recalls what a church that lives sound doctrine should look like.
What Titus teaches us
- The gospel sets free: Titus does not have to become a Jew to belong fully to Christ.
- A reliable coworker is a comfort to a servant of God, as Titus is for Paul.
- God comforts through people: he comforted Paul by the arrival of Titus.
- Serving also means finishing what was started, like the collection for the saints.
- A life that honors the gospel teaches as much as words do.
Key verses
Titus, who was with Paul and was a Greek, was not even compelled to be circumcised. This verse illustrates the principle of a faith that does not depend on works of the law.
Paul credits his comfort to God, who comforts the downcast and acts through the presence of a brother, in this case the arrival of Titus.
Paul calls Titus his partner and fellow worker among the Corinthians. He thus recognizes the place of Titus in his ministry.
Sermons about Titus
Frequently asked questions
Who was Titus in the Bible?
Titus was a converted Greek, a companion and coworker of Paul. He was sent to Corinth, went with Paul to Jerusalem (Galatians 2) and was left in Crete to appoint elders. A letter of the New Testament bears his name.
What does the name Titus mean?
Titus is a name of Latin origin whose meaning is debated. The Bible gives no explanation of it, so we should be careful. Paul presents him above all as his true child in the faith, his partner and his fellow worker.
Where can I find the story of Titus in the Bible?
He appears in Galatians 2:1-3 and in 2 Corinthians (2:12-13, 7:5-16, 8:6-23 and 12:18), then in the letter to Titus, which is addressed to him. He is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:10, where he has gone to Dalmatia.