COMMENTARY ON TITUS

LESSON NUMBER 5

^{Tit 1:5} For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” (Titus 1:5)

LEFT IN CRETE TO SET THINGS IN ORDER

INTRODUCTION

               In the Kingdom of God, those who are chosen and given spiritual insight are also given responsibilities. This manner was revealed at the dawn of creation, when Adam, created in the image of God, was given the responsibility of dressing (cultivating) the garden and keeping (taking care of) it. Man was not made to be a mere spectator. He is also charged with the responsibility of seeing what God is doing, and hearing what He is saying. This is one reason why our fellowship encourages some form of regular participation. The truth of God will not work effectually in an environment of idleness. Jesus once said, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working" ^NKJV (John 5:17). During our time a “form of godliness” is being cultured that does not encourage productive involvement in the church – i.e. involvement that profits the entire body of Christ. That is the intention that drives the Divine placement of every member in Christ’s body (1 Cor 12:7,18). Jesus likened His own work to “a man taking a far journey, who left His house, and gave authority to His servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch,” or “stay on the alert” ^NASB (Mark 13:34). That is, while the work is being carried out, there are assigned laborers who are to watch for the return of the Lord, alerting the workers to the signs of the times, and indicators that bear directly upon the nature and intensity of the labors. If, for example, it is perceived that the coming of the Lord is near, it is certainly not the time to be diverted to lesser things. There must be a concentration on being ready for His return – fulfilling one’s ministry, finishing the course, and seeing to it that no part of the assigned work is left undone. There will come a time when needed oil will no longer be able to be procured, as confirmed in the parable of the ten virgins (Matt 25:1-13). It ought to be evident that idleness is conducive to spiritual slumber, and that slumber leads one into a state of alienation from God and consequent condemnation at the Lord’s return. This teaching will be fortified in our text.

LEFT IN CRETE

               ^{Titus 1:5a} “ For this cause left I thee in Crete . . .” Other versions read, “I left you behind in Crete,” ^NIV “I did not take you with me when I went away from Crete,” ^BBE and “I did not take you with me when I went away from Crete.” ^LIVING

               CRETE. So far as the Scriptural record is concerned, we know very little about this place. On the day of Pentecost there were present devout Jews” from this region – “Cretes,” or “Cretans” ^NKJV (Acts 2:11). During Paul’s final voyage to Rome as a prisoner, they sailed close to Crete, passing by it, even though Paul had recommended they remain there during the winter (Acts 27:7,12,13,21). Paul also refers to a Cretian prophet who once said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” – and Paul said “This witness is true” (Titus 1:12). Historians have also written about the “notoriously bad character of this people.” ^McCLINTOK

               Crete is an island that forms a continual bridge between Greece and Asia Minor. The center of the island has “a mountain chain rising to the height of 8,193 feet in Mount Ida, and fringed with low valleys beside the coast.” ^ISBE It is 160 miles long, and from 6-35 miles wide, one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Homer says that it had 100 cities around the time of our text. ^{SMITH’S BIBLE DICTIONARY} This island was located about 600 miles into the Mediterranean Sea from Jerusalem.

               THE GOSPEL AND CRETE. We do not know why or when Paul was in Crete, or when he departed, leaving Titus there. Nor, indeed, do we know how the Gospel had come to this large island. There were Jews from this area present on the day of Pentecost. Undoubtedly, if and when they returned to their homes, they brought the Gospel with them. It is also possible that Paul, after his first imprisonment in Rome, was released, and passing by this island, preached the Gospel there. However this is all conjecture, and there is no need to dwell further upon it. We have no record of any planned initiative to preach the Gospel in Crete. We have no record of anyone ever preaching the Gospel there, or establishing a church there. Yet, the work of the Lord was accomplished there, the Lord Jesus Himself orchestrating the events from heaven. There are other churches of which nothing of their origin is provided: Rome and Colossae. Paul planned to go to Rome, but the church there preceded his arrival (Rom 1:11). When Paul wrote to the Colossian brethren, he had never been there (Col 2:1).

               There is, however, something to be learned from all of this. Among other things, this indicates that the work of the church is not centralized on earth. That is, it is not an institution with headquarters. Although the church at Jerusalem was, by virtue of the presence of the apostles, often involved in serious issues (Acts 8:14; 11:22; 15:2), it did not dictate the affairs of the all of the churches. A spiritual freedom existed that allowed for the formation of groups of believers in remote areas – like Crete. While this made no provision for heretical doctrines, it was the context within in which godly men labored.

               LEFT IN CRETE. We do not know the age of Titus at this time – but we do know his trustworthiness. It is evident that he could be trusted to do the work of the Lord, and to do it wisely and in strict conformity with the will of the Lord. Like Paul, he had “obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful,” and had responded acceptably to it (1 Cor 7:25). Faithfulness is a trait of those who possess a strong faith. Abraham, the father of the faithful (Rom 4:16), is referred to as “faithful Abraham” (Gal 3:9). Tychicus is referred to as being “a faithful minister” (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7), as well as Ephaphras (Col 1:7), and Onesimus (Col 4:9). Silvanus is referred to as “a faithful brother” (1 Pet 5:12).

               To be “faithful” is to be trustworthy: persons who “show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties.” ^THAYER This is a requirement of stewards, and there are no exceptions. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Cor 4:2). The NIV reads, “those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” This is a Divine requirement, and men will be judged in strict accord with it. When Jesus, told Paul, “ . . . the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:17-18), that is precisely what he was required to do. Jesus Himself set the standard for Kingdom labors, placing God’s will above His own, and proving absolutely faithful to His mission. No other posture is acceptable.

               It is in the context of responsibility that a person’s faithfulness is confirmed. Faithfulness really does not mean anything if there is not something that is to be done. Furthermore, being faithful involves more than avoiding falling away. It requires completing the assignment given in a manner that pleases the Lord. Thus Titus was left by Paul in Crete to do something. This was not intended to be a leave of absence or a sabbatical. There were some things that needed to be done, and Paul was not able to personally do them at this time.

SET IN ORDER THE THINGS THAT ARE WANTING

               “ ^1:5b . . . thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting . . .” Other versions read, “set in order the things that are lacking,” ^NKJV “straighten out what was left unfinished,” ^NIV “amend what was defective,” ^RSV and “set right what was defective and finish what was left undone.” ^AMPLIFIED

               PAUL’S PRIORITIES. Immediately we see the priority that Paul placed upon the churches themselves. It was essential that they be properly ordered – not from the standpoint of mere organization, but with regard to the formation of an environment conducive to edification. If the purpose of the church is to orient people for glory, edifying and maturing them so they are filled with all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col 1:9), then things must be put into place that contribute to that objective. The Lord has revealed the ultimate objectives for the body of Christ. Among them are “that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Eph 3:19), “builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Eph 2:22), and “that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Col 4:12). Where these things are not taking place, something is “wanting,” or “lacking.” Paul will not have this condition to continue, and therefore leaves Titus behind to address such matters.

               We do not know if Paul left the area because he was driven out, as in other places (Acts 9:26; 13:50; 17:10), or was called to another work, as he was in Antioch (Acts 13:2), Troas (Acts 20:11), Jerusalem (Acts 22:21), and Tyre (Acts 21:3-6). Whatever the reason, Paul could not allow the work commenced on Crete to remain unattended. The people there were evidently not mature enough to continue on their own.

               THINGS THAT ARE WANTING. These were things relating to the revealed purpose of God for the church. While it is possible that some matters of immorality existed, as at Corinth (1 Cor 5:1-5), and Thessalonica (2 Thess 3:6-7,11), these matters were not the point at issue. Those could have been settled with an epistle, as they were in both Corinth and Thessalonika. Both of those churches had competent disciples who could expound letters written by Paul. It appears to me that this was lacking in Crete. It seems demeaning to the ministry of Paul to view him being absorbed with stabilizing families, relieving the poor of the community, or ensuring that the young people had some place to meet. Those are all matters that must be resolved on a higher level.

               I am persuaded that there are a staggering number of congregations who are so lacking of spiritually minded people they would not know what to do with a letter from Paul, such as was delivered to Rome, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, or the Hebrews. The general attitude towards epistles such as these appears to justify that conclusion. You may recall that when Jesus sent letters to the seven churches of Asia, each one was addressed to a specific individual in those congregations: “the angel of . . . ” (Rev 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14). This could not have been a holy angel from heaven, for that would mean an angel told John to write letters to other angels (Rev 1:1). Beside that, angels are never depicted as being ignorant of the affairs of men. John wrote to key individuals who were charged with informing the congregation of the mind of the Lord concerning their condition – whether good or bad.

               It appears to me that the phrase “things that are wanting” had to do with matters regarding the maintenance of a proper environment and focus within the churches. As will be developed in the next verses, this will include the matter of establishing qualified leadership in the churches, in order that the word of God might be declared and expounded, shedding light on the matters with which they may have been contending.

               LACKING. The very concept of “lacking” is an intriguing one – particularly when we are speaking of the body of Christ. The word itself suggests an unrealized objective. A young man who asked Jesus concerning obtaining eternal life sensed that he was lacking something (Matt 19:20) – although he proved unwilling to resolve that issue. Jesus spoke of the certain hearers of the Word who were rocky soil that “lacked moisture,” thereby prohibiting growth (Lk 8:6). Paul expressed concern about the Thessalonians being lacking in their faith (1 Thess 3:10). James said it was possible to “lack wisdom” (James 1:5). Peter referred to required traits of character that could be lacking, indicating that the individual was blind, could not see afar off, and had forgotten he was purged from his own sins (2 Pet 1:9).

               I do not doubt that one of the matters to be set in order involved a charge that was also delivered to Timothy: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2). There will not be much legitimate work accomplished in Jesus’ name until this is done.

               There is an environment in which spiritual retardation is least apt to occur. It is one in which the people are “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor 1:10). One in which the people are “able to admonish one another” (Rom 15:14), and where the people, holding to the head, experience the ministration of “nourishment” through the various members (Col 2:19). “Things that are lacking” involve this category of things.

ORDAIN ELDERS IN EVERY CITY

               ^{1:5c “} . . . and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” Other versions read, “appoint elders,” ^NKJV “placing men in authority,” ^BBE “appoint congregation leaders,” ^CJB “appointing spiritual leaders,” ^GWN “appoint presbyters,” ^NAB “appoint pastors,” ^LIVING and “confirm elders.” ^IE

               Following the preaching of the word in Derby, Lystra, and Antioch, Paul and Barnabas “ordained them elders in every church” (Acts 14:23). Other versions read “appointed.” ^NKJV/NASB There is no record of anyone choosing elders by voting or casting lots. Prior to Pentecost, the brethren cast lots to see who would replace Judas, calling upon the Lord to show them by that means the one whom He had chosen (Acts 1:24-26) The early church chose out from among themselves seven men whom the apostles appointed over the daily distribution of food. They were instructed to choose men “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). However, no such procedure is ever recorded concerning the appointment of elders.

               ORDAIN. As used here, the word “ordained” means, “to set in place, set one over a thing, appoint one to minister an office,” ^THAYER and “set in an elevated position.” ^FRIBERG David, for example, “ordained,” or put in place, certain who were to attend the sacrifices with rejoicing, singing, and instruments (2 Chron 23:18; 29:27). Jesus “ordained” the twelve apostles (Mk 3:14; John 15:16). The apostle who took Judas’ place was to be “ordained” (Acts 1:22). Jesus Himself was “ordained” to be the Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42). Paul was “ordained a preacher and an apostle” (1 Tim 2:7). High priests were “ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices” (Heb 8:3). In all of these instances, there was a choice by someone with insight – God and Jesus being the primary Ones, and holy men being the secondary. Also, the ones who were “ordained,” or appointed, were set apart for a specific work or activity. None of the men were mere figureheads, and none of the offices were honorary or merely organizational.

               ELDERS. Precisely what does Paul mean when he says “elders” ? Is he speaking of an institutional office? Does this refer to a head of the business affairs of a congregation, or those through whom all questions are to be passed, and all decisions made? I ask these questions because this is what the modern church means when they say “elders.” The question here is whether or not that is what our text means.

               First, let us establish that there is no authoritarian office in the body of Christ – at least not as men consider authority.

Jesus made this plain when He said to the apostles, who are “first” by rank in the church (1 Cor 12:28). “Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Mat 20:25-27). In the body of Christ, those who “have the rule over you” are the ones who have “spoken unto you the word of God,” whose faith can be followed (Heb 13:7). They are those who are responsible for the progress of the saints, who watch for their souls, and will give an account to God for their labor among them (Heb 13:17). Peter, even through he was an apostle, referred to himself as an “elder,” and admonished other elders to “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof” (1 Pet 5:2). That is, the body of Christ is so arranged that those who have the greater insight, and are able to declare the truth with power and effectiveness, default to the leadership.

               As used in this text, “elders” means “advanced in life.” ^THAYER This, however, is not confined to being of advanced natural age. We know this is true, because one of the stipulations concerning an elder is the subjection of his children (1 Tim 3:4), a circumstance that does not ordinarily apply to men old in the flesh.

               We know from Scripture that it is actually the Holy Spirit who makes “overseers” – another term for “elders.” It is written, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Titus, then, in ordaining elders, was required to recognize the placement of men by the Holy Spirit. He had to be able to recognize who had a grasp of the things of God, coupled with a profound care for the flock of God. Where such men cannot be found, it would be absurd to ordain elders, for there is no such thing in the body of Christ as a leader who is fundamentally ignorant of the things of God and unconcerned about the spiritual advancement of the people. If such individuals are found, they are imposters, and are not to be tolerated for a moment.

               EVERY CITY. Notice the elders are not to be ordained in every church, as in Acts 14:23, but “in every city.”