Background: After Paul’s release from his first Roman imprisonment in 62 a.d. he returned to Asia where he left Timothy in Ephesus before continuing on to Macedonia (1 Tim 1:3, c. 63 a.d.) He also ministered on the island of Crete with Titus before continuing on to Nicopolis on the northwestern coast of Greece to spend…
Tit 3:8: What is the trustworthy statement to which Paul refers in this verse? See Tit 3:3-7 and note that this is one of the five “faithful words” Paul mentions in these pastoral epistles (see also 1 Tim 1:15, 3:1, 4:9 and 2 Tim 2:11). What are “these things” about which he wants Titus to speak confidently? …
Tit 3:1-2 What is the importance of the people of God remembering and a minister reminding them of God’s truth? See Num 15:39-40, Dt 8:11-18, 2 Pet 1:12-13, Jude 1:5. Does the Bible call us to remember and warn us to not forget its truth because it is unlikely that we will? What then must we…
Tit 2:6-8 What is the one thing Paul urges for younger men that summarizes what is fitting for sound doctrine? Note: NASB sensible = KJV sober-minded; recall that he also used a form of this word in Tit 2:2, 4, 5 and 12. What might Paul’s exhortation to Titus in the context of his words…
Tit 2:1-2 Why was it so important that Titus proclaim to the Cretans the things fitting for sound doctrine? See Tit 1:10-13. Is there any less need for sound doctrine today? Along what lines does Paul organize the teaching with which Titus is to establish the people in sound doctrine? See Tit 2:2,3,4,6,9. How old…
Tit 1:5-9 For what two-fold purpose had Paul left Titus in Crete? Note: In the rest of chapter 1 Paul expounds on the appointment of elders, and in chapters 2 and 3 addresses the things that remain that Titus is to set in order. What is the first qualification Paul gives for an elder in…
Introduction: Following Paul’s release from his first Roman imprisonment around 62 a.d. he visited Asia and Macedonia as planned (Philemon 1:22, Phil 2:24, 1 Tim 1:3). Around this same time he also made a missionary trip with Titus to Crete where he had briefly stopped off on his imprisoned journey to Rome (Acts 27:7-9). Titus had…
1Ti 6:11-16 What does it mean “to flee”? From what things is Timothy to flee? See 1Ti 6:3-5, 10. What things does a man of God pursue? See 1Ti 6:11. Why is perseverance important? See Mat 10:22, 24:13. Note: “pursue” is the same word translated elsewhere as “persecute”—i.e., to pursue intensely; does Paul’s use of…
1Ti 6:1-2 What does Paul mean by “all honor”? For what reason did Paul instruct that slaves should regard as worthy of all honor even an unbelieving master? See also 1 Pet 2:13-15, 18-23. Why in the same manner is it important for Christian wives to be subject in honor to their husbands, even if they…
1Ti 5:17-18 How does an elder differ from an overseer (1Ti 3:1-7) or pastor? See Tit 1:5-7, Acts 20:17,28, 1 Pet 2:25, 5:1-4 and note that while “elder” describes the mature status of church leaders, “overseer” and “pastor” describe their role. What does Paul mean by those who “rule well”? Note: the Greek words he uses…