Titus 1:1 kjv

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

Titus 1:1 nkjv

Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,

Titus 1:1 niv

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness?

Titus 1:1 esv

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,

Titus 1:1 nlt

This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.

Titus 1 verses

Titus 1 1 Meaning

Titus 1:1 introduces Paul’s apostolic identity and divine authorization, immediately establishing the foundational authority for the epistle. His mission, as defined in this verse, has a dual purpose: to lead God's chosen ones into genuine faith and to ensure they attain accurate knowledge of divine truth, which must intrinsically manifest as practical godliness in their lives. This statement grounds Christian faith not in mere intellectual assent or speculative knowledge, but in transformative truth that leads to devout conduct.

Titus 1 1 Context

Titus, like 1 & 2 Timothy, is one of Paul's "Pastoral Epistles," primarily focused on church organization, leadership qualifications, and combating false teaching. Paul wrote this letter to his protégé Titus, whom he had left in Crete to appoint elders in every town and set things in order (Titus 1:5). The immediate context of Titus 1:1 is therefore a formal greeting that also functions as an authoritative declaration.

Historically, Crete was known for its difficult, unprincipled populace, referenced later in the epistle (Titus 1:12). The early church in Crete faced challenges from false teachers, possibly Judaizers or early forms of Gnostic-like philosophies that emphasized speculative "knowledge" over ethical conduct. Paul's emphasis on "knowledge of the truth that accords with godliness" directly counters such errors by linking sound doctrine to moral integrity. This opening verse establishes Paul's legitimate spiritual authority for addressing the problems on Crete, reminding both Titus and the Cretan believers of the divine source and purpose of the message they are about to receive.

Titus 1 1 Word analysis

• Paul (Παῦλος - Paulos): The author's Roman name. Formerly Saul, the change reflects his mission to the Gentiles. It signifies humility ("little" or "least") in contrast to his previous Pharisaical standing and zeal. His consistent self-identification as Paul underlines his transformed identity and unique calling after his Damascus road experience.
• a servant (δοῦλος - doulos): Literally "slave." This is a profound and deliberate self-designation. It implies absolute, unconditional ownership, obedience, and devotion to God and Christ, without personal rights or will. It contrasts sharply with the world's concept of power and autonomy, instead embracing complete submission to divine authority. It establishes humility and total allegiance before asserting apostolic authority.
• of God (Θεοῦ - Theou): Specifies whom Paul serves. It roots his identity and mission in the Supreme Being, emphasizing the divine origin and mandate of his service. This contrasts him with those serving human masters or false gods.
• and (καὶ - kai): A connective indicating a dual identity or unified office. Paul is both a humble bond-servant and a specially commissioned ambassador.
• an apostle (ἀπόστολος - apostolos): One who is "sent forth" with full authority as an official representative or delegate. Paul's apostleship was direct from Jesus Christ (Gal 1:1), marking him as distinct from other leaders and endowing his words with divine authority for the church's foundation (Eph 2:20). His status as an apostle underlines the authoritative nature of his letter to Titus.
• of Jesus Christ (Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ - Iēsou Christou): Identifies the source and content of his mission. Jesus Christ is both his Lord (whose servant he is) and the one who commissioned him as an apostle. "Jesus" points to His humanity and saving work; "Christ" (Messiah) points to His divine anointing and Lordship. His message and authority flow directly from Christ.
• for (εἰς - eis): Denotes purpose or goal, "with a view to," "resulting in." Paul’s service and apostleship are not for his own benefit but have a specific, God-ordained objective.
• the faith (πίστιν - pistis): Can refer to objective truth (the body of Christian doctrine, "the faith once for all delivered to the saints") or subjective belief (trusting conviction). Here, it implies the shared doctrinal content to be believed and guarded. This "faith" is distinct and revealed.
• of God’s elect (ἐκλεκτῶν Θεοῦ - eklektōn Theou): Refers to those divinely chosen or singled out for salvation. It emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in salvation, ensuring a community of believers called by Him. Paul’s ministry aims to build up this specific group, the true church, by bringing them to saving faith and mature understanding.
• and (καὶ - kai): Another connective, linking "faith" with "knowledge of the truth." These two aspects are intertwined purposes of Paul's ministry.
• the knowledge (ἐπίγνωσιν - epignōsin): Stronger than simple gnosis (knowledge); it means a full, accurate, precise, or experiential knowledge. It implies an intimate and authentic understanding, not merely intellectual assent or superficial information. This is particularly important in context of combating false teachers who might claim a different or "deeper" knowledge.
• of the truth (ἀληθείας - alētheias): Refers to divine revelation, reality as God sees it, particularly the gospel message and its implications. It stands in direct contrast to falsehood and error promulgated by false teachers. The truth is absolute, divine, and central to the Christian life.
• that accords with (τὴν κατ’ - tēn kat’): Signifies "according to," "in agreement with," or "resulting in." It shows a direct correspondence and necessary outcome between the truth understood and the life lived. There is no disconnect.
• godliness (εὐσέβειαν - eusebeian): Practical piety, reverence toward God, characterized by devout conduct. It is observable righteousness, reflecting inward transformation. This crucial link between truth and godliness serves as a direct polemic against any notion that "knowledge" (gnosis) can exist apart from ethical living, which was a emerging threat in some early Christian circles. True spiritual knowledge always leads to holy living.

Words-group analysis:

• Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ: This phrase succinctly combines humility with divine authority. Paul presents himself as entirely owned by God and Christ (doulos) while simultaneously asserting his divinely commissioned office (apostle). This dual identity forms the bedrock for his authoritative instruction throughout the letter. His personal claim ensures his mandate to speak into the challenging situations Titus faces.
• for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth: These are the two primary objectives of Paul's ministry. "Faith" refers to both the shared body of doctrine (what believers must accept) and the act of believing. "Knowledge of the truth" ensures an accurate, deep understanding of that doctrine, preventing distortion. Both are for God's chosen ones, highlighting the specific beneficiaries and the evangelistic and discipleship nature of his work.
• that accords with godliness: This critical clause establishes the inseparable link between true doctrine and righteous conduct. It functions as a litmus test for authentic faith and knowledge. If one truly knows the truth, it will inevitably lead to practical godliness. This directly combats any teaching that separates theological understanding from moral responsibility or posits "spiritual" insight apart from ethical living. It champions a holistic understanding of Christian life where belief shapes behavior.

Titus 1 1 Bonus section

The emphatic self-identification in Titus 1:1, combining "servant" (doulos) and "apostle" (apostolos), highlights the paradoxical nature of true Christian authority: it is found in total submission to God's will and commissioned service rather than worldly power or self-assertion. This fusion is critical for all Paul's Pastoral Epistles, as they directly address issues of leadership, church order, and the purity of doctrine. The choice of epignōsin ("full knowledge") over gnosis ("knowledge") underscores Paul's concern that the Cretans receive a profound and authentic understanding of Christian truth, which guards against the superficiality or even deviance of burgeoning false teachings, some of which prided themselves on their purported "special knowledge." The specific link of truth to eusebeia (godliness/piety) is a hallmark of the Pastoral Epistles, asserting that the proper response to God's revealed truth is a life of practical holiness, serving as a protective barrier against antinomianism or asceticism divorced from gospel living.

Titus 1 1 Commentary

Titus 1:1 is a tightly packed theological statement, functioning as far more than a mere salutation. It lays the groundwork for the entire epistle by establishing Paul’s unimpeachable authority and defining the twin purposes of his apostolic mission: promoting sound faith and fostering true godliness. By calling himself a "servant of God," Paul emphasizes absolute submission and devotion, positioning himself as utterly beholden to his divine Master. This humility provides a powerful backdrop to his subsequent claim of being "an apostle of Jesus Christ," signifying that his authority is not self-appointed but divinely bestowed. This dual title clarifies that Paul's words carry the weight of both humble obedience to God's will and official commission from Christ himself.

The immediate "purpose clause"—"for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that accords with godliness"—reveals the practical objective of his entire ministry. He serves to bring God's specially chosen people to a saving belief (faith), which involves embracing the revealed body of Christian doctrine. More than that, he seeks to lead them to a deep, accurate understanding ("knowledge of the truth") that is not speculative or empty, but transformative. Crucially, this truth is intrinsically linked to "godliness" (practical piety and righteous living). This vital connection served as a powerful counter-message to false teachers in Crete who might have offered a different "knowledge" detached from ethical behavior. Paul insists that true Christian knowledge and genuine faith must always manifest in observable, godly conduct, reinforcing that the gospel's aim is not mere intellectual assent but holistic life transformation.

Examples of practical usage include understanding:

1. Leadership Identity: Christian leaders must see themselves primarily as "servants of God" first, before embracing any authoritative titles, reflecting humility and devotion.
2. Gospel Purpose: The goal of Christian ministry is two-fold: evangelism (bringing people to faith) and discipleship (leading them into true knowledge and godly living).
3. Holistic Christianity: Emphasize that sound doctrine (truth) and practical righteousness (godliness) are inseparable; genuine faith is always reflected in transformed character and conduct.