The theme of Titus is found in Paul’s first words: 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. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. Titus 1:1-2 NLT. What more can Paul say; his life’s goal was to tell everyone about the hope of eternal life. Again, there were those on the isle of Crete who were false teachers and who were disrupting the lives of people and encouraging them to follow false teaching; Paul describes the reputation of the people of Crete as sinners. Paul also mentions the requirements for elders in the church in chapter 1.
In chapter 2, Paul deals with how people ought to live as Christians whether they are young or old, male or female, slave or free. He does not condone or condemn slavery but recognizes it as a fact of life during that day, and he deals with the attitudes of both the slave owner and the slave and how they should treat each other. In those days, many people were destitute and would have starved to death if they did not have the option to sell themselves as slaves; there was no public welfare.
In chapter 3, Paul continues his discussion of how people ought to live. Paul makes it very clear that this is what God wants and has given us the power to live that kind of life because of what Christ did on the cross. Paul concludes his letter by asking Titus to meet him in Nicopolis once someone arrives to take his place.
The key verses for Titus are “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.
But— When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Because of His grace He declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.” Titus 3:3-8 NLT.