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by Katie Erickson

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 — in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
To Titus, my true son in our common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
- Titus 1:1-4

These opening verses of the letter to Titus are far more than a formal introduction. Unlike casual correspondence, Paul’s greetings are purposeful, packed with doctrinal depth and pastoral concern. Paul begins by identifying himself in a dual role: as a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. He introduces his purpose—to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness. Embedded within these verses is a powerful message about salvation, calling, and the eternal purposes of God.

In the first part of verse 1, Paul’s introduction carries authority and humility. He identifies himself first as a servant of God, which shows his total submission and the ownership that God has over his life. In the ancient world, being a servant was often seen as a position of low status, but Paul embraces it as a badge of honor.

Next, Paul calls himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. The term “apostle” means “one who is sent.” Paul was not self-appointed; he was commissioned by the risen Christ (Galatians 1:1). His role as an apostle is foundational for the early church, and his authority comes directly from God. Paul’s dual identity sets the tone for the letter. He serves God with authority given by Christ. His message is not optional or merely advisory; it is divinely appointed and meant to transform lives.

In the rest of verse 1, Paul shares the two main goals of his mission. The first is to further the faith of God’s elect. The phrase “God’s elect” refers to those chosen by God for salvation (see Romans 8:28-33 and Ephesians 1:4). Paul's purpose is not only to proclaim the gospel to outsiders but to deepen the faith of believers. Faith is not a static thing; it must be cultivated, nurtured, and strengthened.

Paul’s second purpose is to further knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness. This is one of the key themes of the letter. Truth is not abstract; it is transformative. True knowledge of God produces godliness—a life that reflects the character of God. Paul is not interested in dry doctrine but in truth that penetrates the heart and shapes conduct.

In verse 2, Paul connects his mission to the larger promise of eternal life. Christian hope is not wishful thinking—it is a confident expectation rooted in the character of God. The “hope of eternal life” is not a vague aspiration but a secure future guaranteed by God’s promise. This hope sustains believers through trials and motivates godly living.

Paul describes God as one “who does not lie.” In a culture saturated with deception, especially among the Cretans, whom Paul later describes as “liars” (Titus 1:12), this is a profound statement. God’s promises are utterly reliable.

Paul emphasizes that the promise of eternal life was made “before the beginning of time.” This speaks to God’s eternal purpose. Salvation was not an afterthought; it was part of God’s divine plan from before creation. The gospel is not just about personal improvement or social reform—it is about stepping into a divine story that began in eternity past and culminates in eternal life.

Paul shifts in verse 3 from eternity past to the present. What was promised before time began has now been manifested. God works according to His own divine timetable. Paul points out that the message of eternal life has come to light in this appointed era. God is never late, and His purposes unfold with precision.

The medium God chose for revealing His plan is preaching. In the New Testament, preaching is not simply moral advice or motivational speech. It is the authoritative proclamation of the gospel, the good news that Jesus Christ has died, risen, and reigns. This preaching was “entrusted” to Paul, indicating both responsibility and privilege. Paul was not freelancing; he was a steward of God’s message, commissioned “by the command of God our Savior.”

Interestingly, Paul refers to God as “our Savior,” a title more commonly associated with Jesus Christ. But later in this short letter (2:10 and 3:4), Paul uses “Savior” for both God the Father and Jesus Christ. This reflects the unity of purpose within the Trinity in the work of salvation.

Finally, in verse 4, we see who Paul is writing to: Titus. Paul’s relationship with Titus is both personal and spiritual. He calls him his “true son,” indicating that Titus likely came to faith through Paul’s ministry. This also implies a close bond of trust and mentorship. Titus was a Greek believer (Galatians 2:3) who became one of Paul’s trusted co-workers. The phrase “common faith” reinforces the unity that exists among believers, regardless of ethnic or social backgrounds. Jew and Gentile, apostle and disciple—are one in Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ creates a spiritual family where all distinctions are secondary.

Paul’s customary greeting of “Grace and peace” is more than a formality. Grace speaks of God’s unmerited favor; peace speaks of the resulting reconciliation with God and others. This is the gospel in summary: God gives grace, and from that grace flows peace.

Though only four verses long, this opening of Titus touches on the calling and authority of Paul, the transformative power of truth, the hope of eternal life rooted in God’s unchanging character, the unfolding of God’s plan in time through the proclamation of the gospel, the unity of believers in common faith, and the blessing of grace and peace from our Triune God.

Like Paul, we are called to deepen the faith of others and live out the truth that leads to godliness. Like Titus, we are spiritual sons and daughters with a shared mission. Like the early church, we stand on the sure promises of a God who does not lie and whose purposes are eternal.

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