Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect… I. AN HONOURABLE DESIGNATION. 1. "Servant of God." 2. Apostle of Christ." II. A GLORIOUS PURPOSE — "According to," or rather, perhaps, "with reference to," the faith of God's people. Sent by Jesus Christ in order to promote the faith of "God's elect." III. THE REASONABLENESS OF RELIGION — "The acknowledging of the truth." Faith is the central doctrine of Christianity, but is to be distinguished from blind credulity. The faith of the Christian is based on knowledge, on fact, on truth (2 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:1-3). IV. THE PRACTICAL CHARACTER OF RELIGION — "The truth which is after godliness"; that is, piety. Original word probably derived from one signifying "good, brave, noble." Paul was himself emphatically a model of manliness and devout courage. (F. Wagstaff.) Parallel Verses 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; |
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