The term "Cretians" refers to the inhabitants of the island of Crete, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete holds a significant place in biblical history and is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the early Christian church.

Biblical References:

1. Titus 1:12-13 : The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus, who was left in Crete to oversee the churches, references the Cretians with a quote from one of their own prophets: "One of Crete’s own prophets has said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.' This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith." This passage highlights the challenges Titus faced in ministering to the Cretian people, who were known for their moral and ethical shortcomings.

2. Acts 2:11 : During the event of Pentecost, Cretians were among the diverse group of people who heard the apostles speaking in their own languages: "both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" This indicates the presence of Cretians in Jerusalem during this pivotal moment in the early church, suggesting their exposure to the gospel message.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Crete was a significant cultural and economic hub in the ancient world, known for its strategic location and maritime prowess. The island's culture was heavily influenced by Greek mythology and pagan practices, which often conflicted with the teachings of Christianity. The Cretian society was characterized by a reputation for deceit and moral laxity, as noted by their own poets and philosophers.

The Role of Titus:

Paul's epistle to Titus underscores the importance of establishing sound doctrine and leadership within the Cretian church. Titus was tasked with appointing elders and correcting false teachings, a challenging mission given the cultural backdrop. The emphasis on rebuking and correcting the Cretians reflects the need for strong spiritual guidance to counteract the prevailing cultural norms.

Theological Implications:

The mention of Cretians in the New Testament serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the gospel. Despite their reputation, the inclusion of Cretians in the early church narrative illustrates the universal reach of Christianity and its ability to transcend cultural and moral barriers. The work of Titus in Crete exemplifies the church's mission to bring about spiritual renewal and ethical reform through the teachings of Christ.

In summary, the Cretians, as depicted in the New Testament, represent both the challenges and opportunities faced by the early church in spreading the gospel to diverse and morally complex societies. The biblical account of Crete highlights the necessity of strong leadership and sound doctrine in nurturing a faithful and vibrant Christian community.

Titus i. 14-Dec
... Titus i.12-14 "One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians
are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. ...
/.../homily iii titus i 14-dec.htm

The New Testament
... [181:4] It is stated at the end of another epistle that it was "written to Titus
ordained the first Bishop of the Church of the Cretians;" but, as the letter ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter i the new testament.htm

Letter Lxx. To Magnus an Orator of Rome.
... The Apostle Paul also, in writing to Titus, has used a line of the poet Epimenides:
"The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies." [2131] Half of ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxx to magnus an.htm

Petilianus Said: "Or if any one Chance to Recollect the Chants of ...
... was true, though he was not reckoned among the prophets of God for he says, "One
of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said the Cretians are always liars ...
/.../chapter 30 68 petilianus.htm

Various Objections in Favour of the Common Interpretation Answered
... according to the more excellent part. Thus it is said concerning the Cretians,
that they are liars. (Titus 1:12.) The Athenians ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/various objections in favour of.htm

section i.
... drunken German.]. St. Paul, that calls the Cretians lyars, [149] doth it but
indirectly, and upon quotation of their own Poet. [150] It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section i 2.htm

Book ii.
... Thus did the Lacedemonians and the Cretians teach by practical exercises, but not
by words; while the Athenians, and almost all the other Grecians, made laws ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book ii.htm

[Endnotes]
The Ancient Church. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Cretians (1 Occurrence)
...Cretians (1 Occurrence). Titus 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own,
said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. (KJV WBS). ...
/c/cretians.htm - 6k

Bellies (2 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Titus 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians
are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/b/bellies.htm - 7k

Cretes (1 Occurrence)

/c/cretes.htm - 6k

Crevice (1 Occurrence)

/c/crevice.htm - 6k

Slow (43 Occurrences)
... Titus 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians
are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. (KJV WBS). ...
/s/slow.htm - 21k

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