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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul doesn't just claim his apostleship; he grounds it in the "faith of God's elect," meaning his authority is validated by the enduring faith of those God has chosen. Furthermore, the "acknowledging of the truth" is not just intellectual assent, but a deep understanding of truth that actively leads to a life of godliness.
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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul begins this letter by identifying himself as both a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that his authority stems directly from God. He states that his apostleship is in service to the faith of God's chosen people and to help them fully understand the truth that leads to a godly life. This sets the stage for the instructions he will give Titus regarding church leadership and combating false teachings in Crete.
Paul doesn't just introduce himself; he grounds his authority in a divine commission. What does it mean that his apostleship is 'according to the faith of God's elect'?
Paul begins by stating his identity: 'a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ.' But he immediately connects his apostleship to a specific purpose: 'for the sake of the faith of God’s elect.' This phrase, 'according to the faith of God’s elect,' signifies that his apostolic work is aligned with, and intended to serve, the faith already established among those God has chosen. It's not that his apostleship is dependent on their faith, but rather that it's directed towards bringing them to full faith and supporting it. This highlights that God's election of His people is the foundational reason for sending apostles like Paul. Their mission is to nurture and advance the faith within this chosen community, ensuring they come to understand and live in accordance with God's truth. The 'elect' are those set apart by God for salvation, and Paul's ministry is intrinsically linked to their spiritual well-being and growth in faith.
Paul doesn't just want people to believe anything. He's focused on a specific kind of truth. What makes this truth so crucial?
Paul's mission is also 'for their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness.' This reveals a vital connection between understanding divine truth and living a godly life. The 'truth' here refers to the core doctrines of the Christian faith – the reality of who God is, who Jesus Christ is, and the way of salvation. Paul emphasizes that this truth is not merely intellectual assent; it is inherently linked to 'godliness' (eusebeia). This Greek word signifies deep reverence, piety, and the outward expression of that inner devotion through righteous living. The truth Paul preaches isn't abstract; it's practical and transformative. It's a truth that, when rightly known and embraced, naturally leads to a life that honors God. This truth is the standard by which true godliness is measured and cultivated.
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Understand the original words
doulos · Greek Noun
A person who is legally or voluntarily bound to another, often used by NT writers to express total devotion and submission to God or Christ as Lord.
apostolos · Greek Noun
One sent with a commission as a representative; in the NT, it specifically refers to those chosen by Christ as authorized messengers of the Gospel and leaders of the church.
pistis · Greek Noun
The body of belief or the trust placed in the person and work of Jesus Christ; it serves as the foundational conviction of the Christian life.
eklektos · Greek Adjective
Those whom God has sovereignly chosen or selected for salvation, highlighting the divine initiative in the process of redemption.
epignōsis · Greek Noun
The apprehension or recognition of reality as revealed by God, specifically concerning the gospel message, which is essential for salvation and sanctification.
eusebeia · Greek Noun
Refers to conduct that demonstrates reverence and devotion to God; it is the outward expression of an inward transformation by the truth of the Gospel.
The letter to Titus was written during a period of Paul's later ministry, after his initial missionary journeys and likely during or after his first Roman imprisonment. This context highlights the urgent need for sound leadership and doctrine in churches facing internal challenges and external pressures, a situation Paul addresses directly in his greetings and instructions.
c. 47-49 AD
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches and facing opposition. This journey lays the groundwork for his extensive ministry and the spread of the gospel.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor and into Greece, founding churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. He encounters various challenges and theological debates during this period.
c. 53-57 AD
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends significant time in Ephesus and then travels through Macedonia and Greece, reinforcing churches and continuing to spread the gospel. This period sees the writing of several important epistles.
c. 62-64 AD— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Later Ministry
After his arrest in Jerusalem, Paul is imprisoned in Caesarea and Rome. During periods of confinement and subsequent travels, he writes epistles to Timothy and Titus, offering guidance and instruction for church leadership.
This passage speaks to God's sovereign plan, echoing Titus 1:1's mention of 'God's elect,' reinforcing the idea that God works all things, including the calling of His chosen people, for good.
1 Timothy 3:15-16This passage highlights the church as the 'pillar and foundation of the truth,' aligning with Titus 1:1's emphasis on 'the truth, which accords with godliness' and the apostle's role in conveying it.
2 Timothy 2:10This verse directly states that salvation is for 'God's elect,' reinforcing the specific focus Paul has in Titus 1:1 when he mentions his apostleship being 'for the sake of the faith of God’s elect.'
John 17:17Jesus prays 'Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth,' which beautifully connects to Paul's assertion in Titus 1:1 that his apostleship is for the 'knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness.'
Colossians 1:5This verse links 'the hope laid up for you in heaven' with the 'truth of the word of the gospel,' paralleling Titus 1:1's connection between the 'faith of God's elect' and the 'truth which accords with godliness.'
pooleTitus 1:1: "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;"
Tit 1:1-4 The salutation. Tit 1:5 For what end Titus was left in Crete. Tit 1:6-9 How they should be qualified who are ordained to the ministry. Tit 1:10,11 The mouths of evil teachers must be stopped. Tit 1:12-16 The bad character of the Cretians. Paul, a servant of God; that is, in the work of the ministry. And an apostle of J…
calvinTitus 1:1-4: "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;"
- A servant of God This extended and laborious commendation of his apostleship shows that Paul had in view the whole Church, and not Titus alone; for his apostleship was not disputed by Titus, and Paul is in the habit of proclaiming the titles of his calling, in order to maintain his authority. Accordingly, just as he perceiv…
Paul doesn't just claim his apostleship; he grounds it in the "faith of God's elect," meaning his authority is validated by the enduring faith of those God has chosen. Furthermore, the "acknowledging of the truth" is not just intellectual assent, but a deep understanding of truth that actively leads to a life of godliness.
Paul begins this letter by identifying himself as both a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that his authority stems directly from God. He states that his apostleship is in service to the faith of God's chosen people and to help them fully understand the truth that leads to a godly life. This sets the stage for the instructions he will give Titus regarding church leadership and combating false teachings in Crete.
Paul begins this letter by identifying himself as both a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that his authority stems directly from God. He states that his apostleship is in service to the faith of God's chosen people and to help them fully understand the truth that leads to a godly life. This sets the stage for the instructions he will give Titus regarding church leadership and combating false teachings in Crete.
"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," — Paul doesn't just claim his apostleship; he grounds it in the "faith of God's elect," meaning his authority is validated by the enduring faith of those God has chosen. Furthermore, the "acknowledging…
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Last reviewed October 2026