To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul calls Titus his "true child" not just because he led him to faith, but because that faith is common to them both, creating a shared spiritual heritage. This emphasis on "common faith" highlights how Paul's ministry wasn't just about conversion, but about fostering unity in Christ.
To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Apostle Paul is writing to Titus, addressing him as a beloved spiritual son and entrusting him with leadership in the church on the island of Crete. Paul begins by establishing his own apostolic authority and then moves into specific instructions for Titus, including how to appoint elders and correct false teachers who were causing disorder. This opening section sets the tone for the letter, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and godly living within the Christian community.
Paul calls Titus his 'own son' and 'true child.' What does this spiritual fatherhood mean, especially when Titus was a Gentile convert?
Paul's relationship with Titus is described with profound intimacy – 'my true child in a common faith.' This isn't just about mentorship; it speaks to a spiritual lineage where Paul, through the gospel, was instrumental in Titus's conversion.
Every letter from Paul begins with a blessing, but what makes this 'grace and peace' so vital for a leader like Titus?
The opening of Paul's letter to Titus isn't just a polite greeting; it's a powerful theological statement and a vital spiritual provision.
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Understand the original words
charis kai eirēnē · Greek Noun phrase
God's unmerited favor toward the undeserving, and the state of reconciliation and harmony with God, both being core components of the Gospel blessing.
Titus was a crucial, though less visible than Timothy, Gentile convert and trusted coworker of Paul, instrumental in navigating complex church issues in Corinth and later organizing the churches in Crete. This letter finds him in a position of significant authority, appointed by Paul to bring order to a challenging environment.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
Paul and Barnabas attend a crucial council in Jerusalem concerning the inclusion of Gentiles in the church. Titus, a Gentile convert, accompanies them as a representative, demonstrating Paul's commitment to Gentile freedom from Mosaic law.
c. AD 57
Paul writes 1 Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthian church from Ephesus, dealing with significant divisions and moral issues. He likely sent Titus to Corinth to help address these problems and gather information.
c. AD 57
Titus meets Paul in Macedonia
After anxious waiting, Paul finally meets Titus in Macedonia. Titus brings encouraging news about the Corinthian church's response to Paul's letter, confirming Titus's crucial role in mediating the situation.
c. AD 57
Paul writes 2 Corinthians
Buoyed by Titus's report, Paul writes his second letter to the Corinthians, a more personal and conciliatory letter. Titus is again entrusted with delivering this letter and overseeing further reconciliation and ministry.
c. AD 62-65— this verse
Paul leaves Titus in Crete
During Paul's travels, he leaves Titus in Crete to establish order and appoint elders in the various churches. This marks a significant responsibility given to Titus.
c. AD 63-67
Paul writes the Epistle to Titus
From Nicopolis, Paul writes this letter to Titus, providing guidance on church leadership, doctrine, and conduct, especially in light of false teachers within the Cretan churches.
c. AD 65-68
Titus travels to Dalmatia
Later, Titus is mentioned as having traveled to Dalmatia, indicating his continued service and Paul's reliance on him in various challenging church situations.
This passage uses the same phrase 'my true child in the faith,' highlighting Paul's spiritual fatherhood and the deep personal connection he had with those he discipled.
Galatians 3:28This verse speaks to the 'common faith' that unites believers, transcending ethnic and social divisions, which is central to Paul's description of Titus as his 'true child in a common faith'.
Romans 1:7This verse shares the same salutation, 'Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,' establishing a standard greeting that underscores the source of spiritual blessing and unity within the early church.
1 Corinthians 4:17Paul refers to Timothy, another spiritual son, as someone he has sent to remind the Corinthians of his ways, mirroring the mentoring and delegation relationship he had with Titus as his 'true child'.
pooleTitus 1:4: "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour."
Mine own son after the common faith; from hence we learn that Titus was converted to Christianity by Paul. Timothy was so called, 1 Timothy 1:2 . The salutation is the same with that to Timothy, 1 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1:2 , and in most of the Epistles, with small variation: See Poole on "1 Timothy 1:2" , See Poole on "2 Timothy 1:2" , and in the beginn…
vincentTitus 1:4: "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour."
Own (γνησίῳ)See on 1 Timothy 1:2.According to the common faith (κατὰ κοινὴν πίστιν)The phrase N.T.o. Κοινός common, usually in contrast with καθαρός pure or ἅγιος holy, as Acts 10:14; Acts 11:8; Revelation 21:27. In the sense of general as here, Acts 2:44; Acts 4:32; Jde 1:3. Comp. 2 Peter 1:1. The "catholic" faith. Κατὰ according to, as Titus…
Paul calls Titus his "true child" not just because he led him to faith, but because that faith is common to them both, creating a shared spiritual heritage. This emphasis on "common faith" highlights how Paul's ministry wasn't just about conversion, but about fostering unity in Christ.
The Apostle Paul is writing to Titus, addressing him as a beloved spiritual son and entrusting him with leadership in the church on the island of Crete. Paul begins by establishing his own apostolic authority and then moves into specific instructions for Titus, including how to appoint elders and correct false teachers who were causing disorder. This opening section sets the tone for the letter, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and godly living within the Christian community.
The Apostle Paul is writing to Titus, addressing him as a beloved spiritual son and entrusting him with leadership in the church on the island of Crete. Paul begins by establishing his own apostolic authority and then moves into specific instructions for Titus, including how to appoint elders and correct false teachers who were causing disorder. This opening section sets the tone for the letter, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and godly living within the Christian community.
"To Titus, my true child in a common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior." — Paul calls Titus his "true child" not just because he led him to faith, but because that faith is common to them both, creating a shared spiritual heritage. This emphasis on "common faith" highligh…
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Last reviewed October 2026