This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul didn't just leave Titus to clean up messes; he empowered him to complete the organization of the church, specifically by appointing leaders. The original Greek word used for "set in order" implies not just tidying up, but a thorough, systematic correction of what was lacking, making it clear Titus's task was foundational for the church's future stability.
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul had recently been in Crete and started churches, but had to leave before everything was fully organized. He left Titus behind with a specific mission: to go back through the cities and tidy up any remaining issues within the church structure and leadership. This meant appointing qualified elders in each place, as Paul had previously instructed him.
Paul left Titus in Crete with a critical mission: to bring order to the young churches. What does it mean to 'set in order the things that are wanting'?
Paul didn't just start churches; he established them. He left Titus with a specific mandate to complete the organizational work he had begun. This involved:
The appointment of elders is central to Titus's mission. Why were elders so crucial for the newly forming churches in Crete?
The instruction to 'appoint elders in every town' reveals the vital importance of leadership in the early church:
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Understand the original words
presbyteros · Greek Noun
A term used in the early church to describe designated leaders responsible for the spiritual oversight, shepherding, and teaching of a local congregation.
c. AD 62— this verse
Paul and Titus plant churches in Crete
The Apostle Paul and his associate Titus worked together to spread the gospel and establish Christian communities on the island of Crete.
c. AD 62-65
Paul leaves Titus to organize churches
Paul departs Crete, leaving Titus behind with the crucial task of organizing the newly formed churches, appointing leaders, and addressing any deficiencies in their structure or teaching.
c. AD 63-65
Paul writes the Epistle to Titus
From a location possibly in Asia Minor or en route to Nicopolis, Paul writes this letter to Titus, providing him with specific instructions and authority to complete his organizational work on Crete.
c. AD 65-66
Titus joins Paul at Nicopolis
Paul instructs Titus to meet him at Nicopolis, where Paul intends to spend the winter, implying Titus's organizational duties in Crete were nearing completion or had reached a manageable stage.
This passage lays out the qualifications for overseers (elders) in the church, directly paralleling the instruction in Titus for appointing qualified elders.
Acts 14:23This verse shows Paul and Barnabas ordaining elders in every church they established, demonstrating a pattern of church organization that Titus was to follow in Crete.
Philippians 1:1This verse, like Titus 1:5, mentions the appointment of overseers (elders/bishops) in a specific location, highlighting the importance of established leadership structures in early churches.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13This passage speaks about recognizing and respecting those who labor among the believers and lead them, reflecting the 'appointing elders' directive as a way to establish proper church leadership.
pooleTitus 1:5: "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:"
In Crete; in Candia, as it is now called: see the Argument to this Epistle. Set in order the things that are wanting; set to rights things which I left undone, being hastened away to other places. And ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: in this island we are told there were a hundred cities, in how many of the…
vincentTitus 1:5: "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:"
In CreteCrete is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean. By the mythological writers it was called Aeria, Doliche, Idaea, Telchinia. According to tradition, Minos first gave laws to the Cretans, conquered the Aegean pirates, and established a navy. After the Trojan war the principal cities of the island formed themselv…
Paul didn't just leave Titus to clean up messes; he empowered him to complete the organization of the church, specifically by appointing leaders. The original Greek word used for "set in order" implies not just tidying up, but a thorough, systematic correction of what was lacking, making it clear Titus's task was foundational for the church's future stability.
Paul had recently been in Crete and started churches, but had to leave before everything was fully organized. He left Titus behind with a specific mission: to go back through the cities and tidy up any remaining issues within the church structure and leadership. This meant appointing qualified elders in each place, as Paul had previously instructed him.
Paul had recently been in Crete and started churches, but had to leave before everything was fully organized. He left Titus behind with a specific mission: to go back through the cities and tidy up any remaining issues within the church structure and leadership. This meant appointing qualified elders in each place, as Paul had previously instructed him.
"This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—" — Paul didn't just leave Titus to clean up messes; he empowered him to complete the organization of the church, specifically by appointing leaders. The original Greek word used for "set in order" imp…
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Last reviewed October 2026