Titus, meaning “nurse,” is again individual. Its subject is not exactly that of godliness in maintaining the truth in the Church of God, as in Timothy, but rather the truth producing godliness and order in the Church. If there is truth, it “accords with godliness” (1:1).

Titus had remained in Crete for the purpose of appointing elders in each city there. Paul and Barnabas had done such work, as Acts 14:23 shows, and Paul had delegated authority to Titus to do it. He may also have delegated such authority to Timothy, though this is not stated; but he did write Timothy as to the qualifications of an elder or overseer (1 Tim. 3), just as he did to Titus (1:5–9). There is insistence here on godliness if one were to be appointed to such work. Today, there is no one who has authority to make such appointments, yet the saints should easily recognize men of such qualifications and respect their experience and judgment, apart from any human appointment (1 Th. 5:12–13).

Let us notice the insistence too on godliness in the various relationships of the saints of God toward one another, and that Titus was exhorted to be an example to them all. Those who had believed God were to be earnestly exhorted to pay diligent attention to good works. This is not simply refraining from wrongdoing, but engaging in that which is positively beneficial for the sake of others. “Nursing” people along these lines is valuable work.