When and by whom the gospel was first preached at Crete is not known. It may have been by Paul himself after his release from his two years' imprisonment at Rome. When otherwise could he have left Titus at Crete? (Titus 1:5)
The inhabitants were remarkable for their evil habits. It had been publicly pointed out by others besides the saying of their own prophet or poet quoted in verse 12.
Among those gathered by the gospel were Jews as well as Gentiles. (Ver. 10.)
In few words, the epistle may be said to be the maintenance of order in the church and the principles on which it is founded.
There is no proof that Titus was permanently settled at Crete. Paul requests him to leave when other laborers were sent. (Titus 3:12.) In the subscription it is only the later MSS that say anything about Titus being “bishop of Crete.”
From whence the epistle was sent is not known. Its date may be about A.D. 67.
Titus 1:1-4.
Paul, servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ according to the faith of God's elect, and knowledge of the truth which is according to piety; in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the ages of time, but manifested, in its due season, His word through preaching which was committed to Paul—to Titus, his own son in the faith, grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Titus 1:5-14. Paul had left Titus in Crete, 1, to set things in order which were still unordered; and, 2, to establish elders in each city (also called “bishops”, or overseers, in ver. 7). The qualifications for such an office are then detailed.
There were many deceivers, especially they of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped: they subverted whole houses, and taught for base gain.
One of themselves (the Cretans) had said, "The Cretans are always liars, wild beasts, lazy gluttons."
This was true of them nationally: therefore Titus was to rebuke them sharply, that they might be sound in the faith, avoiding Jewish fables and commandments of men that turn from the truth.
Titus 1:15, 16. To the pure all things are pure (for, led of God, they refuse the evil) but nothing is pure to the defiled and unbelieving, for both their mind and conscience are defiled.
Such profess to know God, but in works deny Him; they are abominable, disobedient, and as to every good work worthless.
Titus 2:1-10.
Titus was to speak things that became sound teaching, with suited exhortations to elder men, to elder women, to young women, and to young men: Titus himself being in all things a pattern of good works, and his teaching such that could not be condemned.
Servants were also exhorted to a consistent walk, so as to adorn the teaching of our Savior-God in all things.
Verses 11-15. For the grace of God that carries salvation for all men has appeared, teaching us what to deny, and how to live; and to await the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who died to redeem us and to purify to Himself a peculiar people zealous for good works.
These things Titus was to teach, and where needed he was to rebuke with all authority. (Verses 11-15 give a summary of Christianity as a practical reality for man.)
Titus 3:1-7.
Titus was to put them in mind to obey the powers that be, with divers other exhortations.
We were once characterized by ungodliness, but when the kindness and love to man of our Savior-God appeared, not on the principle of works, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration (the cleansing in connection with the new order of things, cf. Matt. 19:28), and renewal of the Holy Spirit, which He richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Savior (we are not only born of the Holy Ghost, as in John 3, but He works in us, communicating to us all that is ours in Christ): we become heirs according to the hope of eternal life, having been justified by His grace.
Titus 3:8-15. Titus was to insist on good works being maintained by the believers; but unprofitable questions were to be avoided.
He was to have done with a heretical man after a first and second admonition.
Personal instructions follow, and salutations, and the benediction.