In the footsteps of Titus (1)

"Paul, slave of God, and apostle of Jesus Christ ... to Titus, my true child according to our common faith : Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior !" Titus 1. 1-4

The two best-known spiritual sons of the Apostle Paul are Timothy and Titus. They are his true children in the faith and they have become his fellow workers (Rom 16:21, 2 Cor 8:23). Both were young men of Greek origin (Gal 2: 3, Act 16. 3).

What a formation for these young believers to observe the apostle announcing the Gospel, to teach the Word of God, to develop the thoughts of God, to take care of the believers, to debate with adversaries, to convince the reluctant ! What a privilege to have prayed with him and shared his projects! What an example for them of consecration and self-denial! We could envy them ...

Over the next few days, we will be following Titus in four different situations over a period of about 13 years.

Titus in Jerusalem with Paul

The first time we meet Titus, he is on his way to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Paul (Galatians 2: 1-5). They will participate in the "Council of Jerusalem" (49-50 AD) which will give a clear answer to the question of full salvation without works of Law for non-Jews. Paul and Barnabas are accused of promoting too open Christianity, devoid of the respect the Jews gave to the law and their traditions.

Someone might be wondering if these problems were worth the trip and spending so much energy. Why discuss these doctrinal issues ? The doctrine divides, it is said ! Why not sacrifice some of the "freedom we have in Christ Jesus" (Gal 2: 4) and the joys that flow from it, to have peace ?

Titus, a Christian of uncircumcised, Greek origin, was living proof of the efficacy of Paul's ministry to the nations. But in Jerusalem, Judaisans demand that believers of pagan origin, like Titus, be circumcised. With the brothers of Jerusalem, Paul immediately sees the long-term dangers of a compromise with these "false brothers". They refuse to give in to their request. In this regard, he writes to the Galatians who are ready to fall into the same trap : "Not for a moment have we surrendered them in submission, so that the truth of the gospel may remain with you" (Galatians 2: 5).

Are we ready to struggle and suffer, like Paul and his companions, so that "the truth of the gospel will remain" ... with us and with the new generation ? Trust us, God will help us if we want the truth of the gospel to be maintained.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)