Thursday, February 19, 2015

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Titus 1:1-16

This letter is grouped as one of the “pastoral epistles” together with 1 & 2 Timothy and shares many dimensions of the form and content of 1 Timothy in particular. For centuries, many have doubted that this letter was authored by Paul, but written in his name, as taking Paul’s identity would give the letter much more legitimacy and authority. After an introduction, the writer delves immediately into several “pastoral” issues, including an outline of the requisite qualifications for elders and bishops. Such descriptions reveal that this particular church in Crete has established some of its leadership positions, as well as “sound doctrine” which, according to the author, should not be refuted (v. 9). It took time for such things to develop, which is another reason why many doubt that the letter came from Paul, who wrote in the mid-first century. The latter half of the passage (vv. 10-16) refers to “rebellious people” whom the author wants silenced. We even encounter an unfortunate ethnic slur with the comment about Cretans beings “liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons” in verse 12; a slur thought to date back to an earlier time. We do not know who these `rebellious` people are, but the author associates them with “Jewish myths” which suggests that they be a group who are attracted to aspects of ancient Judaism.

Texts such as this remind us that the early church was fraught with bureaucratic difficulties, concerns about leadership, and worries regarding dissension, for which this author, at least, did not have much tolerance. But with this letter, we only hear one side of the discussion, for no doubt others in the church had different ideas. I would like to know what the `rebellious` people were thinking. It is perhaps helpful to remember, however, that there was never a golden age when everyone got along perfectly, or saw eye to eye. 

- Alicia Batten