Salutation

What is striking about the salutation to Titus is its considerable differences from those in 1 and 2 Timothy, especially its lengthy elaboration of Paul’s apostleship (vv. 1–3), a phenomenon found elsewhere only in Romans. These verses, which form a single, extremely complex sentence in Greek, conclude with a note about his apostleship as a trust. The main thrust, however, emphasizes the purpose of that apostleship: to bring God’s people to faith and truth, and thus to life. That life, he explains, was promised by God before time began but has only now been revealed—through Paul’s preaching.

What is less clear is the reason for such an elaboration in this letter. Only in part does it seem to exist to authenticate Paul himself. The central concern is with the truth of the gospel th…