A traveling companion of Paul, one of the earliest-named non-Jewish leaders in the 1st century church, and the addressee of one of the "Pastoral Epistles". Titus is first mentioned in Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia (Gal 2:1, 3). Titus' parents were both Gentiles and for that reason Paul refused to circumcise him (cf the case of Timothy in Acts 16:1-3). The Galatians' reference indicates that Titus was one of Paul's earliest companions. Inasmuch as Paul calls him "my true son in our common faith" (Titus 1:4), it would seem that Paul was instrumental in leading Titus to faith in Jesus. In II Corinthians Paul calls him "my brother" (2:13), "my partner and fellow worker" (8:23). It is clear from other references in the same letter (e.g. 7:13ff) that Titus had developed a special relationship with the church at Corinth. In addition to an embassy to Corinth (II Cor 12:18), Titus also undertook a mission on Paul's behalf to Nicopolis (probably in Epirus, Titus 3:12) and to Dalmatia (II Tim 4:10). After a visit to Crete together with Paul, which must be dated after the latter's release from prison in Rome, Titus stayed on the island in order to oversee the organization and growth of the newly-founded churches there. It was advice on this matter which occasioned the writing of the Epistle to Titus. The church historian Eusebius indicates that Titus stayed on in Crete (or returned after his trip to Dalmatia) to be the island's first bishop.
Concordance
II Cor 2:13; 7:6, 13-14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18. Gal 2:1,3. II Tim 4:10. Titus 1:4
