Serving In Crete

Serving in Crete

Q: What young man did Paul leave in Crete to finish the work Paul had started?

• a. Philemon
• b. Titus
• c. Timothy

Paul was a great missionary and preacher. He also took time to train younger men to be pastors and leaders. The previous devotions talked about Timothy, a young man who traveled with Paul and was also a pastor.

Titus was another young man who traveled with Paul on part of his journey and went to the church in Corinth to straighten out problems there. Titus traveled with Paul to Jerusalem and to Crete, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. There was a large population of Jews there, some of whom may have been in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit came 30 years before Paul wrote his letter to Titus.

Paul and Titus traveled together to Crete to visit the churches. Paul wanted to appoint leaders in each church who would teach the truth, help guide the church members, and set a good example. Paul had to leave before he was done appointing leaders, so Titus stayed to finish the job.

Paul gave Titus a list of qualifications the leaders should have. The qualifications didn’t concern the training or knowledge they had, but how they lived. Paul said, “An elder must live a blameless life. . . . He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered . . . or dishonest with money. . . . He must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. . . . He will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong” (Titus 1:7-9).

These are good qualifications not just for church leaders but also for everyone who is a follower of Jesus.

For You

Reread the list above. Do you see these things in the lives of your church leaders? How many of these qualities do you see in your own life? Try to live each day so that they are evident in your life.

Answer: b

I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace. I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there.   Titus 1:4-5

(The Whole Story: Titus 1)