I. Church Leadership and Order:;xNLx;;xNLx;Elder (Greek: presbyteros) (Titus 1:5): Literally "an older man," but used in the early church as a title for a leader appointed in local churches. Titus was tasked with appointing elders in every town in Crete. They were responsible for spiritual oversight, teaching, and shepherding the congregation.;xNLx;Overseer / Bishop (Greek: episkopos) (Titus 1:7): A key leadership office in the early church. The term literally means "one who watches over" or "superintendent." In Titus 1:7, the qualifications for an overseer follow immediately after the instruction to appoint elders (1:5), and the terms are often considered to refer to the same office or group of leaders in the New Testament. An overseer was responsible for managing God's household (the church) and holding firm to sound doctrine.;xNLx;Steward (of God) (Titus 1:7): An overseer is described as "God's steward," meaning he is a manager of God's household and resources (including spiritual truths), responsible and accountable to God for his leadership and care of the church.;xNLx;II. Doctrine, Teaching, and False Teachers:;xNLx;;xNLx;Sound doctrine / Healthy teaching (e.g., Titus 1:9, 13 [ESV: "sound in the faith"]; 2:1-2, 7-8, 10): True, orthodox, and spiritually wholesome Christian teaching that aligns with the apostolic gospel and promotes godly living and spiritual health. This is contrasted with the "empty talk" and deceptive teachings of opponents.;xNLx;The faith (e.g., Titus 1:1, 4, 13; 2:2, 10 [ESV: "good faith"]; 3:15): Can refer to:;xNLx;Personal trust and belief in Jesus Christ.;xNLx;The body of Christian belief, "the true faith," or the Christian religion as a whole. Being "sound in the faith" (1:13) means adhering to true Christian doctrine and practice.;xNLx;False teachers / Insubordinate / Empty talkers / Deceivers (Titus 1:10-11, 16): Individuals, particularly "those of the circumcision group" (Judaizers), who were upsetting households by teaching things they ought not, for shameful gain. They professed to know God but denied him by their works.;xNLx;Circumcision group (Titus 1:10): Likely Jewish Christians or those influenced by Jewish traditions (Judaizers) who insisted on the necessity of circumcision and adherence to other aspects of the Mosaic Law (like Jewish myths and human commands) for believers, thus distorting the gospel of grace.;xNLx;Jewish myths (Titus 1:14): Fanciful stories, legends, or speculative interpretations, likely derived from extra-biblical Jewish traditions, that were being taught by false teachers and were distracting from the truth of the gospel.;xNLx;Commands of people who turn away from the truth (Titus 1:14): Humanly devised rules and regulations, possibly related to ascetic practices or legalistic observances promoted by false teachers, which contradicted the truth of the gospel.;xNLx;Defiled / Unbelieving (Titus 1:15-16): Describes those whose minds and consciences are corrupted, so that nothing is pure to them, even if they profess to know God. Their actions deny their profession.;xNLx;Rebuke them sharply (Titus 1:13; 2:15): To correct or reprimand false teachers or disobedient believers firmly and decisively so that they might become sound in the faith or live according to sound doctrine.;xNLx;III. Christian Conduct, Character, and Good Works:;xNLx;;xNLx;Godliness / Godly (e.g., Titus 1:1; 2:12): Reverence for God expressed in a life of piety, devotion, and moral uprightness that reflects one's faith.;xNLx;Self-controlled / Sober-minded / Sensible (e.g., Titus 1:8; 2:2, 4-6, 12): Qualities of character involving discipline, sound judgment, moderation, and restraint in one's desires and behavior. This is emphasized for all groups within the church.;xNLx;Upright / Just (Titus 1:8; 2:12): Living in conformity with God's moral standards, acting fairly and honorably.;xNLx;Holy / Devout (Titus 1:8; 2:3): Set apart for God, living a life dedicated to Him and characterized by reverence.;xNLx;Good works / Doing good (e.g., Titus 1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14): Actions that are morally excellent, beneficial to others, and consistent with Christian faith. Paul emphasizes that true faith naturally results in good works, and believers should be "zealous for good works" and "devote themselves to good works.";xNLx;Reverent (in behavior) (Titus 2:3): Showing appropriate respect and seriousness in conduct, suitable for those who are holy or dedicated to God. Specifically used for older women.;xNLx;Slanderers (Titus 2:3; 3:2): Those who speak falsely or maliciously about others, damaging their reputation.;xNLx;Slaves to much wine (Titus 1:7 [overseer not a drunkard]; 2:3 [older women not]): Addicted to or excessively indulgent in wine.;xNLx;Submissive / Subject (Titus 2:5, 9; 3:1): To place oneself under the authority or leadership of another in a spirit of cooperation and respect. Used for wives to their husbands, bondservants to their masters, and believers to rulers and authorities.;xNLx;Bondservants / Slaves (Greek: doulos) (Titus 2:9): Individuals who were legally owned by and served masters in the Roman world. Paul gives instructions for their conduct, urging them to be submissive, well-pleasing, and to adorn the doctrine of God.;xNLx;Zealous (for good works) (Titus 2:14): Having or showing great energy, enthusiasm, and eagerness in pursuing and performing good deeds.;xNLx;Peaceable / Gentle (Titus 3:2): Disposed to avoid conflict, and being mild and kind in demeanor.;xNLx;Quarrelsome / Contentious (Titus 3:9): Prone to arguing, disputing, or stirring up strife. Paul advises avoiding "foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law.";xNLx;IV. Grace, Salvation, and Hope:;xNLx;;xNLx;Grace (of God) (Titus 1:4 [ESV "Grace and peace"]; 2:11; 3:7, 15): God's unmerited favor, kindness, and divine power that brings salvation, trains believers to live godly lives, and justifies them.;xNLx;Our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13): A strong affirmation of the deity of Jesus Christ, whom believers await at His glorious appearing.;xNLx;Appearing (of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ / His appearing) (Titus 2:13): Refers to the future, visible, and glorious return of Jesus Christ (the Parousia).;xNLx;Redeem / Redemption (Titus 2:14): Christ gave Himself to deliver or liberate believers from all lawlessness and to purify them.;xNLx;Purify (for himself a people for his own possession) (Titus 2:14): To cleanse from sin and set apart as holy. Christ's work purifies believers to be God's special people.;xNLx;Washing of regeneration / Renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5): Metaphors for the spiritual transformation and new birth that occur at conversion, brought about by God's mercy and the work of the Holy Spirit, not by human works of righteousness.;xNLx;Regeneration: Being born again, given new spiritual life.;xNLx;Renewal: Being made new, transformed inwardly by the Holy Spirit.;xNLx;Justified (by his grace) (Titus 3:7): Declared righteous by God, not on the basis of works, but as a gift of His grace through faith, so that believers might become heirs of eternal life.;xNLx;Heirs (according to the hope of eternal life) (Titus 3:7): Those who, through justification by grace, are designated to receive the full blessings and inheritance of eternal life.;xNLx;Eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7): The life of God, a quality of life characterized by a right relationship with Him through Christ, which God promised before the ages and which believers hope for.;xNLx;V. Other Notable Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Crete / Cretans (Titus 1:5, 12): A large island in the Mediterranean Sea where Titus was ministering. Paul quotes a Cretan prophet (Epimenides) who described Cretans as "always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons" (1:12), highlighting the challenging cultural context for the churches there.;xNLx;"The saying is trustworthy" (Titus 3:8): A formula Paul uses to introduce or affirm a statement or teaching that is particularly reliable and foundational in Christian belief.;xNLx;Avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law (Titus 3:9): Paul instructs Titus to steer clear of unprofitable and worthless debates that do not edify but rather cause strife, likely alluding to some of the issues promoted by false teachers.;xNLx;Divisive person / Heretic (Titus 3:10): One who creates factions, promotes false teachings, or causes divisions within the church. After a first and second warning, such a person is to be avoided.;xNLx;This list is intended to provide clarity on some of the key terms encountered in Paul's Letter to Titus (ESV). Understanding these within their original context is essential for grasping Paul's instructions for establishing healthy church life and leadership, combating false teaching, and encouraging godly living among the believers in Crete.