4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
4 Dear Titus, legitimate son in the faith: Receive everything God our Father and Jesus our Savior give you!
4 To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
4 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.
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting,
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you--
5 I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done. Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions.
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you--
5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.
(Read Titus 1:5-9)
The character and qualification of pastors, here called elders and bishops, agree with what the apostle wrote to Timothy. Being such bishops and overseers of the flock, to be examples to them, and God's stewards to take care of the affairs of his household, there is great reason that they should be blameless. What they are not to be, is plainly shown, as well as what they are to be, as servants of Christ, and able ministers of the letter and practice of the gospel. And here are described the spirit and practice becoming such as should be examples of good works.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Titus 1:4
Commentary on Titus 1:1-4
(Read Titus 1:1-4)
All are the servants of God who are not slaves of sin and Satan. All gospel truth is according to godliness, teaching the fear of God. The intent of the gospel is to raise up hope as well as faith; to take off the mind and heart from the world, and to raise them to heaven and the things above. How excellent then is the gospel, which was the matter of Divine promise so early, and what thanks are due for our privileges! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God; and whoso is appointed and called, must preach the word. Grace is the free favour of God, and acceptance with him. Mercy, the fruits of the favour, in the pardon of sin, and freedom from all miseries both here and hereafter. And peace is the effect and fruit of mercy. Peace with God through Christ who is our Peace, and with the creatures and ourselves. Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and peace, and all good, spring out of this.