When was Titus written?
When was Titus written?
Answer
Following Paul’s release from his first house arrest in Rome in AD 62, he continued writing letters to churches and church leaders, including Titus. Paul instructed Titus how to serve the young church on the isl and of Crete so that it would mature and strengthen. Scholars commonly classify Paul’s letters to Titus and Timothy as Pastoral Epistles because of their focus on church leadership, sound doctrine, and pastoral care. Paul wrote Titus between AD 62 and 64, about the same time as he wrote 1 Timothy and before he wrote 2 Timothy.
Knowing the evidence for Paul’s authorship of the epistle to Titus sheds light on when he wrote it. Paul identifies himself in the first verse: “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness” (Titus 1:1). Paul also mentions personal details such as leaving Titus in Crete to appoint elders (Titus 1:5) and Paul’s plan to winter in Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). His references to coworkers like Zenas and Apollos (Titus 3:13) also support the letter’s authenticity and connection to Paul’s life and travels.
Paul likely wrote the letter to Titus during the period of freedom he had between his first and second Roman imprisonments. He instructed Titus, “As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there” (Titus 3:12). At the time he wrote to Titus, Paul was actively ministering in the north central Mediterranean—Nicopolis was located on the western coast of Greece. The fact that Paul had freedom at the time he wrote Titus marks the epistle as distinct from the earlier Prison Epistles.
The relationship between Paul and Titus also helps date the letter. Like Timothy, Titus was a ministry partner who was with Paul on key missions. This included his visit to Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1–3) and his work in Corinth (2 Corinthians 8:23). Titus was crucial in Paul’s plans to serve the churches and help them grow. Paul called Titus “my true son in our common faith” (Titus 1:4). This reflects his affection for Titus and his trust in Titus’ leadership.
Paul likely sent the letter to Titus with Zenas and Apollos. He mentions those men at the end of the letter: “Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need” (Titus 3:13). These details reinforce the letter’s historical credibility and help pinpoint when Paul wrote it: between AD 62 and 64, after his first imprisonment.
Paul’s letter to Titus calls the church to spread the gospel through faithful teaching and holy living. Writing with pastoral care, Paul emphasizes leadership, doctrine, and godly conduct. A key passage is Titus 2:11–12, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”