Birth
Titus was born in a Jewish family around the first century AD, during the height of the Roman Empire. His father was a respected figure in the community and was a priest in the high priestly line. Titus was born in an important Jewish city known as Caesarea, which was the seat of the Roman governor at the time. Though born Jewish, Titus is most likely to have been taught the Roman way of life.
Baptism and Conversion
At some point Titus made a decision to become a Christian. This is detailed in Book of Acts where his baptism is recorded. According to scripture, Titus’ conversion took place under the guidance of Saint Paul. Paul was a powerful proponent of Christianity and had spent time with Titus’ father during his travels. It is likely that during these travels, Titus was exposed to Christianity and made a choice to convert. This momentous conversion is thought to have taken place sometime around the mid-first century AD, making Titus one of the earliest converts to Christianity.
Ministry and Missionary Journeys
Titus was a prominent figure in the early church. Soon after his baptism, he accompanied Saint Paul on some of his missionary journeys. Experienced in the Roman way of life, Titus was vital to Paul’s mission of bringing Christianity to the Gentiles. His presence was especially important in Greek-speaking cities, where his fluency in Greek was immensely helpful in communicating the message of Christianity to wider audiences.
Paul’s Replacement for Peter
Paul is said to have viewed Titus as a replacement for St. Peter, the foundational figure of Christianity. When Peter moved to the east to continue the spread of Christianity, Paul sent Titus to the west, to bring the teachings of Christianity to Roman-occupied lands. In this new endeavor, Paul referred to Titus as his son, a great compliment that speaks volumes to the bond between the two figures.
Trip to Jerusalem
At some point, Titus accompanied Paul to Jerusalem. During their voyage there, he kept Paul informed about the progress of the gospel. Titus was also a key figure in the Jerusalem Council, in which Christian leaders debated the status of Gentile converts in the church. It was Titus that reported the situation in Athens to the council, and his words likely played a pivotal role in their decisions.
Second Missionary Journey
After their visit to Jerusalem, Paul and Titus embarked on a second missionary journey around the Mediterranean Sea. This time, their focus was on Crete, where Titus’ skills as a speaker and his knowledge of the Roman way of life was an invaluable asset. According to the Bible, Titus had a strong ministry in Crete, and his work was instrumental in the spread of Christianity within the island.
His Final Years
It is unclear what happened to Titus after his missionary journeys with Paul. According to some accounts, he moved back to his family home in Palestine and was later martyred. However, others assert that he simply returned to his home and continued the work that he and Paul had started. Though his final years are shrouded in mystery, it is thought that Titus played a pivotal role in the early church and left a lasting legacy.
Influence in the Early Church
Titus’ influence in the early church was evident in his actions and words. His baptism was a pivotal moment for the early Christian community, and his role in the Council at Jerusalem was essential in deciding the status of Gentile converts in the church. He was a faithful companion of Paul, and the two men formed a strong bond. Perhaps most significantly, Titus played a key role in bringing Christianity to Gentile hearts and minds. His fluency in the Greek language was crucial in spreading the message of Christianity, and his performances as a persuasive speaker were also invaluable.
Titus and Paul’s Relationship
The relationship between Titus and Paul was one of deep connection and mutual respect. Paul viewed Titus as an extension of himself, and his presence was enormously valued in Paul’s mission. This respect is evident in Paul’s words to the Corinthians, in which he declares that without Titus in his ministry, he would have “toil[ed] in vain”. Despite their ministry ending abruptly, the bond between Paul and Titus stands as a lasting testament to the power of Christian friendship and solidarity.
Legacy
The legacy of Titus lies in his contributions to the spread of Christianity, particularly in the western Mediterranean. He was crucial to Paul’s mission of bringing the Christian message to Gentile lands, and his presence was invaluable in setting the foundations for the Christian church. He was also a fundamental figure in Christianity’s relationship to the Roman Empire, and his influence in the early church is still evident in the Christian faith today.
