Paul knew of the difficult task set before Titus and the opposition he would be facing.  This letter is the instructions and things that Paul felt were important for Titus to know as Paul’s representative in Crete.  This letter also served as written authority from Paul to Titus so the people would know Titus’ position and authority there.  Look at the type of people Titus was left to deal with – (1:10-11; 2:15; 3:10).

The churches in Crete may have existed for some time, but when Paul and Titus arrived there, they saw the deplorable conditions and how disorganized they were.  It was so discouraging to Paul that he left Titus in Crete to appoint morally and doctrinally qualified elders in the various churches (1:6-9).  This was critical especially in view of the presence of false teachers (1:10-16).  Paul even states that many of these are Jews.

The moral condition in the churches was not what it should be.  They used the freedom of the Gospel to live uncontrolled lives.   They had to be taught and urged to live holy and moral lives.  Grace was not a means to sin and then expect forgiveness, but they needed to be disciplined and have a higher standard of daily conduct. Paul forcefully urges the connection between evangelical truth and the purest morality.  The basic truths of the Gospel are displayed in terms of their saving and sanctifying appeal.  The regenerating work of the Holy Spirit is the essential basis for Christian conduct (3:3-7).