The Argument of the Epistle of S. Paul to Titus

THAT Titus was a Gentile, and not a Jew, and that he was in S. Paul's train, at the least the 14 year after his conversion, if not before, we understand by the Epistle to the Galatians c. 2. And that he continued with him to the very end, appeareth in the second to Timothee c. 4. Where he maketh mention that he sent him from Rome into Dalmatia, when himself was shortly after to be put to death.

And therefore although S. Luke never name him in the Acts, as neither himself, yet no doubt he comprehendeth him commonly, when he speaketh thus in the first person plural: Forthwith we sought to go into Macedonia. Act, 16. For S. Paul also sent him to Corinth, between the writing of his 1 & 2 to the Corinthians (which time concurreth with Act. 19) by occasion whereof he maketh much and honourable mention of him in the said second Epistle c 2. & c. 7. and again ¹* he sent him with the same Epistle: both times about great matters: so that no doubt he was even then also a Bishop, and received accordingly of the Corinthians, with fear and trembling. 2. Cor. 7, v. 15. But the same is plainer in this Epistle to himself c. 1. v. 5. Where the Apostle saith: for this cause I left thee at Crete, &c. By which words it is manifest also, that this Epistle was not written during the story of the Acts (seeing that no mention is there of S. Paul's being in the isle of Crete) but after his dismission at Rome out of his first trouble, and before his second or last trouble there, as is evident by these words: When I shall send to thee Artemas or Tychicus, make haste to come to me to Nicopolis, for there I have determined to winter. Tit. 3.

Therefore he instructeth him (and in him, all Bishops) much like as he doth Timothee, what qualities he must require in them that he shall make priests and Bishops, in what sort to preach, and to teach all sorts of men, to commend good works unto them: finally, himself to be their example in all goodness.