Titus does not appear in the book of Acts. That doesn’t mean, however, that he had nothing to do with Paul’s earlier ministry, for according to Galatians 2. 1-4, he was present with Paul and Barnabas at the Jerusalem Council of Acts, chapter 15. We learn that Titus had gentile parents, and was not circumcised. We do not know when he was converted, but it is fairly certain that Paul had something to do with it, and with his early training in the things of God, Titus 1. 4. Titus was a first generation, gentile Christian.
Being a gentile, without major Jewish influence, he would have been ideally suited to understand the predominantly gentile environment of Corinth, Crete and Dalmatia, where God later called him to serve. He would know the darkness of idolatrous worship and of the general acceptance of immorality in the culture. On account of his own struggle with these things, he would understand what the new converts were experiencing in their changed lifestyle. Have you ever thought as to what your upbringing and background may have fitted you for in the service of God? Have you been able to use it yet? Do you anticipate it being important to what you hope to do for God?
Titus needed other qualities to serve the Lord than just those that his background and upbringing would have provided. He had to develop those character traits that only the Holy Spirit can produce and maintain in our lives. How much has the Spirit’s work in you, visibly and permanently, changed the way you behave towards others, or changed what you say to them, or how you react to situations? Allow the Spirit to effect that change, so that eventually others may see in you something of Christ, 2 Cor. 3. 17-18.
All the evidence indicates that Titus became a consecrated Christian, with a deep love for Christ, and working with courage and with zeal. He was able to sympathize with others, and embrace them with affection, serving those he was sent to aid, with great effect, 7. 7, 13, 15.
Given such challenging tasks as delivering Paul’s stern letter, and encouraging saints in the grace of giving, Titus responded willingly to the bidding of God and gave himself whole-heartedly in service, 8. 16-17.
