Bible Strands
Titus 1:4
To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses Titus as his spiritual child, closing his opening salutation before outlining the organizational mandate for Crete (Titus 1:5). This greeting follows Paul’s statement about fulfilling God’s command to proclaim His word (Titus 1:3).
The words — γνησίῳ τέκνῳ (gnēsiō tekno) translates literally to "true child," and κοινὴν πίστιν (koinēn pistin) means "common faith." These terms anchor the letter’s authority in relational authenticity and shared belief rather than personal rank.
The thread — The salutation structure parallels Paul’s greeting to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:2). The emphasis on shared salvation and faith corresponds to Jude’s appeal in Jude 1:3, while Paul’s pastoral focus on Titus appears in 2 Corinthians 2:13.
Why it lands — The text states that grace and peace originate from God the Father and Christ Jesus. It requires the reader to submit to apostolic instruction and organizational order grounded in that shared faith.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Cross-references
- 2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Jude 1:3 Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.
- 2 Corinthians 2:13 I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.
- 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
- John 4:42 They said to the woman, “We now believe not only because of your words; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man truly is the Savior of the world.”
- Romans 1:12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
- 2 Corinthians 8:23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
- 2 Peter 1:11 and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
- 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
- Luke 2:11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!