Bible Strands
Titus 1:5
The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Titus, addressing him as his true child in the common faith, while explaining the purpose of his departure from Crete. The directive occurs between a greeting of grace and peace and the detailed qualifications for church elders.
The words — The phrase τοῦ χάριν (tou charin) literally means "for this reason," introducing the purpose clause ἵνα (hina), "so that," which governs the commands to order what remains and appoint elders.
The thread — This delegation of organizational authority follows the same pattern as Paul's instruction to Timothy in Ephesus and his own practice of appointing leaders in newly founded churches. (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 1:3)
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to execute apostolic instructions regarding church structure without delay, prioritizing orderly leadership appointments over personal convenience or hesitation.
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
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Cross-references
- Acts 14:23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
- 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines
- Ecclesiastes 12:9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs.
- 1 Corinthians 14:40 But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.
- Isaiah 44:7 Who then is like Me? Let him say so! Let him declare his case before Me, since I established an ancient people. Let him foretell the things to come, and what is to take place.
- Acts 11:30 This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.
- Acts 27:7 After sailing slowly for many days, we arrived off Cnidus. When the wind impeded us, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.
- Acts 27:12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on, hoping that somehow they could reach Phoenix to winter there. Phoenix was a harbor in Crete facing both southwest and northwest.
- Acts 27:21 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete. Then you would have averted this disaster and loss.
- 1 Corinthians 11:34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you come together it will not result in judgment. And when I come, I will give instructions about the remaining matters.