For there are many unruly and vain
talkers and deceivers, specially they
of the circumcision: whose mouths
must be stopped, who subvert whole
houses, teaching things which they
ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
One of themselves, even a prophet
of their own, said, The Cretians
are always liars, evil beasts, slow
bellies.
Titus 1:10-12
There is a spiritual trap for those who only see the books of the Bible as just letters, or stories, some historical accounts, and do not see that these writings were inspired by God for His people to have revealed to them Him, His requirements, His commandments. There is also a problem with many who only see the island of Crete as simply an island, almost as if the people who resided on that island were somehow inferior. That simple is not the case with Crete, the island that Titus was sent to and to bring order in the Christian Church. A bit of history will help to understand what Paul wrote to Titus: "The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies" (vs. 12b). Crete has a long history dating back to around 3000-1200 B.C. when the island was controlled by the Minoans and the island was ruled by autonomous city states, much like in Greece. They were a civilized society and had many forms of life, great agriculture, dancing, sports, etc., and independent people but were willing and able to aid in wars. In fact, even today, especially after the Ottoman rule, the people have guns in their homes willing to fight if needed. Much architecture remains in Crete, rich in design and have figurines that depict the Ancient Cretan gods, gods that weakly resemble familiar gods depicted in Greek mythology. Cretans were a polytheistic religious people. Cretan society was a flourishing society, exporting timbe, food, cypress wood, wine, currants, olive oil, wool, cloth, herbs, and purple dye. Precious stones, copper, ivory, silver, gold, and other raw material were exported and the also imported much goods. The Cretans had a navy, naval power, and their travels around the Mediterranean influenced their culture. The Romans eventually took control of the island and this is the state of the island when Titus was sent there to bring the Christian Church how the Church was to operated. While there Tutus was faced with the Judaizers who came to Crete because of the opportunity to make money. Cretans were known for their fierceness and their hardhearted ways, ways that included being liars, fun seekers, and were derogatorily looked down upon. This is the land where Titus was sent. We must not think of this island as just an island and the letter sent to Titus just a letter. God uses people to bring the truth about Him, and how they are to manifest Him.
Paul sharply admonishes Titus: "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith; not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn men from the truth" (Titus 1:13-14). We have today men who are just like those Judaizers who are turning people from the truth saying things that tickle the ears but is far from the truth of God. Unfortunately, too many people are apathetic, oh, they say things against this, but do little or nothing to rebuke such men, such false doctrine. Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, other cults, seem to have a pass to do and say whatever with little rebuke, maybe from some theologians or other writers, but the average Christian is not taught how to defend their faith (1Peter 3:15). Paul told Titus to rebuke them, and that is true for us today that we are to rebuke such a false and heretical teachings. We need to become intentional in our efforts to bring the Gospel, Authentic Christian Faith to the world. We, not just missionaries, not just pastors, not just other Church leaders, us, we, must become active in our faith: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?...Yes, a man may say, Thou hast faith,and I have works: show me thy faith without works, and I will show thee my faith by my works" (James 2:14; 18).
Why sit back and let others do your work? This letter to Titus is a letter to you and me. Paul did not just write these things to Titus, you can find this in all his letters, letters that were read in other congregations. You see brothers and sisters, we are not Christians in name only, we are Christians in fact and we live according to God's word, Authentic Christians, not allowing anything to stop us from our work as Authentic Christians.
Arise, O God, plead thine own cause;
remember how the foolish man
reproacheth thee daily. Forget not
the voice of thine enemies; the
the tumult of those that rise up
against thee increaseth continually.
Psalm 74:22-23
Put on God's suit of armor: it is war
Richard L. Crumb
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