Titus, Part OneSample

Paul’s commission

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect” (Titus 1:1, NIV).

Paul describes his assignment as an apostle. He was sent (among other things) to bring people to faith and to strengthen and maintain their faith. For believing is a lifelong process that has ups and downs. The Lord God knows that sometimes it is hard for us to maintain faith. That is why He commissions people like Paul and also Peter to strengthen the faith of His children.

Peter knew from his own experience how weak our faith can sometimes be. When Jesus was arrested, Peter was afraid that he himself would also be imprisoned. Therefore, he adamantly denied three times that he belonged to Jesus: “I do not know Him!” Immediately afterwards, however, Peter realized what he had done. He had abandoned and denied his Master. And Jesus had warned him beforehand that this would happen! Yet this was not the end of Peter's faith. He sincerely repented of his error and received forgiveness. After Jesus' resurrection, Peter was even given the care of fellow believers. As Jesus had said beforehand: “When you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32).

People like Paul and Peter can encourage and strengthen us precisely because they themselves have experienced a lack of faith or severe trials. Do you also have such experiences that you can share?