Book of TitusSýnishorn

THE CRETANS

“One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” (Titus 1:12)

Who are the Cretans? Crete is an island located in Greece. It is geographically located 100 km southeast of Greece. Apostle Paul once stopped on this island and left his spiritual son, Titus, to reform the people who were involved in the ministry and strengthen the church in Crete. Various information about the state of ministry in Crete reached Paul, as well as information about the condition of the people there. 

Based on the result of that research, Paul knew that not all the Cretans were bad. There were still good and true Cretans. That was why Apostle Paul gave Titus a message about the criteria of the church overseer in Crete. Why are these criteria important? It’s important because someone whose life could not be a (good) example to others should not be chosen as a leader. Many people want to be a leader to be seen and respected by others. Others want to be a leader to get power. 

Titus' task was very difficult. He needed to choose and appoint leaders who fulfilled Paul’s standard. Could Titus find such people? Don’t you think that Titus’ situation is the same as the current situation? We can find people with intelligence and extensive knowledge, however, do these people also have strong leadership skills? Do they have strong characters? Could their lives become a good example for others? Are they not greedy for wealth?

Paul understood the conditions in Crete very well and knew how to change the people in Crete to be better and more righteous. To do this, preaching and advice were not enough. The Cretans needed a model whose life becomes an example of a righteous life. Lord Jesus did not only come to this world to atone for our sins but also to be a living example for all of us.

A Christian is not only someone full of the Holy Spirit but also a person of influence for other people in this world.