The Morals of a Cretan

Paul's letter to Titus in the New Testament contains a remarkable and disturbing observation. Paul writes:

'One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in faith…' (1:12/13)

Titus was a Greek convert to Christianity, Paul referring to him as, 'my true child in the faith.' (1:4) He had a challenging assignment, so Paul wrote words both of encouragement and of instruction, 'as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.' (2:1) This is a theme throughout this letter, indeed, in his whole ministry.

The fact Titus was to appoint elders in every town tells us this was a new church plant. The above quote gives some insight into what Titus had to draw on to accomplish his task. It is a shocking thing to read, xenophobic one might think. Paul, of course, was making a generalisation, not implying every citizen of Crete was 'a liar, evil beast, lazy glutton.' Cretans were known throughout the ancient world, however, for moral decadence.

Polybius, the ancient historian, wrote it was, 'almost impossible to find...personal conduct more treacherous or public policy more unjust than in Crete.' (Histories 6.47)

Cicero said, 'Moral principles are so divergent that the Cretans...consider highway robbery honourable.' (Republic 3.9.15)

Paul, throughout this letter, is contrasting and comparing the standards of the kingdom with the way the Cretans lived.

Elders appointed should be 'above reproach.' (1:6)

There should be no debauchery or insubordination in his family. (1:6)

Arrogance, drunkenness, a quick temper, violence, and greed disqualified a candidate. (1:7)

Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. (2:2)

Older women are to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. (2:3)

And so the instruction continues, to young men, slaves, and all in their role as citizens, in submitting to authorities. Paul is describing upright citizenship in God's kingdom to the leader in a community that values the very opposite. I am sure we can go some way in identifying with Titus' challenge.

Doctrine

This is a call to godliness, and Paul begins his letter with the sound basis for our godliness:

'Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness…' (1:1)

The faith of God's elect is built on a knowledge of the truth, and this truth and the faith it engenders is what accords with godliness. Why should I be godly? Because you have the truth, a truth that gives you good reason to believe. Your faith, built on the truth, brings you to Christ who, alone, saves.

He draws this out again, later in this letter. Having contrasted the righteous saved with the conduct of the worldly Cretans, He writes:

[All this] 'For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.…' (2:11/12)

This is not simply a head knowledge, a philosophy the Cretans have decided to embrace. God's grace has appeared in Christ, his power demonstrated in the life-changing new birth experience of true believers. But culture clings to us like a bad smell and we must set high standards so, in God's strength, we carry less each day the aroma of this world, and more the aroma of the world to come.

Underpinning all this is sound doctrine. Just as Paul contrasts kingdom conduct with Cretan corruption, so he challenges empty and harmful doctrine with simple gospel truth.

He writes of 'those of the circumcision party' who insisted people come to Christ through the Law of Moses, a gospel of works. (1:10) Too many, far too many Christians today subscribe to a gospel of works, despite Paul's words, 'he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy…' (Titus 3:5)

He writes of those who teach 'for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.' (1:11) There is an awful lot of that about today. We see it, and sadly so does the world. 'Ministries' bringing empty promises, issuing solemn diktats, and swallowing up resources that could be supporting vital local churches like the one led by Titus.

He counsels the avoidance of 'foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, [and] division.' (3:9-11) The Internet is awash with people who major on minor issues, we see it in the cults, and sometimes in the church.

In all we believe, in all we do, insists Paul, we are to show good faith, 'so that in everything [we] may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.' (2:10)

'As for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.' (2:1) 'Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with authority. Let no one disregard you.' (2:15)