Book of Titus — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 3 · Written by: Paul · Approximate date: c. AD 63–65 · Theme: Sound Doctrine & Godly Conduct
Summary of the Book of Titus
Paul instructs Titus in organizing the congregations of Crete by appointing qualified elders and teaching sound doctrine — the kind that produces godly conduct befitting those who have received Jehovah's undeserved kindness.
Why the Book of Titus Matters Today
Titus parallels 1 Timothy in giving qualifications for overseers (Titus 1:5–9) and counsel for congregational organization. The letter is short but practically dense: how older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and slaves should conduct themselves. For Witnesses today applying scriptural counsel to relationships across generations in the congregation, Titus is a concentrated reference. The summary of the Christian's hope at Titus 2:11–14 — 'the happy hope and glorious manifestation of the great God and of our Savior, Christ Jesus' — anchors the daily Christian life in eschatological hope.
Key Verses in Titus
- Tit 2:11–12
- Tit 3:5
Notable Passages in Titus
Titus 2:11–12
The teaching that Jehovah's undeserved kindness 'trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly desires' shows that understanding his grace is itself a powerful motivator for righteous conduct.
Titus 3:5
The affirmation that Jehovah 'saved us through the bath that brought us to life and through renewal by holy spirit' highlights that transformation and new life come entirely from Jehovah's initiative.
Titus 2:14
Christ's purpose to 'cleanse for himself a people who are his own special possession, zealous for fine works' describes the identity and mission Jehovah intends for every dedicated Christian.
Study Questions for Titus
As you read the book of Titus, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What does Titus 2:11–12 — Jehovah's undeserved kindness 'trains us to reject ungodliness' — teach about how studying the Scriptures shapes our conduct?
- How does Paul's counsel for older men, older women, younger women, and younger men (2:2–8) show Jehovah's interest in godly conduct at every stage of life?
- What does Titus 3:5 — 'saved...through the bath that brought us to life and through the renewal by holy spirit' — teach about the role of the holy spirit in our spiritual life?
- How does Paul's instruction to Titus about 'rejecting a divisive man' (3:10) after two warnings balance patience with the need to protect congregation peace?
- What does the emphasis throughout Titus on elders being 'irreproachable' teach about the connection between personal reputation and effective spiritual leadership?
Frequently Asked Questions About Titus
- Who wrote the book of Titus?
- Paul the apostle wrote Titus around 61–64 CE in Macedonia, between his Roman imprisonments, addressing Titus on the island of Crete.
- When was the book of Titus written?
- Titus was written approximately 61–64 CE in Macedonia, contemporary with 1 Timothy, giving Titus instructions for organizing congregations on Crete.
- What is the main theme of Titus?
- Titus establishes qualifications for overseers, instructs different age groups in proper Christian conduct, and anchors daily life in the hope of Christ's manifestation.
How to Study Titus with JW Study
Track your progress through all 3 chapters of Titus in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Titus
The book of Titus is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Christian Greek Scriptures in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
- Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Read all 13 letters of the apostle Paul, from Romans to Philemon, in one focused month. (30 days, 87 chapters)
- Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
Continue Reading the Christian Greek Scriptures
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