TITUS, THE LETTER OF PAUL TO

also called The Epistle Of St. Paul The Apostle To Titus, a New Testament writing addressed to one of Paul's close companions, Titus, who was the organizer of the churches in Crete. It, and the two letters of Paul to Timothy, have been called Pastoral Letters because they deal principally with heresies and church discipline. The letter urges Titus to appoint worthy elders to positions of responsibility, to preach sound doctrine, and to exemplify in his own life the virtues that are expected of all Christians. It warns against the disruptive influence of Jewish myths, especially those put forward by the circumcision party. That Paul actually wrote the letter to Titus is much disputed, the answer depending on arguments that extend also to the two letters of Paul to Timothy.