New Testament
Titus 1:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Paul addresses Titus, whom he considers a true son in the faith they share.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 62-66
- Genre
- Letter (pastoral epistle)
- Original Audience
- Titus and the church in Crete
To Titus, my true son in the faith we share: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul addresses Titus, whom he considers a true son in the faith they share. This indicates a close, mentor-like relationship between them, emphasizing the importance of spiritual kinship in the Christian community. Paul wishes Titus grace, mercy, and peace, which are blessings that come from God the Father and Jesus Christ. Grace refers to God's unmerited favor, mercy signifies compassion and forgiveness, and peace represents a state of tranquility and wholeness that comes from a relationship with God. This greeting sets a tone of encouragement and support, highlighting the significance of faith and the bonds formed within the church. It also reflects the early Christian practice of offering blessings as a way to strengthen and uplift fellow believers. Overall, this verse encapsulates the essence of Christian fellowship and the importance of divine blessings in the life of a believer.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Titus 1:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to nurture relationships within our faith community, treating fellow believers as family. We should also regularly seek and extend grace, mercy, and peace in our interactions, reflecting the love of God in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Titus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Titus 1:4 mean?
Titus 1:4 expresses Paul's close relationship with Titus, referring to him as a true son in the faith. It highlights the importance of spiritual connections and offers blessings of grace, mercy, and peace from God and Jesus.
What is the significance of grace, mercy, and peace in Titus 1:4?
In Titus 1:4, grace represents God's unearned favor, mercy signifies compassion and forgiveness, and peace refers to a state of tranquility that comes from a relationship with God. These blessings are essential for spiritual growth and community.
Who is Titus in Titus 1:4?
Titus is a close associate of the Apostle Paul, whom Paul considers a true son in the faith. He played a significant role in early Christian ministry and was entrusted with important tasks in the church.
What does Paul mean by 'true son in the faith' in Titus 1:4?
By calling Titus a 'true son in the faith,' Paul emphasizes their deep spiritual bond and mentorship. It indicates a relationship built on shared beliefs and mutual support in their Christian journey.

The Book of Titus
1: Qualifications for elders
Paul begins his letter by greeting Titus, his true son in their common faith. He reminds Titus that he left him in Crete to put in order what was left unfinished and to appoint elders in every town. Paul then lays out the qualifications for these elders. An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, and his children must be believers who are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. As God's steward, an overseer must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Paul warns that there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. Their mouths must be stopped, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. He quotes a Cretan prophet who said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons." Paul affirms this testimony and instructs Titus to rebuke them sharply so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.
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