Oct 26 Jeremiah 52 Titus 1 Psalm 119:105-112

Titus 1:12-14

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 the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.

This is a very interesting passage. First, it appears to be a contradiction. If a Cretan calls all Cretans liars, then is that itself a lie? That’s why Paul add, “this testimony is true”, as in to say – well I guess one of them said one true thing at least.

This also sounds kind of… racist.

First, who is Paul quoting? It’s a guy called Epimenides, who lived around 600 BC. He was a very famous person in Crete and the quote comes from (of all things) a Hymn to Zeus.

So Paul is using, essentially using a pop culture reference. He was not averse to quoting people that others had heard of. It’s ok to use a secular analogy if it’s going to help make a point.

So is Paul getting racist here? NO, he’s using a reference to make a point and to warn Titus that he needs to be careful how he deals with the people there. There were many false teachings going on and he’s giving Titus advice – don’t be shy, tackle this stuff directly. Rebuke them sharply, or they will get one over on you.

Titus is going to set up local church leaders and Paul is warning Him to expect people trying to deceive him – just as Paul had experienced himself when he was there.

When dealing with deception and people who are trying to dilute the gospel… there comes a time where you just have to be blunt. Because trying to be tactful with some people just doesn’t cut it. Don’t fear having to rebuke sharply when people need it.