by Rev. James Jester
November 3, 2024
SCRIPTURE READING: Titus 1:13-14
At first glance of our text the word “wherefore” stands out implying that something was said beforehand. So what is “wherefore” there for? The Book of Titus is one of three Pastoral Epistles written by Paul giving advice to his younger colleagues in ministry. Starting in verse ten he said:
For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision [jews], 11 who must be silenced because they are subverting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 A certain one of them, a prophet of their own, said: “Cretans are always liars, wild beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. (Titus 1:10-13, UASV)
Then we have the “Wherefore” (or “Therefore” in some translations) that begins our text, where Paul tells Titus to “rebuke them severely so they may be sound in the faith, paying no attention to jewish myths and commands of men, which cause people to reject the truth.” So who did Paul say were trouble-makers to the church? Yes: Jews and Judaism. Therefore, as the Book of Titus, this sermon too is addressed to the pastors/ministers, particularly, of the judeo-Christian churches in America. In my opinion, this is the meaning of the passage, and as Paul said, “This evidence is true.”