Titus was written by Paul, but there is limited biographical information in the book that can be used to discern its date. Titus was a gentile companion of Paul even before his first missionary journey, (Galatians 2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:). Paul is not in prison, (Titus 3:12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.) when this letter is written, and he is planning to spend the winter in Nicopolis (Greece). Paul is already acquainted with Apollos (Titus 3:13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.), and he has left Titus in Crete (Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete…) to lead the church there.
Since most of these details center around Greece or Greek contacts, the most likely date for this letter would be toward the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, after he had spent considerable time in Greece. His plan to spend the winter in Nicopolis would fit well with Paul’s plan to return to Jerusalem from Greece in the spring. Therefore, the most likely date for letter to Titus would be in the fall of 57 A.D., in the year before Paul’s return to Jerusalem and arrest.
⇛ continue reading Letters of Paul
⇛ checkout List of Topics ⇛