Titus 2:7-8 English Standard Version

7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

2 Corinthians 8:23 English Standard Version (ESV) As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers[a] of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Footnote [a] Greek apostles

Paul’s description of Titus is one of a type of apostle. We often refer to the apostles as being disciples of Christ who walked with Him during His pre-cross ministry. I am not going to argue that point but having searched Titus’ assignments it sounds more like the work of a shepherd.

Shepherds tend to the needs of the flock where the flock might be their own, or is a hireling. Another name for a shepherd is pastor. Neither are listed in service groups listed in 1 Corinthians 12:28 but are included in Ephesians 4:11.

In neither case were they identified as teachers. Perhaps Paul’s addressing Titus’ teaching as being another type of teacher. This is a teacher type we all share in regardless of education or title. It is leading by example.

Years ago a team returning from the missionary field in Russia made a rather compelling comment about the Russian people. “They do not ask questions but observe carefully how we treat one another.” The idea being if we could not love one another, we could not love them.

It does not matter what we say if our life reflects the actions of a hypocrite.