{4} To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: {5} Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

(4) The apostle exhorts the Cretians to hear Titus, by setting forth his consent and agreement with them in the faith, and in addition shows by what special note we may distinguish true ministers from false.

(5) There is but one way of salvation, common both to the pastor and the flock.

People's New Testament

Titus 1:4 To Titus, my own son. Concerning Titus, see topic 9253. The language here shows that he was one of Paul's converts.

Wesley's Notes

1:4 My own son - Begot in the same image of God, and repaying a paternal with a filial affection. The common faith - Common to me and all my spiritual children.

Scofield Reference Notes

Margin Saviour

See Scofield Note: "Rom 1:16".

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4. Titus, mine own son-Greek, "my genuine child" (1Ti 1:2), that is, converted by my instrumentality (1Co 4:17; Phm 10).

after the common faith-a genuine son in respect to (in virtue of) the faith common to all the people of God, comprising in a common brotherhood Gentiles as well as Jews, therefore embracing Titus a Gentile (2Pe 1:1; Jude 3).

Grace, mercy, and peace-"mercy" is omitted in some of the oldest manuscripts. But one of the best and oldest manuscripts supports it (compare Notes, see on [2515]1Ti 1:2; [2516]2Ti 1:2). There are many similarities of phrase in the Pastoral Epistles.

the Lord Jesus Christ-The oldest manuscripts read only "Christ Jesus."

our Saviour-found thus added to "Christ" only in Paul's Pastoral Epistles, and in 2Pe 1:1, 11; 2:20; 3:18.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

1:1-4 All are the servants of God who are not slaves of sin and Satan. All gospel truth is according to godliness, teaching the fear of God. The intent of the gospel is to raise up hope as well as faith; to take off the mind and heart from the world, and to raise them to heaven and the things above. How excellent then is the gospel, which was the matter of Divine promise so early, and what thanks are due for our privileges! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God; and whoso is appointed and called, must preach the word. Grace is the free favour of God, and acceptance with him. Mercy, the fruits of the favour, in the pardon of sin, and freedom from all miseries both here and hereafter. And peace is the effect and fruit of mercy. Peace with God through Christ who is our Peace, and with the creatures and ourselves. Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and peace, and all good, spring out of this.