Titus 1:5
“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul reminds Titus why he was left in Crete: to put right what was lacking and to appoint elders in every town as Paul had directed.
What Does Titus 1:5 Mean?
Paul now states Titus's assignment plainly. The young churches scattered across Crete were unfinished, lacking order and settled leadership. Titus was left behind to complete the work, chiefly by appointing qualified elders in each city according to Paul's earlier instructions.
Two things stand out. First, the health of a congregation depends on faithful, recognized leaders, so providing them is urgent work, not an afterthought. Second, Titus acts under Paul's direction, not on his own whim; good order is handed down and received, not invented. For the reader, the verse shows that God cares about how His people are shepherded. The gospel creates communities, and those communities need trustworthy leaders to flourish over time.