Slavery was commonplace in the first century, and many early disciples were converted slaves. Their new faith didn’t excuse them from giving faithful service. On the contrary, Paul urged the Christians in Crete to “show entire and true fidelity” (Tit. 2:10).
We may think that older Christians should “move over” and make room for the younger people in the church. But God has other ideas (Tit. 2:1-4).
A church without elders is functioning in an immature or defective condition. So Paul leaves his coworker Titus on the island of Crete to help each congregation there appoint qualified elders, men commended by their character (Tit. 1:5-9).
In the introduction of his letter to Titus (Tit. 1:1-4), Paul reveals the purposes of his work as an apostle. His leadership in the church isn’t about holding a position. He is “a servant of God,” a servant leader.