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A Text centred rhetorical analysis of Paul's Letter to Titus

A Text centred rhetorical analysis of Paul's Letter to Titus

A Text centred rhetorical analysis of Paul's Letter to Titus

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facilitates a mental break from a chilling presentation <strong>of</strong> the negative<br />

consequences for rejecting sound doctrine (11). It also introduces a positive<br />

picture <strong>of</strong> legitimate ministry and ministers. It is here where the link with the<br />

opening verses is strongest and credit must go <strong>to</strong> Quinn for his observations<br />

in this regard.<br />

The dominant <strong>rhe<strong>to</strong>rical</strong> emphasis <strong>of</strong> this section is upon the notion <strong>of</strong><br />

legitimate ministry. No overt contrasts are presented and no new propositions<br />

are introduced. In fact, this part <strong>of</strong> the letter points back <strong>to</strong> concepts<br />

introduced in the opening <strong>of</strong> the letter.<br />

In verse 12, Paul introduces measures <strong>to</strong> ensure the perpetuation <strong>of</strong><br />

legitimate ministry in Crete. He had just advised them <strong>to</strong> reject the false<br />

teacher (3:10). Now he is about <strong>to</strong> introduce legitimate ministry. The duration<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Titus</strong>’ ministry is limited and a replacement will be sent in the future. Collins<br />

(2002:370) considers the introduction <strong>of</strong> the four characters, Artemis,<br />

Tychicus, Zenas and Apollos an outstanding characteristic <strong>of</strong> this conclusion.<br />

The fact that Paul plans <strong>to</strong> send a replacement rather than transfer<br />

responsibility for ministry <strong>to</strong> the elder-overseers, is suggestive <strong>of</strong> the relative<br />

young age <strong>of</strong> the church in Crete. Hendriksen (1957:398) observes in this<br />

regard that “churches cannot be made ‘indigenous’ overnight. As long as<br />

leadership from the outside is necessary, it must be provided”. The kind <strong>of</strong><br />

legitimate ministry envisaged is similar <strong>to</strong> that introduced in opening portions<br />

<strong>of</strong> the letter. Whereas the ministry <strong>of</strong> Paul has divine sanction, subsequent<br />

ministry must enjoy apos<strong>to</strong>lic sanction in order <strong>to</strong> prove legitimate. Such<br />

ministry must be in harmony with that taught by the apostle.<br />

The provision <strong>of</strong> ministerial successors furthermore functions <strong>to</strong> present a<br />

positive picture <strong>of</strong> Paul. He is portrayed as one deeply concerned about the<br />

church and expresses such care through the careful appointment <strong>of</strong> sound<br />

leaders. This is what led him <strong>to</strong> leave <strong>Titus</strong> there in the first place (1:5) and<br />

now he remains unwavering in his commitment <strong>to</strong> them. Furthermore, Paul<br />

wants <strong>to</strong> ensure that the church continues <strong>to</strong> receive sound doctrine which, in<br />

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