2. The Occasion. Titus left behind in Crete.
The island of Crete, situated in the midst of the Sea, the Apostle, with Titus as his companion, had converted to the Christian faith. But he did not yet ordain Elders town-by-town. Therefore, he left Titus on that island, and committed to him the task of caring for the Church and of installing Elders. But, since he was weighing the greatness of the matter, the wicked efforts of Satan, sowing tares everywhere,[1] and the treacherous nature of the Cretans, he thought to give aid to Titus by Letter, wherein he might be confirmed in his assigned trust and office, and might be instructed in what sort of Elders are to be chosen, and what it was needful for him to do on the island of Crete.
[1] See Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43.