Crete

Illustration of Crete

Crete is a large island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that appears in the New Testament as a location of early Christian ministry and church planting. The apostle Paul sailed past Crete during his voyage to Rome as a prisoner, and the ship's ill-fated attempt to reach the harbor of Phoenix on Crete's southern coast led to the disastrous storm and shipwreck described in Acts 27. More significantly, Paul left his associate Titus on Crete to organize the fledgling churches there, appointing elders in every town and addressing the particular challenges of ministry in Cretan culture. In his letter to Titus, Paul quotes the Cretan poet Epimenides and instructs Titus to rebuke sharply and establish sound doctrine among believers who faced cultural pressures toward dishonesty and self-indulgence. Crete thus represents the early church's expansion into diverse cultural contexts and the need for strong local leadership to maintain doctrinal integrity.

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Details

Region
Mediterranean
Modern Location
Crete, Greece (the largest Greek island in the Mediterranean Sea)
Strongest connections in Scripture
Titus 1 Acts 27

Key Passages

Titus Left in Crete

Titus 1:5-9

Paul's instructions to Titus reveal the importance of qualified local leadership for churches in challenging cultural environments.

F5or 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:

6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Paul's Ship Near Crete

Acts 27:7-13

The failed attempt to winter safely at Crete sets the stage for the dramatic shipwreck that demonstrates God's sovereignty over Paul's journey.

A7nd when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. 9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. 11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. 13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

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