The letter is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle, sent from Nicopolis of Macedonia (Roman province), addressed to Titus in Crete.

[1][2] Some scholars argue that it is the work of an anonymous follower, written after Paul's death in the first century AD.

[3][4] This chapter describes the qualities of members of the community and doctrinal statements regarding the death of Christ in relation to the removal of sin.

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are: Verses 1–10 contain an injunction to Titus to teach 'sound doctrine' (τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ, tē hygiainousē didaskalia) to the community with a list of qualities and duties for the members,[5] in contrast to the "unseemly doctrine" highlighted in chapter 1.

The doctrinal statements in this part are typical of Paul's teaching, which links the incarnation and sacrifice of Christ to the hope and expectation of his second coming.