Several years ago we were touring the island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. We had about 100 happy cruisers along with us on this pilgrimage.
The book of Acts ends around AD 62 with St. Paul under house arrest in Rome for two years.
After his release, Paul set out again on apostolic travels. During this time he and Titus visited Crete. After starting new local parishes, Paul left Titus as the bishop to put things in order.
Paul writes to Titus, “Paul … to Titus … for this reason, I left you in Crete [as bishop].” (Titus 1:1-4)
We are always told to be NICE. We should not use disparaging generalizations about people. Being nice is almost added as the 11th Commandment. Dare to break this new commandment and you will be labeled as a racist or a bigot.
When writing to Titus who was in Crete, Paul had no flattering words for the Cretans. He spoke his mind — and it is recorded as inspired Scripture. This is what he wrote,
“One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true.” (Titus 1:12-13)
By the way, was Jesus always nice? See my article on that interesting topic.
I have been to Crete on numerous occasions. I found the Cretans to be quite nice folks, but a lot can change in 2000 years.
