Cretans, Liars, Evil Brutes, Lazy Gluttons (Titus 1:12)
6 May 2026 Hits:150
Titus led churches on Crete, a vibrant Mediterranean island with many cities. Paul wrote to him, offering heartfelt encouragement for the significant responsibility he carried. Still, I wonder whether Titus felt comforted by Paul’s words: “One of Crete’s own prophets has said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.’” Paul says, “This is true.” At first glance, such words may seem harsh, but let’s look a bit deeper together.
Agitated Apostle
In his opening remarks, Paul seems troubled and lets loose an honest, heartfelt rant to his dear friend—have you ever needed to do that? I know I have. Sometimes, sharing our frustrations with someone we trust can lighten our hearts. Paul is unsettled by some Jewish teachers, the circumcision group, who visited the churches after he left. While they accepted Jesus as the Messiah, they also taught that faith in Jesus alone wasn’t enough; you had to follow the law and be circumcised, too. Paul’s concern stems from a deep love for these new communities.
Because of these challenges, Paul writes to Titus with gentle urgency, encouraging him to stand firm for God’s churches. To illustrate his point, Paul quotes “One of Crete’s own prophets” (the Greek word can mean prophet, poet, philosopher, or inspired speaker), inviting Titus—and us—to consider the cultural context carefully.
Prophet’s Identity
This prophet was Epimenides, who lived in the sixth century BC, though much myth surrounds him. One well-known story says he fell asleep in a cave and woke up 57 years later, still looking like a young bloke. Others believed he lived to 157 or possibly even 299 years.
Despite the myths, Epimenides was a real person, and Paul was quite a fan, quoting him to Titus and in his sermon to the Athenians on Mars Hill. On both occasions, Paul cites Epimenides’ work, Cretica, which reads, “They fashioned a tomb for thee, O holy and high one. The Cretans, always liars, evil beasts, idle bellies! But thou art not dead: thou livest and abidest forever, for in thee we live and move and have our being.” In Acts 17, Paul quotes the poet to introduce the Greeks to the death and resurrection of Jesus and to God’s omnipresence.
In the sixth century BC, Epimenides wrote about Zeus, criticising the Cretans for claiming to possess his birthplace and grave. He argued that Zeus was immortal and therefore could not be buried. Zeus is alive and eternal and will never need a tomb. His conclusion? “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” Paul agrees that this saying is true.
Exaggerating
Consider this: since Epimenides was a Cretan, his statement that “Cretans are always liars” would include himself. That would mean he always lies, making his statement a bit of a puzzle! Was Epimenides lying or telling the truth? Or maybe there’s something else at play? Let’s think this through together.
Epimenides and Paul both use hyperbole—exaggeration to make a point. We all do this, as when we say things like ‘I’ve told you a million times,’ ‘I have a ton of homework,’ ‘I’m so hungry I could eat a horse,’ or ‘I’ll be there in two seconds.’ These statements aren’t literally true, but they serve to drive home a point.
What might Epimenides and Paul really be highlighting? I believe both men are gently pointing out a distinctive cultural quirk among the Cretan people, not intending offence but inviting honest reflection. In the first century, “To cretise” even became slang for lying. Let’s approach this curiously and graciously, rather than critically.
Deficiencies
Cretans also had other well-known cultural quirks—such as arrogance, treachery, greed, and gluttony—which is where the references to evil brutes and lazy gluttons come from. These aren’t meant to condemn but to kindly highlight areas for growth, just as we do within our own cultures.
With this cultural context in mind, Paul highlights these shortcomings in his letter to help Titus lead effectively. This brings us to my main argument: understanding our culture’s strengths and weaknesses is essential to our growth, both individually and within our communities.
Personal Experience
I’m a British Australian. My family emigrated from the UK to Perth when I was twelve. Today, I feel Aussie, but what does that mean? In many ways, I am Australian, yet I cannot deny my British heritage. For example, I’m still very drawn to British crime dramas. The Poms make great telly. My humour is still very British. In Australia, I invariably get groans when I tell a joke, whereas when I’m back in Britain, people find me genuinely funny. I know, it’s hard to believe!
A well-known British stereotype is the ‘whinging Poms’ trope. Do all Poms whinge? Of course not! But there’s some truth to it.
Generalisations about other cultures are common, too. For example, people sometimes say, “All Americans are direct or demanding.” While not every one of the 347 million Americans fits this mould, encountering someone who does may reinforce the stereotype. Such impressions might even be shaped by the abundance of choices in the US, which can seem demanding when Americans travel. Each experience shapes how we see others.
Personal Reflection
By quoting Epimenides, Paul offers a thoughtful perspective: leaders should recognise cultural tendencies, such as untruthfulness or lack of motivation, within their communities. My main invitation is this: when we lovingly acknowledge these patterns, as Paul advised Titus, we can gradually grow together.
I invite you to consider both the beautiful and the challenging aspects of your culture. What are your strengths and areas for growth? Every culture has something wonderful to offer. All people are made in the image of God, shining that image through their unique cultures. Think of the delicious foods from different nations, the vibrant dress and lively celebrations. Revelation 21:24 describes the nations bringing their splendour into God’s city—what a beautiful scene to visualise.
Of course, every culture has its rough edges—places where we could all use a little grace and renewal. None of us is exempt, and that’s the invitation to grow together with kindness.
Considerations
I’ll wrap this up by posing a couple of questions for you to ponder:
First, what can we learn about ourselves and one another by sharing our cultural backgrounds? We each live in a bubble shaped by ethnicity, upbringing, stage of life, gender, and sexuality. By engaging with people who are different to us, our hearts and minds can open in wonderful ways. Our eyes are enlightened (Eph. 1:18), helping us see more clearly together.
Second, how can our cultural background be lovingly redeemed so we reflect kingdom values? As citizens of heaven, we’re invited to embody goodness, righteousness, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and service to others.
Heaven’s values shine through in the beautiful prayer Jesus taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Rob Buckingham
Senior Minister
