The Liars, Evil Beasts, and the Gospel’s Reach
The Cretans (or “Cretes,” as the King James Version often renders the inhabitants of the large Mediterranean island of Crete) hold a uniquely challenging and compelling place in the New Testament. They are mentioned in connection with both the earliest outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the later, difficult work of establishing sound church order. Their story is a powerful illustration of the Gospel’s power to transform even the most morally corrupted societies.
I. Witnesses at Pentecost: The Beginning of the Gospel
The first biblical mention of the Cretans is an affirmation of the universality of the Gospel message and the prophetic fulfillment of the “last days” (Acts 2:17, KJV) with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
On the Day of Pentecost, devout Jews and proselytes gathered in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven (Acts 2:5, KJV). Among this diverse crowd were people from the island of Crete:
“Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” (Acts 2:9-11, KJV)
This passage confirms that the Gospel, beginning in Jerusalem, was immediately intended for the entire world. Cretan Jews and converts to Judaism heard the apostles speaking in their native tongue about the “wonderful works of God.” These listeners became the first seeds of the Christian church planted on the island.
II. The Proverbial Reputation: The Moral Landscape of Crete
The most memorable and theologically rich references to the Cretans come from the Apostle Paul’s pastoral epistle to Titus, whom Paul had left in charge of organizing the churches on the island. Paul’s commission to Titus was framed by the dark reputation of the island’s inhabitants.
Paul quotes one of the Cretans’ own respected figures, the 6th-century BC prophet-poet Epimenides, to describe the native character:
“One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;” (Titus 1:12-13, KJV)
This infamous summary reveals a society deeply entrenched in spiritual decay:
- “Alway Liars”: Crete was so known for deceit that the Greek verb Kretizein (“to Cretanize”) became a synonym for lying. This speaks directly to the need for the Defence of the Truth in a world of pervasive deception.
- “Evil Beasts” (or “Vicious Brutes”): Signifying a reputation for violence, malice, and a lack of civil morality.
- “Slow Bellies” (or “Lazy Gluttons”): Indicating self-indulgence, apathy, and a materialistic focus on food and ease.
III. The Prophetic Mandate: Transforming the Reprobate
Paul’s instructions to Titus are critical for any ministry focused on Defence of the Truth and the anticipation of The Lord’s Return: the Gospel must not merely offer salvation, but must radically transform character.
- Sharp Rebuke and Sound Doctrine: Titus was instructed to “rebuke them sharply” (Titus 1:13, KJV). This was necessary to counter the false teachers who were subverting households for “filthy lucre’s sake” (Titus 1:11, KJV) and to confront the ingrained cultural vices. Sound doctrine was the only antidote to their deceitful nature.
- The Ethics of Expectation: The entire Book of Titus is a primer on Christian living in anticipation of Christ. Paul ties the necessity of holy living directly to the blessed hope:
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” (Titus 2:11-13, KJV)
The story of the Cretans assures us that no cultural background, no matter how wicked or deceitful, is beyond the saving and sanctifying power of God’s grace. The churches established in Crete stand as a testament that the true mark of a believer is a life of soberness and righteousness that contradicts the world’s character as they wait for the King.