To Titus
Greeting
1 Paul, a servant of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and knowledge of truth, according to godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal, 3 and at the proper time manifested his word in preaching which I was entrusted, according to the command of our savior God;
4 To Titus, my true child, according to a common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Qualifications for Elders
5 For this reason, I left you in Crete in order that what remained, you might put into order and appoint elders in every town as I commanded you — 6 if anyone is blameless, a husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of debauchery or disobedience. 7 For it is necessary the bishop be blameless as God's steward, not arrogant, nor short-tempered, nor a drunkard, nor violent, nor greedy, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined, 9 adhering to the faithful word, according to the teaching in order that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and rebuke those contradicting it.
10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party 11 who are necessary to silence since they are upsetting whole families, teaching what is not necessary for shameful gain. 12 One of their own, a prophet, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons. 13 This witness is true; therefore, rebuke them sharply in order that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commandments of men turning away from the truth. 15 Everything is pure to those who are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences have been defined. 16 They confess to know God, but their works deny Him. They are detestable and disobedient and unfit for all good work.
Teach Sound Doctrine
2 But you, speak the things that are proper with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, honorablea, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in patience. 3 Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in behavior, not devils, nor slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good 4 in order that they might train young women to love their husbands and children 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, good, submitting to their husbands in order that the word of God may not be blasphemed. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled 7 in all things, showing yourselves to be an example of good works, in teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned in order that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Servants are to be submissive to their own masters; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith in order that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in everything.
11 For the grace of God appeared, bringing salvation for all men, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and the worldly passions, and we may live self—controlled, righteous, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us in order that He may redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for Himself a people of His own possession, zealous for good works.
15 Say these things and exhort and rebuke with all authority. No one despise you.
Be Ready for Every Good Work
3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers, authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to every good work, 2 to blaspheme no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness to all men. 3 For we also were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated, hating one another. 4b But when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit 6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior 7 in order that being justified by His grace, we might become heirs, according hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is faithful, and concerning these things I will you to insist in order that they who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are good and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and dissensions and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 A person that causes division, after a first and second warning, avoid, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful, being self-condemned.
Final Instructions and Greetings
12 When I send Artemas to you or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for there I have judged to spend the winter. 13 Zenas the lawyer and Apollos diligently send forth in order that they may lack nothing. 14 And our people learn to devote themselves to good works for necessary needs in order that they might not be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those loving us in faith.
Grace be with all of you all.