Titus

Chapter 1

¹ Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of the chosen people of God and the knowledge of the truth that agrees with godliness, ² with the certain hope of everlasting life that God, who does not lie, promised before all the ages of time. ³ But at the right time, he revealed his word by the proclamation that I was entrusted with by the command of God our Savior. ⁴ To Titus, a true son in our common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

⁵ For this purpose I left you in Crete, that you might set in order things not yet complete and ordain elders in every city as I directed you. ⁶ An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of reckless behavior or rebellion. ⁷ It is necessary for the overseer, as the household manager of God, to be blameless. He must not be arrogant, not be easily angered, not addicted to wine, not a brawler, and not a greedy man. ⁸ Instead, he should be hospitable, a friend of what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, and self-controlled. ⁹ He should hold tightly to the trustworthy message that is in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to encourage others with sound teaching and rebuke those who oppose him.

¹⁰ For there are many people, both rebellious, empty talkers, and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision. ¹¹ It is necessary to stop them. They are upsetting whole households, teaching what they should not for the sake of shameful profit. ¹² One of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies.” ¹³ This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them severely, so that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not paying any attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of people who turn away from the truth. ¹⁵ All things are pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and their consciences have been corrupted. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable and disobedient and unfit for any good work.

Chapter 2

¹ But you, speak what fits with sound teaching. ² Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance. ³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or being slaves to much wine, but to be teachers of what is good. ⁴ In this way they may train the younger women to be lovers of their husbands and lovers of their children, ⁵ to be sensible, pure, good housekeepers, and subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be insulted. ⁶ In the same way, exhort the younger men to be sensible. ⁷ In all ways present yourself as an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, dignity, ⁸ and a correct message that is above criticism, so that the opponent may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. ⁹ Slaves are to be subject to their masters in everything, to be pleasing, and not to argue, ¹⁰ not to steal, but instead to demonstrate all good faith, so that in every way they may bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior. ¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared for salvation of all people, ¹² training us, so that, rejecting godlessness and worldly passions, we might live in a sensible and righteous, and godly way in the present age, ¹³ looking forward to receiving our blessed hope, that is, the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. ¹⁴ Jesus gave himself for us in order to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a special people, zealous for good works.

¹⁵ Speak of these things, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Chapter 3

¹ Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, to be ready for every good work, ² to revile no one, to be peaceful and gentle, showing all humility toward everyone. ³ For once we also were foolish and disobedient. We were led astray and enslaved by various passions and pleasures. We lived in evil and envy, detestable, and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, ⁵ it was not by works of righteousness that we did, but by his mercy that he saved us, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom God richly poured on us through our Savior Jesus Christ, ⁷ so that having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the certain hope of everlasting life. ⁸ This message is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage themselves in good works. These things are good and useful for everyone. ⁹ But avoid foolish debates, and genealogies, and strife, and conflict about the law because they are unprofitable and worthless. ¹⁰ Reject a divisive person after one or two warnings, ¹¹ knowing that such a person has turned from the right way and is sinning, being self-condemned.

¹² When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, hurry to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Diligently send on their way Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they lack nothing. ¹⁴ But our own must learn to engage themselves similarly in good works toward essential needs, in order not to be unfruitful.

¹⁵ All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with all of you.